Problems with me as a dog owner

MaidenEddie

I feel that I fail as a dog owner. My dog, Eddie doesn't even have a doghouse(he does have bedding outside), I haven't even trained him properly yet, he lacks needed dog supplies(has food and water but no treats to motivate him during training or proper dog toys), and rarely allowed inside(this being the sure source of his problems).

Also, my family is having money issues right now so I really can't get efficient dog supplies for Eddie such as a house. I can get treats and toys but dog houses and crates are sorta hard to come by as I can't find a doghouse that is cheap enough and stable. Any house I find that is cheap is one that functions horribly. Any crate that seems to hold Eddie in quite well is too pricy also.

I don't want to be looked as a dog owner that just has a dog because he can but as someone who has a capable companion due to my devotion. I've decided the first step to fixing this problem. Tomorrow, me and my family are going to a party at my mom's job. There are various dog owners there and I'm hoping one of them can come over to my home and help me train Eddie.

I just felt like posting out this problem I have. I'll be criticized but I'll take it as long as it doesn't get out of hand.

fawkese1

actually maideneddie...i'd like to commend you on recognizing the issue and acknowledging that you should be doing something differently... there are many people in the world who wouldn't see an issue with what you just described, and imo...it takes a lot to admit fault... good job... the first step has been taken... now you'll have quite a bit of work to do, but it sounds like you have a good idea of what that work is...

just a couple of things you could possibly change w/o too much effort...

many dogs will accept kibble as a "treat" just because you are handing it to him...if that doesn't work...could you make him some?

start bringing him inside more... or hang out with him outside...

you could also try a training book, so that you will have a reference on hand... i'd recommend "the power of positive training" by pat miller...or you can post your training questions...one at a time, here and we can help you...


as far as the rest of your supply needs, are you in the states? have you looked on craig's list or in thrift stores? i've found some really amazing deals on used stuff in these places....

good luck btw and i think you'll do just fine if you put your mind to it

Shastar

I agree about craigslist... I have got some great deals on there!!

If you need any tips on training I know there are several people on here who are excellent in that field so please ask away.

To realize ones mistakes and want to make them better is one of the greatest things.. I believe anyway.

MaidenEddie

Yeah, I live in the states. NC to be exact. I'll look on craigslist.

One thing my mom proposed when he's inside is to get fencing and enclose him the dining area if he is inside. I was thinking of putting down potty pads for him to do his business on when he is in the enclosed area.

fawkese1

so are you also having issues with him going potty in the house? is there a small door way that baby gates would fit in? otherwise that stuff can be pricey and you might do better to just invest in a crate for when he can't be supervised. otherwise this thread:
House Training How Tos:
is a good place to start for learning how to house train him

Mikey

I agree-it's actually good that you recognize this

Definitely if you don't have a dog house-and I understand that cost is huge-bring him in. Dogs can be easily contained in a dog proof room. A bedroom with nothing accessible-or a bathroom, or kitchen etc

The other option as Fawkese pointed out-Craigslist or Kijiji -you can find decent used items on them for cheap

Treats-like Fawkese said kibble works too. In fact a lot of 'dog treats' are flavored cardboard with a bunch of chemicals.
Cheap treats that you already have, and are actually healthier: dog kibble, peices of cheese, peices of meat, yogurt, bread, hotdogs (slice them and microwave for a crunchy treat).

And toys-well Dollar store stuffed toys and balls-very cheap. Also baby toys at the dollar store...and y ou might like this thread :
Home made/household item dog toys?



The BIGGEST thing I'm going to recommend that you do is get pet insurance. Vet bills-especially emergency vet bills can put anyone in the poor house. It's the easiest way to make sure your covered. And some of them even cover regular check ups, vaccinations and the like. You can customize most of them to cover what you like and you can generally choose packages via the monthly cost-which is very low and affordable-cheaper then you pay for internet I'd wager It's very important if you are strapped for cash, or really-for ANYONE-to have pet insurance. I heard VPI is a good company but I'm not very familiar with them in the US-so it would be something for you to research-and I'd highly highly recommend doing so

fawkese1

oh oh and plain old cheerios aren't bad as treats either!

Criosphynx

I think your post is awesome and brave actually.

I agree about the craigslist and the thrift store...awesome stuff for cheap!

Mikey

Oh yes!! Mikey goes nuts for cheerios

MaidenEddie

I'm wanting to start out by buying a crate for inside. I want to be able to confine him in my room or living room. What should I have inside it?

As for potty, should I take him out a little bit after I feed him?