DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have had two big dogs for several years. In general, they are well-behaved, but they have a lot of energy. I have two kids and limited free time, and my husband no longer walks them. I refuse to do it because the dogs are very strong. They have knocked me over on a couple of occasions. Because the dogs have no release, we have come home several times to find they have destroyed one thing or another in the house (chewed up walls, furniture, carpet).
I suggested dog training and/or a dog walker, but my husband refuses and promises to start walking them again (which usually lasts a couple of weeks, at most). He was raised to believe that dogs are part of the family, while I was not, so when I suggest that we "rehome" the dogs to someone who can devote more time to them, he won't consider it, saying he could never do that to a family member.
I'm at my wit's end. The situation is affecting our marriage in a number of ways. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. -- LOTS OF ENERGY IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR LOTS OF ENERGY: Gladly. Enlist your husband's help once again in walking those "family members" and suggest he take the kids along. They might enjoy the "family" outing, and it would give you some time to yourself. Your reason for not doing it is valid. You should not risk physical injury.
When he stops walking the dogs again in a few weeks -- as he will -- hire the dog walker. If he objects, ask him which is more expensive, this or fixing the damage the dogs invariably cause when they haven't had enough exercise to tire them out. I'm sure he will see your reasoning.