r/vandwellers • u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 • 6d ago
Question What does your dog do during the day?
I've made it across the country and am trying to settle into my new locale, but I find myself feeling bad that my dog is so bored all the time.
Back in housed life, even though he was stuck at home all day, he had humans and another dog to keep him occupied. He also had a predictable routine to find solace in and a domain to guard and prowl call his own.
On the road, though he didn't have the comfort of a routine, every day was an adventure and while some were kinda dull, most involved hikes and exploration and meeting new people and sniffing new smells.
Now that we're settling into our new normal, it feels like the worst of both worlds: he's stuck in the van for most of the day while I either work or take care of my dad (the reason I'm here in the first place), with little interaction or room to roam.
He loves being out of the van and going on walks and hikes, and hates coming back to the van and the change in mood is palpable as he climbs back into bed with resignation, sleeping away his boredom.
I hate seeing him like this, but I've got a lot on my plate and there's only so much I can do to keep him engaged. How do your dogs spend their days? What do you do to keep them entertained and in good spirits while you go about your daily to-dos?
EDIT TO ADD: I should probably also qualify that my dog is a Toller, a high-energy breed that loves the outdoors and gets bored easily. He's not exactly built for just lounging around all day.
EDIT 2: So I have no idea how the fuck people got the idea that I'm somehow neglecting my dog, so let me spell it out: except for when I need to tend to my dying father, I spend every minute of the day with my dog. It's just that much of the day, I'm in front of the computer, working, because, you know, I'm not independently wealthy. He spends that time sleeping or laying beside me, bored, which I feel guilty about. But when I'm not working, I'm either taking him for walks, hikes, or down to the water to play.
I started this thread to try and get some tips on how to keep him engaged and entertained when I'm working, because I'm unable to actively play with him. How the everloving fuck that was interpreted as "I abandon and neglect my dog" is beyond me. I haven't edited the OP, so if someone wants to point out where they got that impression, I'd love to hear it. I love my dog. He is my world. I spend every minute I'm able to with him. There are just many minutes in the day that I'm UNable to lavish him with attention, and that's what I was here trying to get advice with. Instead I got judgmental pricks jumping to conclusions based on assumptions.
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
Hii I’m a dog trainer and a full time van lifer as of recently, so I feel I can weigh in on something finally (I’m a total idiot when it comes to builds)
I have two dogs, a 5 year old golden and a 3 year old dachshund, living in a 144 sprinter. So like no room. Also two people. They spend a lot of time in their kennels. But! I always tell my clients it isn’t the amount of time you spend engaging them, it’s the quality of time.
Sniffing is absolutely the best engagement you can give. Of course days where you can take long walks, hikes, letting him set the pace and interact is the best but some days we can’t.
If you can ever wake up early to let them sniff around and just be outside, obviously that’s ideal. It doesn’t need to be some super long walk, it’s more about the quality of that time. I also got LED collars and a ground stake so they can have some time at night if all else fails.
But for rainy days or days where I’m just too busy, there’s so many things you can do inside. If your dog loves food, try and give them new and interesting chews. Feed their food out of a brain toy. New toys. Dogs looove and need NOVELTY. Novelty is what tires them out. The same hike, same smells, same food, same toys, same chews, are boring and don’t work their brain at all.
Also just remember, most dogs spend most of their day inside with nothing. Your dog has the world as their yard at this point. It’ll have boring days, but maybe just cuddle them more that day :)
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u/__Knowmad 6d ago
This is such a beautifully written and reassuring comment! I used to travel and camp in my Prius, had two dogs at one point, so it was crowded and they got bored SO much! But it was my hope that just showing them a new sniff spot might help them find some joy in life. They definitely liked traveling! But now that I know they love novel sniffs I feel reassured. I’m currently building my van and just hoping that my boy doesn’t hate the van life. So this has been very helpful! Do you have any advice for separation anxiety? I was considering Rove or a daycare for when I need to go off on my own, and I’m sure he’ll be okay with that, but what about the times I need to leave him in the van for a short period? Like using a public bathroom or buying groceries. He has a tendency to scream at the world when I leave lol it sounds very sad. He’s a basset hound so you might be familiar
Thanks!
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
Of course! Dogs need new experiences, smells, places, textures, all of it. That is so engaging and mentally tiring for them. It’s like when we go new places and see new things, experience new stuff. We are so much more tired than our day to day.
