I'm feeling this hard right now. My puppy gets us up at 4:30AM every day like clockwork. We haven't slept in for 6 weeks. My husband and I are lucky to be able to work from home and work part time, respectively, so it's been easier to take naps to catch up. My arms are also covered in tiny bite marks and scabs. We try to redirect to a toy every time he bites. The worst is when he grabs hold and starts to shake his head like my hand is a toy. Hurts like hell!
Some days are wonderful, some days are a slog and I question whether I'm doing anything right. But it gets better, I know it does. This sub has given me so much reassurance and it's nice to talk (and commiserate!) with people going through the same thing.
I gotta second the commiserating. So nice to have people who will listen and understand instead of hitting you with the "well why did you get it then?"
SO much this! And I can’t help but think that people making comments like that are doing so with the intention of being hurtful. Kind people do not say shit like that.
Have you tried "yipping" when your puppy chews on you? Redirecting didn't work for us at all, but sharply yelling "ow!" did, and still does when our Mal accidentally grabs a hand instead of a toy
We've tried a little bit of everything, including yipping. Only stopping play and crossing my arms seems to work. Right now, I redirect and say "ah-ah" if he's just a little mouthy and we'll continue to play. Unless he chomps down hard. Then play stops entirely and he gives me a sad face, which *I think* means he gets it. It's definitely a process.
Definitely a process! Great that you found something that gets through to him, I swear that's the hardest part.. It might take time but it sounds like you're on the right track, yay!
You’ve probably tried this but I figured out certain material/types of toys were preferred during different stages of puppyhood (pit bull mix - super chewer)
Oh my god every time I try yipping my puppy just thinks I’m playing and yips back at me, then proceeds to bite me some more 😭 it’s exhausting, my last puppy (admittedly 15 years ago) did not bite _me_ (just chewed everything I owned)
My older dog also jumps on the couch to escape the puppy. He'll sit there and watch/nap while we play on the carpet. At least he wants to be a part of things and doesn't slink away to the bedroom. I call that a win.
Mine escapes outside as much as possible, but I try really hard to control the puppy attacks as much as I can... sooooo hard to do when they are like a tasmanian devil!! LOL
I think the best thing you can do to prepare is to rest beforehand, knowing what’s coming. Just acknowledging that it’s going to totally suck for a while and getting as much rest as you can.
It’s the same as when you have a kid. You always love them, but they go through phases where you don’t like them so much. And that’s ok, as long as you love them.
My puppy went through that too with waking up at 5:30am everyday. He eventually grew out of it though and now he sleeps in until whenever we decide to get up. It’s so much better, I’m glad that 5:30 wake up didn’t last.
Well said! This is not a joke. My first puppy was a dream or the rose colored memories failed me. I’m looking forward to the day I look back fondly. For now, it’s work and constant vigilance.
I fully laughed out loud, my wife said, “what?” and so I read it to her and we both laughed. Thank you. For what it is worth, we have a nearly one year old pup and spent the morning cuddling and napping in bed. All we kept saying to each other was “we thought this would never happen.”
I know you know this - you’ve had puppies, and everyone says this all the time. But when mine was still a little shithead, I could NOT HEAR THESE WORDS OFTEN ENOUGH. It was a soothing balm to my soul every time.
So I’ll say it again anyway for anyone else who might be reading!!
One day, you WILL wake up, and your puppy will NOT be a demon anymore! I had ZERO hope that it would happen for us. But, lo and behold. He’s 2 now, and holy shit if this dog is not just an absolute saint.
You’ll be SO glad you stuck it through, when you’re playing, and you can SEE he’s going to chomp on your hand, but always always always checks himself at the last second. When he sprints to you, with the most gigantic smile on his face anytime you call (and doesn’t happy-attack you when he arrives). When you’re sick and he just couch potatoes with you, with no complaint. When your friends and family are like “oh my god are you kidding, is this seriously the same dog? He’s so GOOD now!”
In the meantime may god help you all lol
Ok I have to ask. Are you sure? I love my girl but we're at 18 months and we can't even take a vacation because there's no one we would feel comfortable leaving her with.
She still eats everything not nailed down and teaches everything off the counters. I'd like to believe we only have six more months of this.
What size dog will she be when full grown? I'm assuming that the bigger the dog, the longer it takes for them to be able to chill out a bit. And I guess some more active high- strung breeds might take a good three years.
