My inlaws dogs are driving me crazy!

3chickchicks

Songster
9 Years
Jun 25, 2013
618
184
206
Utah
I'm taking care of their two dogs while they are on vacation. They have no training and won't go outside or come inside when told. They just sit and look at you or run away. They have to come in because they're foo foo dogs who will get too hot if left outside. They've made me late for work chasing them around to get them inside or in their crate or cleaning up whatever mess they made. Today I've had to clean up five messes after they've pooped or peed on our brand new floors despite being let out appropriately (mine have not had accidents).
I don't want to ever have to take care of them again but if I don't, then mine don't have a place to stay when we go on vacation.
These two are making me lose my flipping mind and is want to grab my inlaws and ask just how in the heck can they tolerate their crap. I spoil my dogs rotten but they still do as they're told.

Thanks for letting me vent. I needed to.
 
Being put in a new environment can be very disruptive to dogs --- and they are highly perceptive and likely picking up on the frustration and emotion you are feeling about the situation.....which becomes a vicious cycle as their behavior issues escalate, causing your frustration to escalate, lather-rinse-repeat.
For the going out issue, the simple solution is to make potty time an on-leash experience. I realize this is likely an inconvenience when you are accustomed to just sending your dogs out, but if you think of the time you are currently spending chasing them around, the inconvenience starts to shrink. While indoors, tethering is a great tool to use.
As hard as it is when you are in a situation like this, TRY to maintain a positive mindset. This may require hitting the "reset" moment several times a day.
I realize this probably seems like I am not taking your frustration seriously, but I am - and I have been there. I hope that you and the dogs make it through the days ahead.
 
No, I understand ol grey. I've been trying to be patient with them. It's hard for me because dogs that have no obedience are a sore spot with me and these are used to no rules and to doing whatever they want.
And it's so simple. Just go outside to the bathroom then come back in. That's all I need them to do. But no. One always has to decide to be stubborn and won't go out or come in. It's a stupid problem is why I'm so quick to get frustrated.
 
I have to say, I'd be looking into alternate housing for my own dogs when I needed it. A pet sitter or whatever may sound expensive at the time, but honestly how much would you pay RIGHT NOW not to have to deal with these other dogs? Looking at it that way makes the pet sitter or kennel sound way more reasonable!

Course, in-laws are always an issue, one way or another.....
 
Any way you can just put them on a leash and walk them outside? I used to watch a lot of dogs and there were many who may have listened to the owners, but didn't with me so I had to do the old chase and grab. I ended up just using a leash (I also have a spare in my car just in case). It usually worked like a charm.

As for the soiling in the house, your best bet for that is just to close off a small area for them during the day, preferably with hard floors.
 
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Bet you never babysit them again!!
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Wow, they sound like my daughter's pugs. I think that they peed on every immovable object in the house - even tried to get me a time or two.
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After a couple of days of this behavior, they were walked frequently on flexi leashes and then returned to their crates. They are relatively good at her home, but unbearable when we kept them here.
 
Course, in-laws are always an issue, one way or another.....


Ha :/

Our inlaws got a dog & it's switch is always on "on" mode, which drives my 2 crazy. They used to watch our guys when we went out of town, but now we are in a spot cause mine don't want be around their hyper dog.
I agree with the leashed potty runs...too bad for them.
And, if it really stresses you out, I wouldn't feel obligated to watch them. As mentioned, there might be other options.
Plus, why is it a "you look after mine, I'll look after yours" deal? Most times, it's only fair, but would they understand if you explained the situation?
 
Today they are confined to the tile floor. I've walked them with leashes three times in the back yard and they haven't gone yet. I have half a mind to tie them to my big dog. He'd be happy to walk them for me lol!
 

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