That can be tough, but I’d recommend a few things! It can be a HARD thing to overcome. But there’s two things I’d try.
Blocking windows and sights and leaving him with a HIGH value chew when you leave. Like a Kong with peanut butter, a bully stick, or anything he goes WILD for and ONLY gets when you leave. This way the value stays super high. He never sees this reward until you’re leaving.
Break it down into tiny steps. Put him in the car and open the door, reward and close the door. Do that 100 times. Then step outside with one leg and reward and do that 100 times. Then the other leg. Then stand up. Then close the door. Do all of this so many times and also do times where you get out and get right back in. You’re basically desensitizing him to the action of you leaving. Separation anxiety is them knowing the pattern of you preparing to leave and then leaving. So you gotta make the pattern become boring and not exciting. Oh mom’s getting her keys? Whatever. She’s done it 100 times.
It can take a long long time for the latter so don’t rush it and do it a lot. Make sure you use high value rewards he only gets in this training.
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u/erabera 5d ago
Are you parked on your father's property? Can you get camping fencing that you could put around the van so your dog can at least be outside? I would be waking an hour or two earlier and taking him on a long sniff walk in the am so he is exhausted during the time he is alone.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
My dad lives in a facility, but I'm actually set up on a property not far away and I always work with the van doors open and my dog on a 30' lead so he's free to pop outside and walk around. He chooses to hang out in the van with me.
We go on a few walks a day, and I always take him down to the water, where he can dig up the sand (he loves to dig and could do it for hours). He's an inexhaustible dynamo, though, and never seems to tire out.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 4d ago
... and I always work with the van doors open and my dog on a 30' lead so he's free to pop outside and walk around. He chooses to hang out in the van with me.
Most of the drama would have been averted if you put this in your OP. This is a far different scenario than locking a dog up in a van most of the day, which is what your OP strongly implied (by your own words).
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 5d ago
my dogs do multiple sports and hikes so on the days i work my normal job my old man settles fine and my younger dog gets a few days a week with a sitter. sign up for some training classes or something. having a toller amd not doing sports is wild. i do psa nosework flyball and rally
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
Trust me, if I'd had any choice in the matter, I wouldn't have picked so active a breed. We ended up with each other and while I don't regret it (he's my world and my entire life gladly revolves around him), I'm only one human with 24 hours in a day and so many other things vying for part of it.
I take him on hikes and to the water whenever there's any to be found, and do everything I can to keep him engaged, but it's a full-time job in and of itself. I'm just trying to find some ways to busy him when I'm unable to. He tears through nosework quickly (or bores of and abandons it when he can't) and utterly destroys plushies faster than I can blink.
I'm with him all day (except for the times I have to tend to my dad), so I'm able to "passively" engage with him (refill or replace things, etc). I just need to be able to focus on my work, as well. I'm just looking for any suggestions or ideas on toys / activities / solutions that might fit the bill.
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 5d ago
nosework is a team sport, if he’s quitting the hunt you’re doing something wrong. but again, take classes, pick up a sport for you both. my dogs are my entire world, but that’s because i committed to high energy dogs and what that entails. enrichment toys only do so much when you have a chronically under stimulated dog. my malinois can hang out quietly in her crate if needs be because she has a good life otherwise
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
I... might not know what nosework is. I assumed from the name it was just sniffing exercises, but it sounds like it's a lot more than that. I'll look into it some, but if you have any resources or leads to rec, I'll gladly check em out.
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 5d ago
it’s hunting for something (we stat with food and move onto odors but other people train with toys). gritty k9 and fenzi dog sports are good online courses or just go to a local class
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 4d ago
I'll see if I can find something around town. He definitely loves his sniff puzzle but sorts it out too quickly. Something more advanced would be perfect. Thanks for the lead!
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u/PigeonParkPutter 5d ago
More exercise? Morning and evening walk?
Easiest place to start, to improve the quality of his life.
The next step would be dog sports or more advanced training. Competitive fetch? Agility? Advanced obedience? You can dabble a bit in all the options while you figure out your mutual interests. And then still do a variety of activities to keep things fresh.
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u/benhereford 5d ago
The reason I don't have a dog is because I'd have to leave them alone all day.