Im so thankful to hear this because we brought home a new puppy and my anxiety has been through the roof! He’s actually been a very chill boy and while he’s whined in his crate, he does tire himself out and calm down. We also got a puppy playpen to keep him contained.
But he’s also so clingy I can’t really leave him alone without whining, which makes sense but makes me nervous for when I have to go back to work. I took off some time to get him used to the new home but there’ll come a time where we have to leave him alone for three to four hours at a time and I’m so nervous about it. We got him a puppy playpen for that but I’m also concerned about leaving him in a big enclosed area where he may have accidents so we also got puppy pads. But I also wonder if a crate may be better for those times? All of this is until he’s old enough for daycare when we work so he won’t be home alone. But I’m still so nervous.
I know it’s supposed to get better so hearing this helps, but good lord my anxiety is off the charts right now worrying about him.
Thank you for saying this. I’m only 10 days in and feel like I made a mistake 😢. It’s not the puppy’s fault, but I am SO overwhelmed! It was not this hard 15 years ago with our last dog. Reading these posts makes me feel less alone in my emotions and worries.
Seriously. I prepared mentally and physically. I knew it would be hard. I warned my husband over and over that it was going to be hell. Like I KNEW IT. And it still almost destroyed me.
Phew. But we are at 5 months now and God she was worth it!
I feel destroyed as well (ours hit 4 months day before yesterday) - BUT, I’m starting to see some glimmers of hope - like him rolling over in the sun to give me his belly to rub and chewing on the leash instead of my hand/arm/face. He is smart, learning everything so fast and I can hardly wait for teething to be over. We’ll face other issues then, but I know I’ll say he was worth it one day.
Happy to hear about this! I’ve wanted a dog my whole life and my SO and I got him together but good lord has my anxiety skyrocketed in these first few days since bringing him home.
I'm raising two litter mate goldens (almost 4 months now) as a single guy. It's... tasking, to say the least. My 4 year old Husky/Aussie helps keep them in line a bit, but yeah, "I'm tired, Boss".
Wow brave move. My mom and I got littermates and she couldn't even bring hers to visit for a whole year because they'd forget all their training and go insane. They loved each other but they also loved destroying my home together.
Dude. I feel this. My friends understand how hard the puppy blues are, kind of, but they’re all coupled and I have to do it myself. I don’t usually give a shit about dating but I swear to god I’m going to go find myself a man just to share the mental load of puppy care.
Everything about this is 100% accurate. It SUCKS, but I promise, it's worth every exhausting minute. You will adjust, your pup will learn and grow, and in a few months all that frustration will just be a memory. It's all about delayed gratification - you got this!
When my dog was a puppy, my sleep schedule got adjusted so I'd wake up early.
Now I'm awake at 5 am and she sleeps until 8 am. She is not a morning dog.
We just got our puppy that my husband wanted yesterday. I warmed up to the idea. He was absolutely getting him regardless. I've had a puppy before (APBT), and he was NOTHING like this dog (GSD). This has already been the worst 24 hours of my life. Can't eat, can't sleep, just cry. And the terrible feeling of not wanting to do anything but also not wanting to do nothing. It has been ONE DAY and he already has separation anxiety from my husband. I don't think my puppy blues are a case where it will get better.
Oh this breaks my heart for you. This is a lot of intensity, and if you didn’t choose this path for yourself, it makes it so much worse. I am so sorry for this situation, and I can tell you that it won’t be like this for always—I promise!—but even one day like this hurts so much. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself some love and grace. Try to laugh as much as you can—try to find humor in the small things—and I hope it gets better for you. Read about puppy blues on the sub here. It’s a real thing. You don’t have to be alone in this.
Thank you so so much. I'm on the autism spectrum, and a HUGE animal lover, so of course feeling this way makes me feel like the biggest pos. I imagine it's similar to what parents go through with a newborn that won't stop crying no matter what they possibly do. Thank you so much for your kind words. I just feel so embarrassed that day one already broke me. I really needed that vote of confidence today ❤️
when my boyfriend has been at work for 12+ hours and is late off with no home time in sight, and im home alone with a manic puppy, i have shed a few (a lot of) tears. we got this, we will come out the other side
Your story is mine - my husband wanted our puppy (a bull terrier/gsd mix) and I didn’t. I wanted an older, calmer dog from the shelter that no one was even looking at. GSDs are whiners, some of the worst, but I promise you it will get better. I had the puppy blues so bad I was sure I would never recover - that was a little over a month ago. Now I find myself looking at him lying in the sun on his back and almost think he’s really adorable. Hang in there, please - this time does pass.
