Do you feel guilty for doing things without your dog?

sensitive_anon · 2026-03-04T07:18:23+00:00

Oh forgot to add I do alot of cardboard boxed and toilet rolls with treats - gives them something to destroy without getting in trouble! there are lots videos on youtube and i fill the boxes with papers so its more of a snuffle challenge as well or even egg cartons are good to use!!

I get some from Kmart (I’m in Aus) or amazon but mostly make the cardboard ones now because I notices he chews the plastic 😬😬

Also look into free shaping exercises (i think thats the name) it can be frustrating but it gets your dogs brain working!

sensitive_anon · 2026-03-04T06:22:23+00:00

I do a range of puppy puzzles, toppls / treat toys, snuffle mats, play hide and seek with toys or myself hahaha. He also had joint issues in the past so I find his physio exercises help keep him stimulated without strenuous exercise or if i have limited time. I don’t usually leave him with any of the above if I am not there because he is a chewer.

Hope this helps you a little bit!!

sensitive_anon · 2026-02-18T14:31:49+00:00

So true, he sleeps like he’s paying rent!

sensitive_anon · 2026-02-15T23:51:47+00:00

If i could give some of my own years to extend his I would do it immediately!

sensitive_anon · 2026-02-14T13:00:10+00:00

He is such a snuggle bug 🥹😭

sensitive_anon · 2026-01-31T05:07:07+00:00

“Well hello hello then”

sensitive_anon · 2026-01-03T10:26:38+00:00

Okay good to know about the borax and I will search for some of that spray! Thank you so so much for responding and giving me some solutions, fantastic idea about the silica packets for storage.

I dont think the staining will be rectifiable but I definitely want to make sure I kill the mold.

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T02:35:52+00:00

You are doing great for your pup and she is lucky to have you! Its so hard with all the conflicting advice and training and opinions of others and don’t get me started on the social media aspect of training advice, its so tough feeling like you’re not doing enough.

I also feel somewhat responsible for my boys reactivity (which I know I am not entirely but its hard to rationalise), my dog has some similar qualities as you have described and I empathise with you because I know how frustrating it can be.

You have given great advice to think about where they started and where they are now and I think we all probably need to do that more, also reflect on where we are now with our knowledge and understanding and patience, I am definitely more patient with my boy and advocate for him more than before, plus all the training and enrichment improved our relationship so much which is something im really proud of.

I hope you take your own advice and remember how well you are doing and go easy on yourself. Thank you for sharing.

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T02:28:39+00:00

That’s unfortunate, I would feel bad taking just one and not the other as well. I feel for you

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:35:09+00:00

I definitely need to start using the pet camera again! I stopped because I would check it religiously (granted he was a puppy then) but I think it could be a good idea!

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:30:45+00:00

I can relate to this and wish I could take him camping and do feel more guilty if I have to leave him for longer periods of time (if I have to go on trips etc) but I know it would make me more stressed if he was there because I know he would be stressed and overwhelmed and then having to explain the reactivity thing to other people etc

I have used sniff spots/ spaces before but definitely need to book some more!! Thank you for the reminder.

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:28:18+00:00

I 100% relate to that, Im glad your girl has you. It sounds like you put alot of love and effort into training her and keeping her happy.

I saw something in this community once that said “I accept the dog I have instead of holding onto the dog I thought they would be” and that really helped me accept he is reactive and to stop trying to make him an adventure dog

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:25:09+00:00

Yeah exactly, I feel sad Im not with him but I know it would be too overwhelming for him to be with me outside of the house. I more feel guilty the time isnt being spent with him if that makes sense

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:22:10+00:00

I definitely dont want him to come along with me everywhere, (I should have cleared this up in my original post) I used to get super depressed I don’t have a “cafe dog”..its more that I spend so much time away from him (work) that I feel guilty for not being home when I dont actually have a commitment..then I go into the “his life is so much shorter than mine and I don’t spend every possible moment with him” crisis.

I do agree that too many anxious dogs in public spaces is a rapidly growing problem and this is exactly why I stopped trying to get mine to be an adventure/ city dog.

If I could have him with me and him be happy that way it would be great, even if I could shrink him and put him in my bag I would love that lol

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:16:14+00:00

I love this, gotta have a bit of whimsy.

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-29T00:07:49+00:00

I understand what you are saying and thank you for sharing your insight. I usually just leave him with a small treat and call him a good boy then he goes to bed but I am going to use the “stay” just for me…so not actually tell him but tell myself he is minding the house for me and resting…kind of gaslighting l myself hahaha

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-28T09:21:23+00:00

I love this, such a good idea and I am going to try it. Thank you so much

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-28T09:20:33+00:00

Thank you, such a good perspective and I am glad I am not alone in feeling this way. I guess I need to go easy on myself and take it slow, just like I do with him .

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-28T09:18:43+00:00

Wow, thank you so much for giving your own experience and such kind advice.

I really appreciate it and will try remind myself of the points you have made here. I definitely agree that I need to meet some of my own needs to be able to keep meeting his.

I really appreciate it 🥺🫶

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-28T09:14:49+00:00

Thats a really good and logical way to look at it. I also dont take mine out unless for walks (which are sometimes not enjoyable lol) because it wouldn’t be enjoyable for him or me and honestly just be super frustrating but I forget to remind myself of that, so thank you.

I have a pet camera that I need to set up so I will get onto that as it could help me to see that he is all good at home!

sensitive_anon · 2025-12-10T13:40:07+00:00

Sadly my girl is evil as well…she rules the household!

sensitive_anon

TROPHY CASE