When I lived with a cat in a vehicle we didn't leave each others' side for longer than a half hour shower or grocery shopping. I quit my job and worked from my vehicle in order to never leave her alone
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
About to hurt some feelings here.
You should feel bad about it. And more importantly, DO something about it. Can't give your dog the sort of mental and physical stimulation it needs? Maybe you shouldn't have it.
These people trying to justify neglect of their dogs are unbelievable. Dogs don't sleep 'a lot' unless they have to adjust to it. They can be nocturnal, crepuscular, or have the exact same schedule you do. If they're stuck in a silent 8 x 10 room with nothing to do, of course they're going to sleep more. I would too if I had no choice.
One or two walks a day only to be returned to a tiny sterile environment is not sufficient for an animal like a dog. Dogs need physical and mental stimulation or at the least alot of one of those things. Just use common sense..what does a dog need? Sniffing, chewing, scratching, socializing, barking, guarding, hunting, fighting, humping, marking, running, jumping, etc. Dog stuff, right? Some of which as you stated he gets to engage in on the occasional hike. And he's getting none of that stuck in a tiny sterile van all day bored out of its mind. A dog does not need your 'cuddles'.
You do not need the internet to console you on this and try to convince you this neglect is okay. Of course you're going to get a bunch of vandweller pet owners telling you its okay to stick your dog into a van all day with nothing to do because they do the same.
You clearly have some empathy and know your dog better than these people do. You can tell it's not happy or fulfilled being stuck in a van. Do something about it.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
100%. These echo chambers where people just validate each others' bad choices are obnoxious as hell. Thank you for at least saying it.
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u/FandomReferenceHere 5d ago
You’re really gonna come in here and say that living in a van with a dog is animal neglect — 100% of the time, no exceptions.
My dude that is so judgmental and narrow minded. Everything has exceptions.
If you care about animal well-being, you should be praising posters like OP, who ask “how can I improve my animal’s quality of life?” Not criticizing them for daring to consider the concept in the first place.
Many people get adopted by a stray dog, or inherit their aunt’s dog when she dies, or become homeless unexpectedly. Your scathing condemnation implies that all these owners should give the dog to a shelter rather than subject them to the torture of a living space that is smaller than normal for the average modern human in a first world country.
How horrible that you would shame someone for wanting to do the thing you claim to care about - making their pet’s life better.
(Edit to fix a word)
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 6d ago edited 6d ago
Can't give your dog the sort of mental and physical stimulation it needs? Maybe you shouldn't have it.
Yeah, let's maybe stay away from judgy commentary. You know absolutely nothing about my life, circumstances, or how my dog and I came to be together, so perhaps it'd be better to avoid the soapbox, lest the entire rest of your comment go ignored for not wanting to read any more of your tripe.
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u/OVERLOAD3D 6d ago
Ty for ignoring the loud dumbass, we could all give that a try moving forward lol
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
Anything that wasn't a reassuring pat on the back was always going to be ignored in this thread.
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u/FirmAd5337 6d ago
Unhinged. Uninformed. Completely divorced from material reality.
The vast majority of pet dogs spend their entire lives in the same apartment or yard, with the occasional walk if they're lucky. Most dogs will never get to travel and sniff dozens (maybe hundreds) of new locations.
Most pet owners dont even care about their dogs level of stimulation.
You need to get a grip.
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
No. Stupid. Short-sighted and totally lacking empathy or common sense.
You're confusing normal practice with proper care and environment. Yes, most pets live out their lives in unnatural sterile unchanging environments like a city apartment. And because this is common you think it's acceptable.
Dogs don't need to 'travel', they're not on instragram. But they do need variation, challenge and mental stimuli in their routine. They have this naturally. If you're going to have one as a pet, you need to provide it for them. Having two walks a day in an occasional different location because you're a traveling vanlifer is not sufficient.
Most pet owners dont even care about their dogs level of stimulation.
Couldn't agree more. Most people probably shouldn't have a dog, but god forbid you be deprived of something you 'want'.
I don't care if OP cares about his dogs level of stimulation. Just that they do something about it. It is not sufficient to make a post on reddit appealing for consolation so he can continue neglecting the dog.