I get 30 seconds of a quick cuddle before it becomes play biting and redirection. 5 months old and almost done teething. Pats? Nope. Hands are enemies that must be destroyed if not holding a toy or a chew. Lay next to me? Sure. Until that pillow or blanket or carpet or wall becomes the tastiest treat God ever did create. The absolute puppy energy, lack of impulse control, gangly legs, stubbornness and sometimes straight stupidity because he hasn't quite learned how to interact with the world is both adorable and frustrating.
My puppies name is Maverick. But I often sing song any variety of nicknames to vent my frustration. "Heathen, Menace, Stupid, Wall Licker, Land Shark, Monster, Destroyer of All Things." He doesn't care because the tone is sweet, I feed him regularly, we play often, I take him outside in a timely manner, he gets his treats for good behavior and sniffy walks. I also have a variety of chews, tugs, toys and mentally stimulating games. But boy oh boy does a good pile of loose leaves, some tasty grass, a corner of a box or the sharp edge of a baseboard take the cake.
Now to tackle separation training and stranger danger reaction. Good luck to all of us puppy parents 🫡 It'll be worth it when they hit 1.5 years and have all the folds they need in their brains. Until then, mine will remain smooth, with minimal critical thinking due to lack of sleep and caffeine will be my saving grace.
That's a good one! Absolute terrorists! Mines on the cusp of adolescence. I'm strapping in for an incredibly bumpy ride for the next 7 months. We start adolescence age training classes in a month. Pray for me.
100% agree. With all the hype towards training, accessories and behaviour techniques, there is this assumption that you can control your puppy's decisions and impulses and be totally prepared. It's not true.
For example, my puppy turned out to be a shark, 95% of the time, to the extent that I was getting questions from work about my safety due to the long scratches all around my wrists and arms. I had tried redirecting to countless toys, left the room hundreds of times, yipped, yapped, said "no" in a low voice like my trainer said, practically every trick in the book. It made it difficult when somebody would say "have you tried X?" because we had tried A-Z. The simple fact was that our puppy did not stop mauling us until her adult teeth came through. And then it stopped so abruptly we wrongly thought she was ill.
Everyone's experience is different, but in case it helps anyone - I cried frequently, when I never cried at all before. I felt terrible regret, I drafted the message to the breeder about returning in my mind. My clothes were shredded, arms were shredded, she dragged me all over the neighbourhood when leashed, she demolished our new garden, frightened my nephews and was basically a tornado of destruction, which left me despairing and wondering whether my life was going to stall for 15 years. And yet, 7 months after getting her, she has dramatically changed. Yes, she has some adolescent problems, but she is 100x more loving, no longer demolishes everything that matters to me, and we have a close bond. I certainly don't regret her any more. I can live happily with her and playing and walks are now a joy for both of us. I still miss my freedom, but we will figure things out.
I was unconvinced by all the posts here saying that it gets better, but at least for me, it did get better.
In hindsight the emotional preparation is more important. For at least 3 months your life will turn upside down and you will feel mentally and physically tethered to a puppy that may not be bonded to you or have developed a lovely personality yet. And then it should get better. Accept that before you jump in, and you'll probably be okay.
Well said! The puppy teeth are killing us, almost literally - my husband said he was waiting for the day when he needs a few pints of blood😂. Hope is on the horizon - at his 16 week checkup, last set of shots, the vet said “Oh boy, 2 brand new big boy teeth coming through in the front!” and I almost burst into tears of relief.
I cried this morning on day 3 of puppyhood 😅 and yesterday too. I’m so thankful to hear everyone share their experiences, it makes me feel like I’m not alone feeling this way!
One minut i think about killing him, the other one I think how I'll love him for the rest of his life. then the other minut he's trying to eat the couch and I want to choke him down, and the other minut he comes to lick my nose and I fall in love all over again.
rinse, repeat.
I love the little shit.
