Could my 1 year and 3 month marriage be affected by a dog?

Question

My husbands brother could not keep his dog, Alaskan Malamute, because he did not have the time to take care of it. My husband and eventually decided to take the dog is. We have had the dog for the past 11 months and he has not gotten any better. When we first got him, the previous owner did not pay attention to the dog AT ALL, he was doing stuff like chewing up all my dogs toys, we could leave him in the house or else we wouldn't have one and the unit what we are staying is does not even have a grassy area! We have a back area, very small, that is all cement and trust me is not a comfortable area for the dog. The only grassy area that we have is in the front lawn and we have to watch them. So now I am up to my head with all the frustration. I have let the dogs bad doings pass for the past 6 - 7 months and I do not see any improvement. My husband says that he is going to get rid of him but then he knows that that would affect our marriage. I, obviously, do not what that to happen but at the same time I have sacrificed so much for my husband to be happy with this dog and NOTHING seems to be getting any better. With that being said I am very adamant about finding the dog a happy home. Needless to say that I have tried to help my husband by walking the dog and taking him out but the darn dog still pees and poops in the back and tears up our landlords property, which will eventually comes out of security deposit! HELP!

Answer 1

Put the dog up for adoption, or give him to the pound. Someone will adopt him! I think you should choose the husband or the dog..  

Answer 2

OK, you got the dog from your husband's brother.... and after 11 months he's not a better dog... WTF do you think the dog is just going to get better on his own???? did you take him to a school to help him and YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND on how to control a dog? they need help, they need to be trained, and they need it everyday. if your husband said he'd get rid of the dog.... and you want the dog gone.... how is that going to effect your marriage? get rid of the dog. You need to decide what you want... help the dog get better by training him, or just let him tear up the house and the yard? I guess you probably shouldn't have the dog if you've let it go on for 11 months.... give the dog to someone who WANTS the dog and will teach it and love it.

Answer 3

You need to find a home for your dog. It just makes sense. Be realistic and don't let ego's get in the way.

Answer 4

It sounds like it is being affected by the dog. It was kind of you to take him in but you aren't the right fit for him and vice versa. I would take him to the Humane Society or animal shelter where he can find an owner who'd really want him. Maybe a lonely man with lots of time and a big yard who wants a companion. Don't keep him if he's causing arguments between you and your husband. Let him go to a place where he'll be happy and make someone happy.

Answer 5

It's either get him trained or find him a new home. :( A dog can certainly cause a lot of problems that will strain your relationship.

Answer 6

You ever seen that show "me or the dog"  An untrained dog can be a HUGE stress on a relationship.

Either give the dog to a good home or invest some time in obedience training.  Its an animal, its not doing bad things out of spite, and if you are letting its bad behavior "pass" how is it supposed to know its not supposed to be doing those things?

You can find obedience classes pretty cheap, and it will be worth the investment but you have to have follow through.  Good luck.

Answer 7

Based on your post, you obviously KNOW that the dog is affecting your marriage, and your and your husband's mental health in general.  

It is not your fault that the animal was poorly socialized and completely untrained.  It is your fault, however, that you are allowing this animal to continue to stay in your household and make you miserable.  For that matter, do you think that the dog is having all of these behaviors because he or she is ecstatic about being in your care either?  It sounds like the poor pooch is acting out, so probably not.

Find this dog a good home, either by looking up your local Husky rescue online or by placing an ad in the paper or on Craigslist.  Then, carefully evaluate potential adopters based on what you know to be this dog's specific needs.  Good luck!

Answer 8

I dont care how you feel actually, but that poor dog must be bored and miserable!!!!!!!!!! Rehome him, give him away to free good and happy home!!!!!!