Lady Refuses Mom's Request To Care For Her High-Energy Dog For Good Reasons, Family Pressures Her To As They Tag Her Ungrateful
Similar to people, some dog breeds naturally have higher levels of energy than others. Each dog is unique, so even if you purchase a dog from a breed that is thought to have relatively low energy, you may find that he is outpacing you.
Border collies and German shepherds are extremely high-energy dogs, so even if you have a lot of energy yourself, you can't keep up with them. There are ways to manage a high-energy dog, even if you're not naturally high-energy.
You don't have to choose a particular dog just based on how energetic they are. The majority of high-energy dogs simply won't be satisfied with a walk.
Even when you are worn out and ready to go to bed, they can still be bouncing off the walls, whether you walk them in the morning, at noon, or at night. This means that you must find your dog an exercise program with a higher level of intensity, the simplest being a dog park.
For the OP, she chose to send her high-energy dog to an expensive dog daycare. It gives her dog the chance to interact with other dogs and different people.
OP's cousin was looking for a dog daycare and went to the same one where OP placed her dog. Apparently, the cousin was appalled at the cost and told the whole family.
Now, OP's mom wants to watch her dog, but OP disagrees.
OP writes

OP adopted a dog that's very active and demands a lot of attention and special care

OP's cousin went to her daycare and then spread how much it cost to the whole family

The Psychology of Family Pressure
This situation underscores the emotional complexity of family expectations, particularly when it comes to caregiving responsibilities.
Research indicates that family pressure can lead to stress and anxiety, especially when individuals feel compelled to meet others' expectations.
Such pressures can often stem from cultural norms that prioritize familial duty over individual needs, leading to feelings of resentment.
"Why don't you think I, who have much more experience with dogs than you, won't be able to handle your dog?"

Just in case the story was too long and you couldn't read it all, the OP provides a summary:
TL;DR: I have a high-energy, difficult-to-handle dog, and my mom wants to dog-sit him during the week. I declined because he's very much a handful. She got offended and now will only talk to me if I let her babysit the puppy. Her birthday and Mother's Day are coming, and I'd like to spend time with her. What should I do?
And the comments roll in...

Why would the OP trust her with the dog?

When individuals feel pressured to conform to family expectations, it can lead to a conflict between personal desires and familial loyalty.
Studies show that this internal conflict can result in emotional distress and impact overall well-being.
Encouraging open dialogue about individual needs and boundaries can help alleviate this pressure.
This daycare program is something the dog needs

OP's mother is just being unreasonable

Here, the OP reveals some more details
She has had a lot of dogs, but they were small breeds or very chill, from what I've heard. Also, a lot of them were older and calmer.
He is a Brazilian mastiff, and honestly, I can count on one hand those who can handle him. Considering his breed, he's pretty calm and sociable, but if you compare him to others...
Keeping this kind of behavior in mind

Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Family
To navigate family pressures, it's crucial for individuals to establish clear boundaries regarding their availability and willingness to help.
Research indicates that boundary-setting can empower individuals to prioritize their own needs while maintaining healthy family relationships.
Family discussions that focus on needs and boundaries can facilitate mutual understanding and respect.
OP's mom is being unreasonable

Telling them to back off

Dog is happy and owner is happy

Practical solutions include creating family agreements that outline caregiving roles and expectations.
By fostering an environment of collaboration, families can work together to balance responsibilities while respecting individual autonomy.
Ultimately, addressing these dynamics proactively can lead to healthier family interactions and reduce conflict.
If your town or city offers a dog park, you should consider taking your energetic dog there to let him run around. It is especially beneficial if other energetic dogs frequently visit the park.
The owners of those dogs will be just as happy with the scenario as you are if they can play with each other until they are exhausted. The OP was only trying to avoid any issues that would result from her mom watching her dog.
Psychological Analysis
This scenario highlights the emotional complexity of family expectations, where individuals often feel torn between personal desires and familial obligations.
It's essential for family members to communicate openly about their boundaries to foster understanding and reduce conflict.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, navigating family pressures and establishing personal boundaries are vital for maintaining mental health and well-being.
By fostering open communication and mutual respect, families can create a supportive environment that values each member's autonomy.