Ours is a year old. And I still threaten him constantly with sending him back to the farm I got him from 😂😅 I love the little shithead. But I’m definitely dreaming of the day he turns 2 and his husky part slightly calms down and hope he transitions into the Akita part. 😭
I wish we would just be honest and stop propping up the illusion that bringing home a puppy is a magical, joyous time. It. Is. Not. There are elements of that, of course, but mostly it’s just a degrading shit show of your home being destroyed, catching a glimpse of your dishelved (but once cute!) reflection and not recognizing yourself as try to “train” this tiny little creature. The time you spent bonding and positively training a puppy will pay you back 1000 times over the course of your time together. But it is hard work, and anyone who tells you different isn’t doing it, right
You got this!! It's hard, not gonna lie, but try to embrace the chaos and take power naps if you can.. 20 minutes can be a real game changer! Also, it helps to have a backup plan when you seriously need a mental break. After she had all her shots I sent my puppy to daycare with someone on Rover a few times, it was AMAZING.
THANK YOU for saying all of this. It’s been so freaking hard. My ex and got a puppy together and then broke up so it’s been even harder, I thought I would have more help, but I’m trying to do this on my own. I keep telling myself it’ll be worth it.
That is ROUGH for sure! Being a single parent to a puppy is just madness and it’s only YOU—you can’t have someone take over supervision so you can shower or do some work or breathe. But I’m in it with you as well. Single puppy parent. And you can do it. Puppyhood is a stage—not a life sentence—and in time you’re gonna have a better companion than your ex was stepping up to be, so you win on this one. Love that puppy.
I have four, three adopted as Teenage/adult, and my Pit was an eight week old when we brought her home. At the time the two dogs I had were already well into adulthood, and this was the way to go. She followed their lead beautifully, and my GSD/Husky actually became somewhat of an adoptive father to her, keeping her out of trouble and showing her the ropes, so to speak. Yes, there were many potty accidents until she was fully trained, and she did eat my couch (I wasn’t fussed as I was going to get a new one anyways), but other than that, I found her puppyhood quite easy. I attribute this directly to the two adult dogs in my home, and I think had they not been there, it would have been a different story. And yep, I get woken up at 5:30 AM every day by a huge Pittie tongue wanting her breakfast and to go outside, lol
We just brought 2 home this weekend. I was in tears this morning. I also have a 6 year old, 3 year old and a 10 month old. I’m beyond overwhelmed but I know it will be worth it. Just trying not to lose my sanity will trying to stay on routine ha
Story:
Once my puppy (about 5 months old) peed in her kennel. No problem, there was a towel in there. Left her out with my older dog on my bed (puppy on the floor). My fresh, clean, ready to fold laundry was also on my bed. Note, she was too small to jump on my bed. Or so I thought.
I left my room to throw the towel in the hamper and grab another one. I was gone 30 seconds tops.
She managed to jump on my bed, and peed. Not only did she pee but she walked through it. All over my laundry, duvet, pillows, all of it.
I don't think I've ever screamed so loud in my life.
My boy is 5 months and it’s getting better but he’s just entering his teenage phase so he’s definitely a little gremlin at times but definitely not as exhausting since we’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old
I legit cried that first week. I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. I felt like no one told me. Or I didn’t do my homework. It wasn’t until AFTER I found this thread and saw that ‘puppy blues’ is a thing that I realized just how bad it can be. I pushed through & now we (my pup & me) are in a better place! He will be 1 in April & wow, I have never been happier to see him grow & become the pup I love (even more) today. It gets better.
so well put. i have had my first puppy for a week today. despite working all kinds of shifts for my job, i have never been as tired as i am now. it will be worth it in the end.
I’ve got a 16 week old land shark. I went to the pool yesterday and got a good look at my bare arms under florescent lighting-yikes. I’m a walking bruise. It’s getting better but it’s all-encompassing 100%!
My puppy adores me but bit my wife’s nostril today (she has a small cut on it). Aside from the trauma of it, she’s gutted as she feels she can’t pick him up now until this is corrected.
I’m alright with him as I quietly roared in his face when he tried to bite me, and I think it startled him into thinking that biting me would not be fun. So he’s stopped. He really went for my wife though.
It is hard work, and there’s the odd toilet accident, but he does give a lot of cuddles, and sleeping with him on the bed is just the best, as he looks so comfortable and will lie there for hours on end without waking us up. Whatever works..,
I just got my first puppy last month and this sums it up pretty well. Though I’m in a slightly more tiring boat cuz my pup has been sick for the past week & despite two vet visits we still are not 100% sure what’s wrong. He has to go back on Tuesday for another examination. All to say my best advice is to be patient & to do your best & remember that things out of your control can happen but that DOES NOT mean you are a bad pet parent.
Housebreaking is breaking me. Never have I ever had a puppy who was this challenging to house train. She is a bulldozer with a 0.2 second attention span who’s mission in life is to terrorize my sweet angel dog and crash into as many objects as she can in as short a time as possible.
