Do these dog owners sound like they should try harder to discipline

[Bunny]

their kids? I saw this ad on my local freecycle page, and was really irritated with these parents. At first glance, it seems like they should try to teach their kid how to act around the dogs, instead of just giving them away.

But on the other hand, at least they're trying to find the dogs a home, instead of driving them to the country and abandoning them.

We still have the dogs if anyone is interested.

Our family regrets that we need to do this but we have two very
loveable dogs that we are seeking a good, loving home for. Their
names are Abbie and Lexie. Abbie is a champagne colored shepard mix
about 7 years old and Lexie is an all black lab-chow mix about 4 years
old. Both are female and spayed and weigh in the 50 lb range. They
have had their shots and both are in good health.

Both of these dogs were the center of our attention until we had our
children and now they seem to be very unhappy because we can't give
them the time like we used to. Our oldest child (1 1/2 years)is
relentless in chasing and bothering them and we have a 3 month old
that will soon start this routine as well. Although they are not
aggressive, they are not happy and try to hide out most of the time
our son is around. We have decided in the best interest of the dogs
to see if we can try and locate a new home for them where they won't
be competing for attention, plus our family may relocate once I land a
new job and it wouldn't be fair to keep them housed in a kennel.

We have dog collars, leashes, dog dishes, about 150 feet of pet fence
and a basket full of toys. We would prefer that they stay together if
possible. They would do well in a family with children that are a
little older where they can get play time, but not be pulled on and
tugged at constantly, which is happening now with our 1 /1/2 year old.

If anyone would like to see pictures or have questions please email me
at

Thanks,

[uppityperson]

1. sound like really tired parents trying to do the best they can.

[Bunny]

3. Yeah, I commend them for trying to find a good home.

It's just irritating that they're allowing Little Junior to run roughshod over those dogs, and have every expectation that the tiny infant will do the exact same thing when he is able to.

I don't know, this just bugs me.

[uppityperson]

4. hard to judge from this short clip.

[pooja]

5. I have the opposite problem

The dogs won't leave the baby alone. One is so extremely jealous its not even funny, and the other thinks she's his momma and is constantly licking him like a puppy. Its hard to get both pet and child to mind and work a job and a 1/2 all while trying to maintain a somewhat clean house. I know their frustration. I am at my breaking point too. I may have to decide to do the same thing. AND I'm not about to give the kid away.

[LeftyMom]

8. Obedience instruction may prove helpful in this situation

In the meantime, I found that keeping my baby in a sling was a life-saver in terms of being able to get stuff done- you may want to try that, possibly along with a few baby gates to keep the baby and dogs separated. In time the dogs will figure out how to relate to your child (and training will really help with this,) but in the meantime keep them supervised or separated.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

2. Yes.

My parents had a dog and a cat before they had me. They kept them. No problems with either. I was told not to bother the pets and so was my sister when she came along.

[LeftyMom]

6. Mine had a dog and a cat when my sister and I were born too

My sister and I were (okay, still are) evil little hellions, but we never mistreated the animals- our parents simply would not have tolerated that behavior.

[RebelOne]

7. FreeCycle is the worse possible place to try find homes

for dogs, cats or any animals. There are people who take the dogs for bait animals for dog-fighting and small animals for snake food. I am listed with FreeCycle in my area and whenever I see someone advertising any animal, I try to warn them as to what could happen to their formerly beloved pet.

[DBoon]

9. Keep the dogs and give away the kids

no no I'm only "kidding"

seriously, it sounds like these people really like their animals and are good pet owners. Hope they find a good home for the dogs.