We have recently purchase a dog from a neighbor who couldn't deal with a puppy anymore. Basically the mother and children - ages 9 and 11 were attached, but the father could not handle the dog. They had him for 4 months and we took him in Septemeber. They started by coming over every morning at the bus stop to see him. Asking to walk him and take him overnight if we went out of town, etc. Obviously, he was very confused and upset when they would leave. Like all baby puppies he view them as his family as us as a day care provider. We had to put a stop to it. It was extremely difficult but best for the dog and the family to get use to the "new way of being". After months of not hearing from them, they called to see him. We have now had him longer then they have and it is middle of winter. I do not want to sound heartless but, this is insane. We almost gave him back in the begining due to this constant invasion of personal space. Orchestrating play dates for my children is tough enough, now I have to orchestrate for them when they can not let go. They live close and are in the same schools as my chidlren. We want to move on with our life with our new dog. They do not seem to want to let go. I do not know how they think the kids will be able to move on if they keep having them see him. Not to mention we have a 12 year old Lab and now double the bills, double the hair, double the poop, double the eveything. I would like a dog too if I could just visit it when I wanted. Please help as I do not want to deal with this for the next 10 years.

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Originally Posted by siena108

We have recently purchase a dog from a neighbor who couldn't deal with a puppy anymore. Basically the mother and children - ages 9 and 11 were attached, but the father could not handle the dog. They had him for 4 months and we took him in Septemeber. They started by coming over every morning at the bus stop to see him. Asking to walk him and take him overnight if we went out of town, etc. Obviously, he was very confused and upset when they would leave. Like all baby puppies he view them as his family as us as a day care provider. We had to put a stop to it. It was extremely difficult but best for the dog and the family to get use to the "new way of being". After months of not hearing from them, they called to see him. We have now had him longer then they have and it is middle of winter. I do not want to sound heartless but, this is insane. We almost gave him back in the begining due to this constant invasion of personal space. Orchestrating play dates for my children is tough enough, now I have to orchestrate for them when they can not let go. They live close and are in the same schools as my chidlren. We want to move on with our life with our new dog. They do not seem to want to let go. I do not know how they think the kids will be able to move on if they keep having them see him. Not to mention we have a 12 year old Lab and now double the bills, double the hair, double the poop, double the eveything. I would like a dog too if I could just visit it when I wanted. Please help as I do not want to deal with this for the next 10 years.

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Tell them straight when they knock, that their calling is not convenient. Do not let them dog walk, or anything like that. You are going to have to get tough, but can I make a suggestion?

Dog Rescue & Adoption - Dog Website Directory

Suggest they adopt a Dog that's homeless in your area, in a Rescue Centre. That way they get all the benefits, and none of the inconveniences, and no guilty consciences. One of our customers at work has done this - she gets a great kick out of sending the dog goodies, getting letters from 'him' and reports on how he's doing and visiting, and also helps out at the centre a couple of weeks a year. It might be something to take the kids minds off the dog they've sold to you if they're presented with a puppy that's theirs, but they don't have to worry about dad not being happy about the mess or responsibility. It's just a thought.

I don't think you should let them see or walk or play with the puppy anymore. They are just going to have to let go
Kandyfriutcake had a good idea when she said to suggest about getting another puppy. If the dad doesn't like dogs maybe a kitten would be better or even a hamster.
But definitely put your foot down its not good for you or your puppy. Good luck