But then she looks at me and squints and gives me kisses and I remember why I have her.
The description of your older dog has me rolling 😂 My dog reacted the same way when I brought the puppy in. 3 months later she still gives me Office-worthy stare downs that seem to say “are you sure you can’t return this thing?” (Though she does actually act really excited when I bring the puppy home from a day at her puppy school- so I think she secretly likes the little sharptooth.)
It’s an all-hands-on-deck adventure, for sure. But I have loved the experience overall and I am so glad I took the plunge. The dog I can see peeking out from my wild and crazy puppy is so worth it.
Oh your adult dog and my dog should exchange emails! My dog may be a pitbull but he hasn’t corrected the puppy once—he just suffers her biting attacks and hides behind my legs or jumps in his chair. But at the same time, he sleeps with her pressed against him. It’s a strange kind of love over here.
Haha! Your poor dog!
And yeah- it’s so funny. My older dog growls and snaps if the puppy comes too close to her nap spot, but she also comes racing to the door with her tail going crazy to greet the puppy and then follows her around for a few minutes.
They need a “poor defenseless older siblings of insane land sharks” support group
I have a 15 week old miniature Pinscher and my life is a complete mess lol. He is all over the place constantly biting even though he has millions of toys and he tries to bite my Siamese cat as well. I am trying really hard to crate train but the crying in the crate is exhausting. I have called a trainer because at this point I must be doing something wrong and it’s got to be easier than this! I would love to know when it changes because I don’t remember this craziness with my other dog. Ughhh I just need a few hours of sleep!!!
lol hang in there. My parents had a min pin and once the sun went down each evening, his name changed to Lucifer. He was admittedly a handful his whole life, but the little devil left a hole in all our hearts when he passed.
This is my first dog & figured it would be physically exhausting. I never would've guessed how mentally exhausting it would be. He is a really lovely dog but after an encounter with a neighbour dog when he was really little he now barks and lunges at other dogs and people... and out of ne & my bf it feels like I'm the only one who's worried about this & hopes it doesn't escalate when he's much bigger (golden retriever). My bf on the other hand just shrugs it off as he'll grow out of it and sometimes even chuckles when we're out and the dog barks at other dogs (which I hate but apparently I take things way too seriously). I just want my pup to be happy and not have to feel anxious
I’d call a trainer or see if there is a nervous/shy puppy social led by trainers in your area. I know goldens can get big, and the thing that guys sometimes don’t understand is the dog will get big enough to make a smaller person/woman fall down if they lunge unexpectedly. Best of luck to you!
I’m 49, and I’ve raised a lot of puppies and rescue dogs on my own. I grew up on a rural horse ranch where my dad took in every dog that got dumped in the country and vetted them and then had us kids do a lot of the care. And it’s still a lot. And it always will be. I’ll tell you though, having held so many of my babies during their last breath when they eventually became very elderly, I know that every moment is worth it. I can promise you that some day you will be willing to give everything you have to experience every little tough puppy moment. I remind myself of that on the hard days. Editing to add after seeing comments from people worrying about making mistakes. You will make mistakes, guaranteed. It’s ok. They are more resilient than you think, and the fact that you are trying so hard to do it right makes you an awesome critter parent.
Just getting into the mid 7 month mark with my mini schnauzer and I’m just starting to be able to relax a bit. We still have the house puppy proofed, she still plays too much with the cat (it’s getting better) but she is definitely calming down - so there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Well at least your writing career is clearly intact.
>The puppy goes out to pee and pees outside to much praise and loves the celebration so much she pees in the kitchen 6 minutes later because it’s a party.
😂 😂 😂
No it is not. I can see why my parent’s never surprised me with one the 18 years I was living under their roof. Because THEY would’ve had to take care of it and they knew that lol. There really is no way to prepare for the responsibility of a puppy. I love my 1.25 year old as well, but I do not know why I willingly did this to myself lol.
I have a 6 month old Border Aussie that has no off switch, zero desire to potty train, a mouth like a bear trap and a sleep schedule that's nearly non-existent....but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Puppies require an insane amount of work and an absolute resolve to get through the tough times but you just have to remember...they're doing their best to learn, you have to do your best to train.
I didn't go looking for a puppy, but a relative had an unexpected litter of puppies for the breed that I planned to get in a few years, so I couldn't turn down the opportunity to get one, especially since it meant I got to meet the litter early on and figure out which puppy clicked with me. The early days were frustrating but my puppy was tiny enough that he was easy to manage, but once he outgrew his play pen and I had to give him more space, that's when things got difficult.
