I can no longer sit for my son’s undisciplined dog

DEAR ABBY: For the last four years, I have been hosting my son “Dennis,” his 6-year-old son and his brother’s 8-year-old daughter every other weekend.

Dennis bought a puppy, “Champ,” to go with his house and brings him on these visits. Champ is nice enough but extremely active. He runs wild and barks, digs holes and has never been trained. The grandkids are cousins, and they are thick as thieves. They love running around indoors and out, but I am worn out.

This arrangement caused problems between Dennis and me because he isn’t as on top of managing Champ as he thinks he is. Also, I am the de facto dog watcher when Dennis has plans, and that’s four or five times a year for three days to a week. I have told him more than once that he needs to get the animal trained or hire a sitter. He has not.

Dennis was going to take a car trip with his brother, sister-in-law, niece and his brother’s dog. Because his brother wouldn’t take two dogs, Dennis asked me to watch Champ, which I declined. I caught heck, and it was stressful, but I stuck to my guns.

Wouldn’t you know that Dennis will be in town helping his brother clear out a property for sale and now he needs me to watch his dog for the weekend? Why is he asking me and putting me right back in the same position? Can you give me some insight? I will pass on the reply and follow your lead.

— DOGGED IN WASHINGTON