Hello, so i recently adopted a medium sized dog from an animal shelter. He is 2 years old and very sweet. He is a golden retriever/cocker spaniel mix. Previously, I had only had small dogs and he is the first “larger” dog I have had. I live in an apartment by myself. I am still in school so I am gone for hours a the day for class. He is very clingy, following me everywhere I go. The main issue I am running into is his energy levels. He is high energy and I am not sure I have the ability to meet his requirements. Also his strength is hard to manage on walks when he wants to chase things and will pull me with him. I feel guilty wanting to return him but I think he will be a better fit with a family who can be at home with him or have a yard for him to run around in. I really wanted this to work but I feel so unprepared to have him and I’m not sure in the best fit for him? Should I go through returning him before he gets used to living with me or what should I do? I want him to have the best life possible but I am not sure that’s with me. Also he was a very popular dog at the shelter so he is bound to get adopted if he were to go back!
Edit: I just want to clarify that I do walk him a decent amount but I don’t think it’s enough compared to if were to have a house with a yard. I take him out 4-5 times a day. I’ll take him on a 1.5-2 hour walk in the morning, a hour walk walk mid day and a 2 hour walk at night. I’ll also take him out to a little dog park my apartment complex has for about 15-30 minutes in between his walks. Even with all these walks I find he has a lot of energy which is why I’m not sure I am able to meet his needs because I still have to go to class and tend to my responsibilities. Also I will admit and this is my fault I didn’t do enough research on owning a dog because I’ve only had dogs that did not have high energy and were okay not walking as much as this dog.
submitted by /u/Ancient-Violinist-50
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