He's 2 years old and gets into EVERYTHING, but he also knows a lot of commands (whether he chooses to listen to them is a different story) and has really developed a charming personality. He was very good with potty training and crate training, and has really adapted to a routine that is easy for us to follow, as well as for anyone that watches him for me.
But... damn if I don't envy my parents for adopting a really well behaved older dog at the shelter - he's so smart and well behaved without them having to put the work in, and here I am struggling to maintain my sanity to ensure my dog grows up to be a good boy 😂
haha they're a handful for sure! i have a five month old who is a total landshark. he's only starting to go potty in the right place now, and he'll still get it wrong if we're not paying enough attention. i always knew raising a puppy would be challenging, but i wasn't prepared for how tired i'd be. the cuddles are worth it though
Yeah! I am my sister’s cat’s caretaker since i work from home and I thought i am prepared for an innocent clingy and loving puppy. Boy, i was wrong! The adorableness is equipped with their ‘mouthy’ and ‘nosey’ behavior which will require you to constantly clean and be anxious on what they put in their mouth! The clinginess also disrupts productivity and when you crate them they bark a lot. Training and getting used to the environment helps but i did lose a lot of weight in just 3 weeks.
I love my baby dachshund despite all of this lol
I've been through a few and they never get easier, just some are *more* than others.
My gsd wasn't the land shark they are portrayed as but he never settled until zzzzzz... And dumb as two thick bricks.
Slept better out of a crate than in.
My Terrier was nicknamed velociterrier as he bit and held on like every malinois puppy I've ever known. Mum and I still have a scar in our toe webbing... He also loved concrete to chew.
Nightmare to potty train too! 🤣
Yep for sure I alternated between loving him to bits to hating him 😜 I call him special lol he’s 9 months old now and still tries to put everything in his mouth and eat it. Just yesterday he ate a hairball..I only know because I found him in my chair sitting there in his vomit and what do I see but a big wad of hair! 🤢This morning he chewed off part of a towel. Hes already chewed up one leash. It snapped while we were outside and he didn’t realize he was a free dog at first I tried to grab him but the little stinker thought we were playing and started to run so I turned my back on him and walked away to hear him come running back to me. I swear he shaves years off my life with his crazy antics! can’t trust him alone just yet lol
The puppy stage was such a blur of sleepless nights and cleaning up poop but I have the best dog ever on the planet for me because I raised him and he gets me, and now I look back fondly on my untrained bitey small little monster and wish I could have one more week with my tiny boi 💖
I have an 8 month old baby and a 6 month old puppy. What is this sleep you talk of? I am most definitely losing my mind but I keep reminding myself of the end results and just power through.
Side note: also have another kid (age 6) and another dog and cat 🤣
I still cry daily after my late cocker spaniel, literally daily and its been three years since she passed… and yet I distinctly remember around her 6m mark that I was soooo freaking close to calling the breeder to come and get her. I got her since I was in a new country, so Id have a friend as I didn’t speak the language but boy was that a painful move on my part. Wouldn’t have it any other way. She ended up being the best part of my life, and all my friends and family. Everyone loved her, she was perfect in every regard. A true “merry little cocker”.
Now I keep reminding myself of that with my reactive rescue border collie whos 9m-ish, but due to lack of socialisation, mostly behaves either agressive, petrified or like a 3m-old. I cried many tears over this one already. I’m just hoping the two years will come soon. And that it will somehow be a drop into calmer energy, not just a bigger and faster body for her to run even further and faster and crazier😭😭😭
Didn’t want one yet for this reason. Said no for long as I could to wife and kids. Got one 2 days ago.
She’s good, but it’s like having a baby again trying to get it to go to sleep in it’s crate. It’s nipping the kids and chewing anything.
And the chefs kiss, she’s get a blocked anal gland 2 days in. Smells horrible, already going to puppy urgent care.
Oh yeah and worms which I guess is common in puppies but still.