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u/tocahontas77 5d ago
I agree with you that dog owners in general need to improve. I've done a ton of research since getting my dog when I was an ignorant 20 something. I've improved the health and life of my dog by a lot. So I do get what you're saying...
With that being said... That doesn't mean that all vanlifers who own dogs are neglectful. I also think you'd get your point across better if you weren't condescending about it. That automatically raises defense mechanisms, so whatever you say won't be heard. If you are this passionate about the topic, it is better to educate and motivate, as that will be the most effective course of action.
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u/FirmAd5337 6d ago
You are completely unhinged. You should probably go get a cold glass of water.
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
Animal neglect annoys me *shrug*. I'm not concerned with your feelings.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
And in those cases, that can be wrong too. But let's not confuse an apartment with a 80 sq ft van... I mean, come on... 🙄
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u/FirmAd5337 6d ago
Yes, because a dog is utilizing every sq foot of an apartment and not spending the whole 10-12 hours they are left alone in their owners room near their scent
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
You don't think a dog gets up to walk around, get a drink of water, etc.,many times during the day?
And the OP even states they have a high energy dog that isn't built for lounging around all day...
What the f*$k is going on in this sub? The absolute batsh!t imbecile mentality going on in here is insane.....
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u/FirmAd5337 6d ago
Have you ever observed your dogs when you leave them at home while youre at work?
Lmfaooo
Most van owners that work and have a dog go walk their dog every couple of hours
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
When I worked away from home, yes. And we also gave them access to the yard, because we're not cruel morons.
While I have worked from home the past 5 years, also yes.
Most van owners that work an 8 hour plus shift shouldn't have pets, full stop.
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u/FirmAd5337 6d ago
So you dont have an apartment?
Reddit ass commentary lmfaoooo
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
Of course not. We bought a house, in large part because we had dogs and knew they needed a yard to run and play in. And we had larger, high energy breeds that needed the space and engagement.
Not all breeds are the same, and some smaller or less energetic breeds are fine for apartment life.
Van life is taking that to the extreme, but it's a moot point, since OP already stated they have a high energy breed that doesn't do well sitting around all day.
Are you actually using your brain here, or just arguing to argue?
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u/OVERLOAD3D 6d ago
Your tone is so shitty. Guy came here for advice and you spend 7/8th of your message just shadow boxing with other commenters instead of just responding to them.
Sorry, just really annoyed me. The gall…
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
I'm really annoyed too. Pet neglect does that and it's a shitty topic. This guy isn't actually looking to make a meaningful change, he's looking for reassurance. The dog can't say these things for itself.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
Yeah, justifying neglect is rad. Let's keep on the good vibez train because we need to validate the van dweller.
I know people with dogs who keep them locked in a kennel for 18 hours a day. I'm sure they have their reasons too. Doesn't make it right.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
Yeah, justifying neglect is rad
Fuck you. My dog is anything but neglected. He just bores easily and I can't tend to him 24/7, so I'm looking for ideas on how to keep him occupied when Life requires me to tear myself away from him.
Fuck is it with judgmental pricks who act all high-and-mighty on things they know absolutely nothing about?
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 5d ago
What you described in your post is neglect. It's extremely common and doesn't mean you're intending to neglect your pet.
You're the one who specifically spelled out you have a high energy intelligent dog not suited for a small quiet space like a van. And yet you keep it in a van. You're the one who said the dog exhibits clear signs of not liking the van.
We know enough to respond to exactly what you told us. Your dog doesn't even need to be tended to "24/7", just a sufficient amount, which by your own words it clearly isn't receiving. So don't exaggerate to make yourself look like less of a bad guy.
You're getting some ideas on what to do, maybe you just don't like them.
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u/tocahontas77 5d ago
OP also stated they're in a van and have traveled to there their dad lives, to help take care of him. This seems like special circumstances.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 5d ago
The dog doesn't care about that. OP needs to board their dog in a better situation until they handle their business... not leave the dog unattended in a van for hours at a time.
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u/tocahontas77 5d ago
OP didn't say the dog is unattended, they said "stuck in the van while I work". They could have a remote job and stay in the van with the dog.
Also, I'm not disagreeing about the care of the dog. The dog definitely shouldn't be locked inside of a hot van.
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u/Maintenancehaul TruckNadavan:) 4d ago
It’s a fairly new thing to Reddit from my experience. They come from Facebook and need people to demoralize and put down.
