Is it cruel to play with a neighbor's bored dog if I'll leave?

That sounds like an awfully big change for Spring, so he may experience some anxiety and stress about being chained up, especially if he hasn't before. Spring likely won't forget you if you return to him, as dogs have gone years before seeing their owners again and are usually happy at their return. Looking into seeing if someone else can watch him that can give him more time, or seeing if a rescue can take him temporarily into foster care may be better off for his mental and physical well-being. Being chained all day long with little exercise or care likely isn't the best for him. You may try contacting a local shelter in your area to see if they have any programs such as temporary fostering that may be a better option.

I think it's fabulous you are doing daily play dates with your dog, and I would keep it up! It's natural she may seem a little depressed after leaving the play date. She was having fun with her friend, and she doesn't want it to end. I have a Basset Hound and my friend across the street has a female one. We get together for play dates, and we call them boyfriend/girlfriend (I have a male). They both get sad about being separated and sulk for a bit after their play dates end. I would keep up the daily play dates, it's great exercise for them and great socialization.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Most of the people work all day and have animals. I know we all feel guilty about leaving our pets but that is the way life goes. As long as when you are home you are walking her, interacting and playing with her you are doing a good job. You can consider sending her to doggie day care 2-3 times per week for interaction, have a neighbor kid pop in to walk her or send her to a friend or relatives house who may not work as other options. The cage is a safe place for her and your personal belongings. I wish you the best!

Probably a lot less than you are giving him. By being Dexter's constant source of fun, you are keeping him from finding ways to amuse himself (with toys, balls, etc.) If for some reason (hospitalization, trip, new job) you are unable to keep this up, you may find a problem develop. By all means give him love and attention, but I'm afraid you've taken it too far. You are not his one-man entertainment committee. If you try to pull back a little (and by all means you should), you may find that he tries to insist on more. This is not because he "needs" it, but because you've created the expectation in him. Do not give in. Ignore any of his attempts to get you going again. Gradually lessen the time you pay attention to him, until you are down to about ten minutes/hour. This does not mean that you should play with him for ten minutes every hour; it is more like what your interactions should average out to be over the course of a day. Good luck with this!

I agree with you that spending the majority of the time caged is not a good way for your seven dogs to live. If you are too busy to walk or play with them and they are spending most of their time cages the best thing (and most fair thing for the dogs) is to try to find them a different home. Seven dogs are a lot to care for so if you found good homes for some of them, then you'd have more quality time to spend with the others. There may be rescue groups in your area that can help you find a good home for your dogs where they can get the attention they deserve. Until you are able to re-home them I recommend trying to take them out and play with them as much as possible. Good luck and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This isn't good for the dog. He cannot live on a leash, it is cruel. This is no life for a dog, and he does need to be exercised and stimulated. You can tell her that you've spoken to a vet who strongly discourages this.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would play with each dog individually, but not where the other dogs can see. Put the other dogs inside in separate rooms where they can't see you from the windows. Play fetch, take them for a run (if you run), walk on a leash in a park, bring pull toys outside. Play with each dog 30-45 mins per day individually. There is no easy answer due to your circumstances. I hope this helps in some way and I wish you all the best!