Guilt...

[2sp_]

I look after my mother's dog whenever she goes away, sometimes for a couple of weeks or so.

The dog is disobedient, yappy and can snap. He also has a fondness for anything on my kitchen table and peeing on the carpet.

She has just left for a week away (I dropped her off at the station only an hour ago), and in my 30 minute absence, has peed on the carpet and cleared everything off the table...

I swear I have tried to put up with it, he's now 6, but I'm at the end of my tether with it. I have 2 small kids so I don't trust him to be near them. I feel I can't leave the house when he is here as he barks incessantly and I can't have him disturbing the entire farm.

I feel the time has come to say to her that I can't have him when she goes away any more. She does have a friend who has a dog of the same breed and they get on well, I'm sure that she would take him instead.

I'm just looking for you all to tell me not to feel guilty about it! (I'm also venting just a tad.)

[boxtops]

You have to stand up to your mum on this one, 2sp - playing that it's the dog's welfare and how unhappy he's been this week. His behaviour is evidencing how much he's missing his human-mum, and that being with another dog would help take his mind of it. You're going to have to be adamant and risk her wrath - be firm that you are not taking him again. It's your house, your rules.

[2sp_]

boxy, she had only been gone for about 30 mins when he peed and invaded the kitchen table!

I think I'll try the "he's not happy with us, maybe he'd settle better at X's house with her dog" route.

Or I'll stick him in kennels and emigrate before she gets back.

[boxtops]

If you could bear to (but I know you can't) - don't mop up the pee for a couple of days before she comes home - and point to it.....

[boxtops]

.... and really, 2sp, you don't have to think of an alternative for her. It's her dog, her responsibility to find someone who'll board him - not yours.

[Psybbo]

Noo, boxy not with two small children!

[sherrardk]

Of you could just take photos of the pee.

[2sp_]

He was shut through the side of the house where the kitchen, shower room and laundry is. The laundry is carpeted (mostly because it was bare floor boards when I moved in and I had a new bit of carpet that would fit), can you guess where he lifted his leg?

I really should have shut the laundry door, but just didn't expect him to have a protest piddle in the space of half an hour.

[Dee Sa]

I love dogs but if I was in your position I would book the local kennels for one hour after mum departs and return & collect just before her return, pay someone else to do the job for you and keep mum about it.

[jno]

there's also the risk he might bite your husband's toe.

[2sp_]

Ahhh, that is true, jno. I can almost hear the scream...

[boxtops]

My neighbour's dog is a bad piddler, the floor is often covered with cot mats so he can pee at will, and not damage the carpets.

Sibs - I didn't MEAN it, LOL.

[wolf63]

Robbie, my last hound, rescue dog and psychopath (he was 5 years old when I got him), had bladder problems towards the end of his life. He lost control of his bladder ~ it took a long time to get rid of the smell.

My mum could take offence at the most lighthearted of comments.

Your mum is not thinking of your family's welfare in this. She is being selfish. Parents can be as much hard work as children.

[mikey4444]

Gently suggest that next time your Mum goes away, that she should dog in kennels. Dog will be safe and secure and you and your kids won't have to put up with this anymore.

But I am also concerned for the dog. My Yorkie behaves just like this when he is away from me. He is missing your Mum and his normal routine.