[mayarego]

This is sort of a rant but I would really like suggestions on how to handle the situation. What would you do?

My almost 7 year old Chihuahua x is my heart dog but sadly, he's slowing down and I probably won't have him for much longer (maybe a few years, he has a lot of health issues).

I want a dog to do agility and other sports with so I'm planning to get a puppy in the summer.

But... my dad. He has previously kicked, punched, purposely scared and forcefully corrects my dog when he isn't doing anything wrong.

I wouldn't be able to keep my dad away from the new puppy. He sets back literally all my training with Peanut and I don't want him to set back the puppy either.

I go to school from 8:30 - 3 and my dad is home until 2. So, he would be around the puppy all day... I can't lock the puppy in a crate because my dad will take the puppy out. I'm moving away from all my family so that's out of the question. I don't know what to do.

and I don't want a dog just because I want another dog. I'm moving and it's making my depression worse and worse. When I officially moved, I don't even know how I will handle it. I need something I love to distract me and keep me going or else I will completely shut down.

 

[Bexille]

How old are you? Maybe you should wait until you can move out on your own to get another dog. I definitely wouldn't want to bring a puppy into an environment where I knew someone was going to be abusive towards him or her. I would say focus on enjoying the time you have left with your Chihuahua, make his final years the best you possibly can, and look into getting a puppy when you're in a more appropriate environment.

 

[mayarego]

How old are you? Maybe you should wait until you can move out on your own to get another dog. I definitely wouldn't want to bring a puppy into an environment where I knew someone was going to be abusive towards him or her. I would say focus on enjoying the time you have left with your Chihuahua, make his final years the best you possibly can, and look into getting a puppy when you're in a more appropriate environment.

I'm 13. and okay thanks

 

[Shandula]

First of all, I'm sorry. How awful for you to experience that.

Honestly, if it were me, I would not get a puppy while I was living with him. I know you really want one, especially one you could do fun sports with, but in my opinion, it just isn't worth it. To train an agility dog, you need to them to be full of spunk, pizzaz, happy, and willing to offer you behaviors. A dog that is routinely corrected, even if not by you, will very quickly lose the desire to offer you behaviors for fear of being corrected.

What I would suggest you do, is find some places to volunteer. It will quench your puppy-fever, and still keep you occupied. Check and see what you have near you in terms of humane societies, and definitely local dog schools, or agility clubs. This way you could learn all about agility, the rules, etc. I started my dog training career by volunteering at dog schools.

Edit: I see you're in Ontario too! Where abouts are you located, I could try to think of some agility clubs.

 

[mayarego]

First of all, I'm sorry. How awful for you to experience that.

Honestly, if it were me, I would not get a puppy while I was living with him. I know you really want one, especially one you could do fun sports with, but in my opinion, it just isn't worth it. To train an agility dog, you need to them to be full of spunk, pizzaz, happy, and willing to offer you behaviors. A dog that is routinely corrected, even if not by you, will very quickly lose the desire to offer you behaviors for fear of being corrected.

What I would suggest you do, is find some places to volunteer. It will quench your puppy-fever, and still keep you occupied. Check and see what you have near you in terms of humane societies, and definitely local dog schools, or agility clubs. This way you could learn all about agility, the rules, etc. I started my dog training career by volunteering at dog schools.

Edit: I see you're in Ontario too! Where abouts are you located, I could try to think of some agility clubs.

I'm in Hamilton!

 

[mayarego]

I'm in Hamilton!

Right now, I volunteer at agility trials. There's always so many puppies and it makes puppy fever worse haha! They take their pups to socialize

 

[Shandula]

Oh not too far at all! I'm in Windsor, so maybe... 3 or so hours away? I'm jealous, you live super close to Susan Garrett!

 

[mayarego]

Oh not too far at all! I'm in Windsor, so maybe... 3 or so hours away? I'm jealous, you live super close to Susan Garrett!

I've heard of Susan Garrett but never looked into her!

 

[Aspen726]

@Shandula gives great advice. I don't have anything to add except I'm sorry that you have to go through this. Are you planning on moving away when you're 18 or will you be leaving sooner and living with other family members?

 

[mayarego]

@Shandula gives great advice. I don't have anything to add except I'm sorry that you have to go through this. Are you planning on moving away when you're 18 or will you be leaving sooner and living with other family members?

I don't plan to move out until I'm ready to get married or have a serious relationship with someone and move in with them.

 

[Aspen726]

I don't plan to move out until I'm ready to get married or have a serious relationship with someone and move in with them.

Then I would recommend waiting to get a puppy. It's going to be hard to wait but it's not fair to bring a puppy into that environment.

 

[mayarego]

Then I would recommend waiting to get a puppy. It's going to be hard to wait but it's not fair to bring a puppy into that environment.

Yeah :/