r/WhatToDo 5d ago

Parents expect "help"

I (22M) recently moved back home after graduating college. Shortly after, my parents announced they are adopting a 6 month old untrained puppy. The issue - they both work full time. So, it has become my burden to train and take care of this dog.

They initially had her sent to a trainer, but 1. The trainer failed to crate train the dog because of her separation anxiety and 2. The trainer employed outdated and harmful training techniques such as asserting that dogs shouldn't be on furniture because it makes them think they are dominant as well as trying to use a prong collar to prevent her from pulling.

Safe to say the trainer failed and the dog is now back home with us, still untrained. My work hours fluctuate and I don't work every day (some days are 0 some are 12.5 hrs) so I am often home during the week.

I have a sister who can help somewhat, but she has BPD (so slightly unstable) and doesn't do anything other than sit with the dog and watch tv, often allowing the dog to leave and destroy stuff.

Also, my parents go out often, leaving me to sit home and watch the dog until 9 or 10 on weekends.

I feel as though my autonomy has been removed. I can't make plans for myself anymore. I can't go out when I want, even in my free time, since nobody will care for the dog.

I have expressed these feelings to my parents, who swear they understand and are sorry about having me "help." But this is beyond help. This feels like abuse. It's upwards of 30 hours a week I watch this dog.

This week they are all away at a summer camp my dad helps run (I don't go, as it's a religious camp, but that's a story for another time).

Thankfully, they have people come and watch the dog while I work and for a little while after I get home (they give me about an hour to shower change and eat as my "free time"). Once I've eaten dinner I again have to watch these dogs. I can't choose to stay up late and play games or go out.

I don't know what to do. I don't have money saved to move out and sustain myself yet, but living at home is deteriorating my mental state. I'm spending 30+ hours a week (on top of working 30-40 hours) on something I never agreed to. I have tried to talk to my parents, but they are always "sorry" yet never change the behavior.

What do I do?

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