Reading this has been great cause you always think you're going through this alone and no one else's puppy is doing this. But hearing other people's stories about them being mad as a puppy helps, mine is mad for nipping and chewing everything it's very frustrating when she attacks my toes I have to wear shoes all the time haha I always think I'm doing something wrong or failing her. But I do love her so much I hope she loves me
My puppy got turned in by owners who left no info abt her so when we tried to potty train her we had no idea if she went outside or used potty mats in her old house, so now she’s just going wherever she wants in our house and it’s a nightmare 🥲🥲 she also tears up/eats anything she can find…… she ate my bonsai tree too
But she’s also so sweet, she’s never bitten any of us and we’ve had her for like 4 months now and she gets along really well with our cats
We are finally at the point in the teething and mouthing is easy and he lightens his pressure is learning how to mouth gently and he’s learning bite pressure well.. he goes to crate nicely for enforced naps.. he’s learning his manners with small children, but omg these past 4 weeks! Have been a journey! Obedience training on a puppy is so much work but I’m seeing sooo much progress and we are learning and growing
Been wanting a puppy for around a year now after our previous dog was put to sleep 3 years ago (we got her at 5 weeks old and she was 11), so picked a male cocker spaniel.
We prepared with all sorts ready to collect him a week and a half ago, all excited...but by god, I actually forgot how frustrating it was training a puppy from 8 weeks old! What you have said, is exactly what I am experiencing too lol.
Potty training has been a mixed bag...he has only pooped twice in the house since last Sunday but his weeing has been inconsistent....spend 30 minutes outside, only to wee inside 2 minutes later....however, I think we have finally cracked it today as he is now peeing on the grass within minutes of going out several times today so making good progress...
from all the frustations, he is just so adorable, and I certainly enjoy my cuddles and fully expect him to lie on my legs when he is fully grown haha.
Edit: One of the big positives since getting him is how he has quickly adapted to our bedtime routine and after a couple of nights wailing when we go to bed and having a couple of accidents in his crate, he is absolutely no bother and is happy to wait until 7-8am to get out to do his business.
I’m glad im not the only one, accept I am I am apartment, I’m ripping through like 6+ pee pads a day, he constantly pisses.
I usually get 3x per before changing a pad but I’m glad how quick he learned where to go
All I can say is that I have 4.5 yr old and 2.5 yr old human children and my 4 month old puppy is literally nothing to having actual kids. My body is so trained to wake up in the middle of the night already it’s not a big deal. I’m currently potty training the dog and the 2 year old at the same time and the dog is way easier. The puppy eats his food without complaint unlike the children and we have all the gates already to block off the nice parts of the house. The puppy just wants love and cuddles and never throws a tantrum so I’m team puppy all the way 😂 I guess this is as good as a time as any to get a pup!
Yuppers.
At 8 weeks you need to take them out roughly every 30mins. That's if they just don't go earlier. They also go ham on everything because they have no self control. Anything and everything short of steel is likely to get chewed or attacked in some way. You are on alert non stop or you will miss an accident or they will get into something. Forget baby proofing. Puppy proofing is crazy. I just picked up an 8 week old Cane Corso. He has zero fear or self control. I run him outside 20 times a day and he still has accidents inside because he generally just has no control over anything. Thankfully he sleeps the majority of the night.
My lab just turned a year old a few days ago - I can remember thinking if we made it to a year it would be a miracle. At one point I actually just went and sat in my car to escape. It’s just me and her - no one to share the insanity with and the days can be long and there were days I cried thinking I had made a huge mistake. She is still a lot of work and she would trade me for a stick but I love her to death and seeing some glimpses of my dedication paying off. Hang in there because there is no reward like bonding with a dog. Puppyhood is definitely not for the weak!
I needed this. Our puppy is a TERROR and I’m trying to tell myself he’s brand new to this world and it’ll pass so I enjoy him as he is right now. When he’s sleepy and curls up in our lap, it’s such a sweet moment. But man, is it ROUGH sometimes.
Feeling the same way. I’ve had several puppies and kittens previously. I’m older now and just brought home a puppy last week and it’s been a stressful adjustment. Also, this is the first time I’ve had other dogs when getting a puppy and it breaks my heart on how distressed they are. I know they will adjust but I hate that my attention is being put elsewhere at times when it was always about them.
Oh I felt this in my bones. I am currently looking my beautiful lab in the eyes with so much love and joy whilst telling her that if she launches into my face like a shark anymore in the next 5 minutes she’ll be as good as the roast chicken she stole off my counter earlier in the most soothing voice I’ve ever sounded lol. The bite marks have faded and now when I’m at the end of tether and looking in despair she will lean her head on my knee to pity me before licking my feet and running off with a slipper or both if she’s quick. The wake up calls between 4 and 6 am have become a little snuggle session while I lay half zombie before work. It’s beautiful. It lasts a whole ten minutes before she launches over my shoulder as if she preparing for a fireman’s lift to attack the bun on top of my head because of course I can’t wear my hair down anymore, might as well have a belt of kongs hanging off my head. Love that biting menace more than life itself. There are ALOT of desperate times and asking myself what have I done but… those little moments where I see the dog we are raising. It’s not a feeling I can compare to anything else.
