Puppy Welfare

[PuzzledPup]

I am wanting some advice if possible...

My DSis is in a relationship with a bloke who seems quite controlling. A few weeks ago he had the great idea to get a puppy. She has always hated dogs so we were a bit shocked. They both work full time and Neither have any puppy experience and not do I or other family members. However, we are all very concerned for the pups welfare and don't know what to do.

It is now 20 weeks old and vaccinated so can go out. Myself and family members go round during the day to take pup out as we are concerned he is on his own in his cage for long hours during the day. We have now been told not to do this as they want the pup to learn how to walk with then properly on a lead and if others walk him it will confuse him. He has clearly visible ribs showing and they only feed him once to twice a day. He is not allowed a water bowl in his cage as he then urinates in there. They tell us this is all ok for a puppy. We have all brought pup toys and have been told he is not to have them. He has one soft toy in his cage and that is apparently all he needs. It does not sound right to us, does it to those of you with puppy experience?

What would you do in this situation? My DM, DH, DBro and I have all tried speaking to them about it...we have said can we continue to walk once a day, perhaps up the feeds to more frequently (little and often), pop round to play with him with some toys during the day, let him have a water bowl
In his cage etc. My DSis has said no and that her DP does not want any of this she seems worried to go against his wishes.

Any thought would be gratefully received. Are we interfering unnecessarily?

[Lonecatwithkitten]

No water is a serious welfare problem, would they really like to spend 8 hours without a drink. That's just for starters.
No toys
No exercise
No stimulation
Disaster all over it.

[PuzzledPup]

Their shift patterns so overlap so he is left 5 hours but that seems such a long time still. My DM has just rung in tears as she has not been able to see him today to check he's ok.

Can others walking or seeing to a pup besides its owners really confuse it?

[affafantoosh]

What Lonecat said. Is the resistance to your help possibly because your family is so heavily involved in this situation? I completely agree that this is inadequate though, and it is more likely that the pup would develop problems as a consequence of inadequate and poor quality socialisation and simulation than that it would develop problems due to having multiple carers. It is really important that everyone follows the same consistent rules of course but the benefit outweighs any disadvantage.

[PuzzledPup]

I am at a loss as to why they won't accept the help. I can see we are all probably driving them a little potty. We all have keys for each others houses and tend to come and go as we please. We aren't allowed the keys anymore for hers as we were letting ourselves in while they were at work but had said in advance who was going that day. I suggested they dictate the terms and the terms are no one goes to see to him anymore.

It's such an odd situation! They seem oblivious to his basic needs.

[JadeJ123]

Surely it would be in the dogs best interest to be re-homed to people that actually wanted the dog and would treat it right. Sadly the RSPCA won't do anything because the dog has food and shelter but you could call them about the water issue. This is a big disaster waiting to happen, better to get it sorted sooner rather than later.

[SpicyPear]

Yes this is appalling for the puppy, it's neglect and a recipe for severe behavioural problems.

I'm equally as worried about your sister. From your snapshot this man sounds like he could be heading down a textbook path of abuse. There is help on the Relationships board if you need it.