[seeker1950]

Hi, all,
You have seen my pics of Fozzie Bear, and how I rescued him at the local shelter. He's such a sweet and devoted pup...and I keep reminding myself he IS a puppy still. He's going to be a BIG doggy, and I must leave him in the fenced back yard while I go to work. He cries when I leave in the morning, and is all over me, unmanageable when I come home and let him inside for the evening. He's into everything, chewing up books, cushions, and tormenting the three cats, who now stay outside to avoid him. I'm usually so tired after work, I don't take him for walks, which I think he needs. I feel I'm failing him! Any suggestions.
Patty

[bebop]

well he is a puppy. puppies do chew on things. heck even adult dogs do that too. I still think he has some husky in him.

if you have the "financial" resources.... you could hire a pet sitter... they are all over my city...

They come in.. play with the dog, or take the dog for a walk.. or any of those types of things...it is for 1/2 hour... hour.. rates vary...

You must be careful... there are people that just do it... then companies.. that have gone thru licensing .. background checks... liabity insurance that type of thing..

In my city.. there is also doggie day care - it keeps your dog occupied.. and... tires him out.. again.. reputable only...

another thing.. is to have a "kong" type toy.. I think they call it.. it is a large hard rubber toy with a hollow center... you can put peanut butter in it.. put in freezer at night and the dog.. will chase it and keep him occuiped.. for a long time... it might help.. during the evening when you are trying to relax... they use this method.. with greyhounds.. when they crate them.... when owners leave for awhile..

Spending.. 10-15 minutes a night in formalized training session.... tires a puppy out... because it uses their minds... so it doesn't take you long.. and yet.. will take some of the energy from the pup... and added benefit of having your puppy know basic commands...

getting.. an automatic ball thrower.. and spending 10-15 minutes in yard... the thrower does the work.. the pup does the running.. and you sit in your chair..

just suggestions...

another.. if you value... anything.. really value it.. put it away for awhile... lol..

[seeker1950]

Thank you so much for the suggestions and feeback, Free and Be!
Those are really good ideas, Freewill! And, Bebop, yes, he IS a puppy! I am always happy and can't wait to get home to him each day. And he's SO happy to see me, poor thing! I did spend some time just now training him to "give" his toy so I could throw it, rather than wrestling it from him. Making him sit while I pick it up, and not letting him mawl me! He did pretty good, and if I continue consistently, he loves the instruction. very smart boy! And, yes, it would be great if I could find someone to walk him daily..He would LOVE that! I never even thought of that! Thanks!
Patty