I would bet half of the people commenting are not actually living any form of this lifestyle. Nomadic or otherwise.
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u/OVERLOAD3D 6d ago
They are here to solicit advice on how to better care for their pup. Pound sand bozo.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
The advice should be obvious: their dogs needs more attention, more space, more engagement, and more stimulation.
That's it. It's pretty damn simple.
The fact that some of you are twisting yourselves in circles to try and justify someone keeping a medium sized dog cooped up in a van 90% of the time... is absolutely bonkers and negligent.
OP could call any vet or pet trainer and ask them their thoughts on it. Rather, they seek advice from a van life sub... what do you think the responses are going to be?
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
Yea dogs sleep around 12 hours a day so…you’re just wrong. It’s not about the amount of time you spend with your dog, it’s the quality. Some dogs go for long walks every day. On the same. Exact. Route. Seeing and smelling the same things just to go home and do the same thing. That’s pretty fucking boring. I’d rather my dog have a smaller but more eventful and novel experience than the same but longer walk every day.
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
I don't disagree dogs will sleep around 12 hours a day if necessary. So can humans. No, that is not the case for all dogs. What dogs are you even talking about? Feral, free-roaming domestic, working dogs?
Yes, quality time needs to be spent with your pet. But 1 hour, for example, of quality time is still going to be insufficient. I think you were the one who suggested 'cuddles' as quality time? That's an extremely human notion and not a replacement for organic dog activity.
Everything you're saying sounds glossy and eat-pray-love. Not what a dog needs.
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
😭 I recommended cuddles just because it’s not a huge deal I promise. This owner is obviously more concerned than most owners. Most owners just do the same thing with their dog every single day. This dog has quality of experiences. I’ve owned and trained working dogs, sport dogs, high drive dogs, and I promise you a well trained, well bred dog will sleep a lot. Even my malinois slept a lot because her needs were met. A truly bored dog will be destructive.
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
It's fine they are concerned but that's going to be meaningless if they leave this thread providing the same sedentary lifestyle for their pet. The dog needs their change, not their concern. I'm not trying to use semantics here, we just see these sort of posts on the regular with people seeking validation for their crappy bad habits.
You're right, a dog whose needs have been met needs sleep. But that's not what we're hearing from OP and cuddling or other stationary human activities are not a replacement.
Puppies and juvenile dogs will be destructive when bored. And then we train that out of them. That does not mean they still can't get bored. And it's not me saying this..OP said it multiple times in their own post.
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
Most people work full time jobs and kennel their dog during work. This is no different. His dog is a toller. Who could still easily become destructive if too bored. He didn’t say “my dog never does anything all day every single day and gets 0 interaction 24-7 365”
He works. Like a normal person and his dog is “kenneled” as are most dogs. This is just normal stuff. And now he’s here seeking ideas to help. His situation isn’t vastly different from most dogs. He just went from a high high of constant to a more normal life style. That’s all.
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 6d ago
Most people probably shouldn't own pets. Normal does not mean adequate or acceptable. Pet neglect is extremely commonplace and normal.
He said his dog is obviously bored and exhibits clear signs of boredom and disliking the van space. He said it's literally the worst of both worlds. These are his words, not mine. I don't know why you're trying to console this person but you shouldn't be.
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
Okay bud. Guessing you don’t own a dog then?
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u/TacoBellWerewolf T1N Sprinter - “Gondola” 5d ago
Not now that I'm back in vanlife..too busy and the southwest environment is too extreme even with air conditioning. It would be dumb and neglectful to have a dog in this situation, so I do what every adult should do - make the small sacrifice of not getting something you want.
I did have an australian cattle dog when I owned a home and could provide her adequate care and attention. But even before getting that dog, I thoroughly researched their breed and ensured I could meet their needs. If I couldn't have, I wouldn't have gotten it. This should be an extremely basic pre-requisite for any pet owner.
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u/pearmilk 5d ago
Nice, my dogs live super comfortably in the van with me and are extremely fulfilled and happy. Some people can provide it in van life, some can’t. That’s totally fine.
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u/nachosareafoodgroup 6d ago
Your commentary just reads like an endorsement of everyone’s neglect of their pets.
Just cause everyone does it doesn’t mean it’s right.
