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I'm just curious how others with large packs of dogs work around here. Do you find it easy, do you delegate responsibilities, etc. Are there any folks here with kids that help out? As many of you know my life will be changing in July; we're moving and it's basically the first domino of my life. A lot of things are going to come from it... including my 501(c)3 which is my first goal to start gathering and recording what I need to apply and save up $ for the fee. Anyway, my dogs are my passion; but my personal life will have a lot of changes as well.
I just am curious how others who have large packs of dogs handle the responsibility. We have our 6 and 2 fosters and even when they are small, it's a lot of little feet running about lol. Rob and I fell into a routine, He does the meals and potty breaks for our dogs; while I dish out meals to the fosters and handle their potty breaks (they are let out immediately after eating, at 12:30 and 8:30.). We live in the city for now so don't want dogs barking, so we let them out in 2 groups just based on their energy level and how they feed off each other's behaviors. Then 3 times a day apart from meals, I take them outside on longer breaks, for exercise or play with toys. I'm in charge of any supplements (glucosamine, probiotics) that a few get 2x daily; and Julian gets a supplement treat at every outing. I do nails on the 11th and 24th of each month. Frontline on the 1st, and heartworm meds on the 5th. Cresteds get groomed (faces at least) weekly. "Dog laundry" i.e. beds, blankets, or washable pads I take care of twice a week. We have a couple who may be living with us, (we're like the cast of Friends LOL) and they spend a lot of time here and with our dogs. Everyone has their 'favorite' dog so they get good attention, lol. I wake up early when Rob leaves for work, so thats why I'm often on in the mornings. =) I take care of any house chores first, cleaning, dishes etc. and on days there isn't anything to do (Happy after mothers day all!) since nobody was here yesterday, I finish early and the dogs are all still snoozing haha. So thats why I get CP time! I've rambled all that because I want to hear how others do it; their family/household dynamic etc. Are there any, say, "insider secrets" that I wouldn't already know? It honesty gets easier over time, I think; feels like less effort... I've met a few people before who struggle to take care of 2, and often wonder how they'd handle it at my house; or if the standard of care just varies that much? I have OCD and love cleaning, so it fits me well. I have anxiety issues as well, and my dogs help that immensely. I never feel alone, I talk to them a lot (don't worry I never expect to or hear anything back lmao) and since I spend so much time with them I get to know their personalities down to each detail! It helps me when they're not feeling well. I notice everything right away if there's a change.
So, this is getting WAY too long; and I'd like to hear how others handle things! What your routine is, how you make it work, etc. =) Thanks!
I just am curious how others who have large packs of dogs handle the responsibility. We have our 6 and 2 fosters and even when they are small, it's a lot of little feet running about lol. Rob and I fell into a routine, He does the meals and potty breaks for our dogs; while I dish out meals to the fosters and handle their potty breaks (they are let out immediately after eating, at 12:30 and 8:30.). We live in the city for now so don't want dogs barking, so we let them out in 2 groups just based on their energy level and how they feed off each other's behaviors. Then 3 times a day apart from meals, I take them outside on longer breaks, for exercise or play with toys. I'm in charge of any supplements (glucosamine, probiotics) that a few get 2x daily; and Julian gets a supplement treat at every outing. I do nails on the 11th and 24th of each month. Frontline on the 1st, and heartworm meds on the 5th. Cresteds get groomed (faces at least) weekly. "Dog laundry" i.e. beds, blankets, or washable pads I take care of twice a week. We have a couple who may be living with us, (we're like the cast of Friends LOL) and they spend a lot of time here and with our dogs. Everyone has their 'favorite' dog so they get good attention, lol. I wake up early when Rob leaves for work, so thats why I'm often on in the mornings. =) I take care of any house chores first, cleaning, dishes etc. and on days there isn't anything to do (Happy after mothers day all!) since nobody was here yesterday, I finish early and the dogs are all still snoozing haha. So thats why I get CP time! I've rambled all that because I want to hear how others do it; their family/household dynamic etc. Are there any, say, "insider secrets" that I wouldn't already know? It honesty gets easier over time, I think; feels like less effort... I've met a few people before who struggle to take care of 2, and often wonder how they'd handle it at my house; or if the standard of care just varies that much? I have OCD and love cleaning, so it fits me well. I have anxiety issues as well, and my dogs help that immensely. I never feel alone, I talk to them a lot (don't worry I never expect to or hear anything back lmao) and since I spend so much time with them I get to know their personalities down to each detail! It helps me when they're not feeling well. I notice everything right away if there's a change.
So, this is getting WAY too long; and I'd like to hear how others handle things! What your routine is, how you make it work, etc. =) Thanks!