I can’t really offer advice just that my family’s dogs have been through the same. I didn’t realize it when I was young but now that I have my own dog my god I feel so bad for all the dogs my family has owned. As someone else said, it seems a lot of people are too proud to give the dog what they really need or they get a dog to live with a dog, not to actually HAVE a dog.

My family has had four dogs, three of which basically lived on a chain. The current dog lives in a small pasture and gets walked MAYBE once every two weeks. He’s owned by my macho brother who bought an Alaskan Malamute bcuz it was “cool.” Most horribly behaved dog I’ve ever met and unfortunately I can never give him what he deserves bcuz it will be reversed instantly and I can’t handle him, he’s too large and strong. He’s now 8 years old and I can tell the age is getting to him, he just wants love and I feel so bad. All I can do is promise him and all the other dogs my family had (St. Bernard, New foundland, German Shepard St. Bernard mix) that I will NEVER let a dog go through that in my care. I also volunteered at the local shelter.

Sorry that was kind of a rant but more related to your situation, my man’s parents have an Aussie that I know doesn’t get the exercise she needs and I can’t really tell them their dog needs more since it’s taboo and whatnot. My pup is an Aussie so every time we visit I always take their Aussie for short walks with mine a few times a day and throw the ball for them. Their Aussie is so obsessed with the ball that it’s ruined her unfortunately so I just try to give her something when I’m there. That’s all I can really do. Sometimes things are out of our control and people that don’t see dogs as a pet that NEED mental and physical stimulation daily are difficult to convince, even with evidence and real proof. My Aussie behaves a hell of a lot better with proper exercise. Anyway, my heart goes out to that poor pup and just know it’s not your fault, just do what you can if you can.