It’s normal for humans to pay half their income in rent, go into massive debt for healthcare, and isolate dogs in kennels.
This is a vanlife sub. We do this shit because we know normal isn’t right. Normal neglect also isn’t right just cause everyone does it.
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u/pearmilk 5d ago
No man it’s just that dogs can absolutely life totally fulfilled and happy lives while their owners work full time. That’s literally all it is. 💀
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u/nachosareafoodgroup 5d ago
Til a dog gets on here to agree with you, you’re just embodying paternalism and stating something you have zero actual way of knowing is absolutely and certainly true.
So again, keep making yourself feel better.
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u/pearmilk 5d ago
Nah I literally train dogs for a living and I pay attention to their body language and temperament. Pretty obvious when a dog isn’t fulfilled.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 6d ago
This isn't appropriate for those breeds of dogs. Just because people do it doesn't make it the right thing to do.
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u/pearmilk 6d ago
Okay I’ll let all my co workers and friends that own high drive dogs that work full time they gotta quit their jobs. Damn.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 5d ago
You should let them know they should make appropriate arrangements for the breed, or consider rehoming them. Again, just because people do things, doesn't make it the right thing to do. People can be shit. This doesn't even need to be said.
Not all situations are the same, either. If they're kenneling their dogs for 8+ hours a day while they work, I think that's negligent. If their dogs are sleeping on the couch and roam around the house during the day, that's different. Not all breeds are the same. Also, level of activity and engagement after work matters too. So does age.
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u/pearmilk 5d ago
Go to a working dog clinic and meet the dogs. They’re fulfilled and most are kenneled 8+ hours a day.
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u/Jumpy-Cabinet4015 4d ago
Over a hundred comments and only like 3 of them actually try to answer the question. People suck. All these dog lovers who "know what's best" would do a lot more to help the dog if they tried to offer solutions rather than criticism. And to the people who say maybe op shouldn't even have the dog are just plain stupid. Think of all the dogs who need homes. Op clearly cares about the dog.
Personally, I'm here hoping to find answers for my dog. Otherwise I'd be happy to try and help.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 4d ago
Helping is hard; judging is easy. At the very least, this thread has made it clear who to block and spare myself grief from in the future.
Happy Cake Day.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 4d ago
To respond to your Edit 2, it's because you literally say in your OP your high energy dog is "stuck in your van most of the day while you either work or take care of your dad.... with little interaction or room to roam."
That's the issue.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 4d ago
No, the issue is that some people can't resist making assumptions and judging people over it because it's the only way they can get hard anymore.
This isn't on me for not being clear enough for y'all's liking, it's on y'all for not having the common decency to simply not judge people you don't know from Adam.
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u/SabbathBoiseSabbath 4d ago
Haha. I mean, clear communication is pretty important if you want to avoid misunderstanding. This is pretty basic stuff.
If people are mistaking your point, then it IS on you to be more clear.
It has nothing to do with judgment. Stop with the victim complex.
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u/No_Nefariousness1983 5d ago
I feel like these same people saying that you neglect your dog if you can’t be with it 24/7 would be the same people attacking you if you were to post something about being sad because you gave up your dog to move into your van so you could care for your father. “A dog is not something you have when you want & get rid of when it doesn’t suit you” type stuff. Everyone who doesn’t like that I’m speculating about people that I don’t know who probably have good intentions- maybe also stop doing that to OP.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
That's a fair point. Two things reddit loves to do is jump to conclusions and judge people. Why answer a simple question when it's easier to get on a high horse and condemn someone over a gross misinterpretation of what they were saying?
Thanks for the word of support. I appreciate it.
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u/aidannliu 9h ago
I think the only way to solve this might be doggie daycare. But be really careful cuz your dog might get bullied in there. It happened to mine.
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u/FirmAd5337 6d ago
My dog spent 2/3rds of his life in a shelter before I got him. Is he bored sometimes in the van? For sure. He's a hell of a lot less bored than when I used to work 60 hour weeks and he only got interesting sniffs on my weekends, though. He's waaaaaay happier and less bored than when I adopted him, no question.
I just wake up extra early and get him as many unique experiences as I can. His life is way better than it has ever been.
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u/nachosareafoodgroup 5d ago
Way better than it was doesn’t always equate to good.
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u/Jumpy-Cabinet4015 4d ago
You dog lovers are a trip. If the dog doesn't know anything different, then from that perspective it is good.
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u/Give_it_a_Bash 5d ago
Relax. If you’re walking your dog twice a day, feeding it good food and it isn’t trashing the van or doing weird neurotic things… it’s a happy dog.
I’ve watched my dog when I am not around and it does NOTHING they have a huge yard, dogs next door to annoy, birds to chase etc and this dog just chills alllllllll day. Maybe one bark at the postie but they don’t even go to the toilet or drink water really. There’s No fretting, no stressing nothing… just saving up their energy to go nuts when I get home… on the odd day when we are home all day they still just chill and do nothing until walk o’clock. I’m sure they love it more when we’re home because there’s always a small chance it might be a take the dog activity kinda day so they’re a bit more perky and alert… but if we’re out the dog is ‘switched off’.
So the guilt etc is probably 99% unwarranted. You’re already a better dog owner than most because you are thinking and caring about them… even when you said you’re with them 90% of the time :)
If the dog was destroying the van every time you left or peeing on your bed and plucking its fur off… this would be a different conversation.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
Relax. If you’re walking your dog twice a day, feeding it good food and it isn’t trashing the van or doing weird neurotic things… it’s a happy dog
Thank you for being one of the only people in the thread not accusing me of neglecting and abandoning my pup just because he gets bored.
I'll admit that a lot of it is my own overdeveloped sense of guilt (the double-whammy of being an Asian with a Catholic upbringing), but at the same time I do wish I could do more to keep him entertained. He loves our adventures, so when he's stuck in the van with me while I work, he just seems so checked out.
It's not the end of the world, of course, for him to have to spend a few hours a day bored or sleeping, but at the same time if there's an activity or toy or thing I could be doing to help him stay engaged, I'd love to get some ideas.
Which was all this thread was really about — trying to solicit ideas on how to help him stay stimulated during the boring bits — before it got taken over by people accusing me of neglect and acting like I'm practically abusing him.
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u/Give_it_a_Bash 5d ago
He is checked out… and that’s great! If he wasn’t in the chill zone… he would be all the things you’re worried about and driving you nuts.
Honestly he sounds chill AF and the perfect dog for you. Ready to do cool things when you are and happy to snooze in the down time… that is a perfect dog… he will let you know (by being obnoxious) if he needs something but while he’s limp like a rag with a tiny bit of eye open to make sure your not getting ready for something fun… he’s happy and content.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
Yeah that's a pretty good description of it. He lays there, half-asleep, but if I tell him it's time for a walk he's up and out in a flash.
He's not really the type to pester (he's the chillest of dogs), but he always looks so bummed, staring off as he lays in bed or on the couch. I might well be overreacting to his state, but all the same I'd love to find something that could keep him entertained in that down time.
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u/SpacePirate406 6d ago
Dogs sleep a lot. This is a season of your life with your dog where you have to focus on other things during the days. You don’t need to feel bad about it, but it’s good you are doing what you can to make him comfortable and keep him in your life (some people give up their pets when things get hard).
Take him for walks in the morning and evening, use puzzle toys or snuffle mats for meals (easier with dry food- my beagle mix takes about 30seconds with a regular bowl, 2-4 minutes with a puzzle bowl and 10-15 minutes with a snuffle mat). When I was in a small apartment with her and working all day (either from home or office) she would sleep 10-12 hours a day sometimes. Slow short walks where she could smell all the smells were the key for us as I could take her out and she’d be exhausted when we got back after just 10 minutes of smells.
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u/tocahontas77 5d ago
I got my dog this snuffle toy thing. I give her dehydrated beef liver treats, which come in small bites. So I just hid little treats in it. She loved it!
Here's the link to the one I bought. It's super cute! The pan and the croissant come off as independent toys.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
Man. I don't know what asshole brigade is going around down-bombing comments, because I have no idea what's so objectionable about your reply.
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u/VagabondVivant '96 E-150 5d ago
Oh that's a cute design! I had a similar fabric one but he tore it up getting to the treats lol. He does better with the plastic one (with lids and slides and stuff), but he's got it down to a science and finishes it before I even get the treat bag put away haha
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u/MiniFancyVan 6d ago
Can you pay someone to take him for another walk? Dog daycare?