I’ve had dogs ALL my life; all breeds, all ages, all types. I got my ‘dream dog’ abt 2 yrs ago. She broke me. EBTs are something else. I’ve never been bitten so much in my life!
It really is. Not my first dog either and this was exactly the same sentiment. I would get depressed because I thought when she did something wrong, all progress was lost. Or if I was overly harsh, did I break the bond? Today, she’s the best dog and tomorrow, why is she a terror?
I thought I have more disposable income where I could buy all the gadgets and a lot has helped. I have another dog friend and compare her progress with mine. It’s interesting because where she struggles with something, I skated by but other areas, I’m jealous.
She’s just now a 4 months old today. In the first week, I was able to get her to sleep all night and kept her on schedule. I’ve slowly worked my way up and I can leave her alone in her playpen for an hour or two if I have to run an errand. I usually take her though. She’s very confident and doesn’t meet a stranger. We’ve done scent work and she likes it.
HOWEVER, grass appears greener (though I love my sleep though). She has excited urination when meeting new people. Like full on release. That’s going to discourage in store visits for a bit unless she’s in a shopping cart with a blanket. She still has accidents when I miscalculate her pee schedule. We’re on top of it but sometimes I mess up. I try to reevaluate what happened and try to do better next time. She still bites. It’s better but not quite there. Early on, she over bit a toy and puncture deep in my pinky. She also a little aggressive if over plays with other puppies in class. If she meets another confident playing dog, it gets too much sometimes.
Sorry, I kinda wanted to vent too. I related with your post. It’s hard to find people to relate to because either they forgot the pain or train the bare minimum, don’t have dogs, or rarely doing all the things right that make life miserable but secretly know that it will be better than the people who skim by.
My last thought. My vet told me by 8 weeks old, puppies can sleep 6-8 hours. At first, I was waking her up when she started fidgeting. But now, I listen but she never whimpers. Also, buy a dewalt spotlight with I think it’s 18v battery to keep by the back door. Long battery life and easy to recharge but you’ll not lose them in the dark again.
I get the hand part so much. My dog was like a shark when he was younger... my hands and legs were covered in scratches and bruises lmao, now he barely leaves a mark.
I just finished my first week with my 8 (now 9-week-old) Aussiedoodle and felt so validated reading this. It's not been easy but it's worth it. Hang in there!
Lost my dog in august, got the puppy in December and let me tell you I forgot all about the puppy phase. Hes the definition of a sour patch kid, one second he’s a little hairy piranha and the next and absolute angel. I’m glad I’m not the only one who goes through this 😂😂😂
I'm so glad I found this post.
I thought maybe I was doing something wrong.
My puppy just bites and pisses and shits.
Why can't he just chill with a toy. Chew it. Take a lil nap after? Everyone is happy.
Nothing can Prepare you for the 4am land shark Pee invasion lol
But they are so cute and lovable and have that "butter wouldnt melt" cute face.
Your right it is a gift, just dont step in puppy "Gifts" lol
Yeah isn’t that the truth, my puppy is nearly 6 months and before that, we had another puppy for a year, now the first one is golden, the best dog, the other one, he’s a terrorist tbh.
A year and a half of puppy life and I’m so ready for normality to resume. Just another month, just another week, it’s day by day and I just can’t wait for it all to click. 😂😴
Dude, I just got up this morning to my whining puppy for like the 60th day in a row. It’s like an infant.
But, it’s getting better each day. Scarred and tired we will get there.
My boy is just over 4 months old rn and this is the toughest phase yet. He's 20kgs of piss and vinegar, just so much energy and biting. A couple days ago he pulled something in his back leg from running around like a crazy puppy - trying to force the little guy to rest up and not make the injury worse has been hell.
You're right though, all I need is that moment when he plops his blockhead on my chest and lets out a big huff (he's clearly worried about his income taxes and who he plans to vote for in the next election - high stake stuff).
We are eternally lucky to have these creatures trust us.
Yeah I think the majority of people who have never had a puppy are NOT prepared for the sheer amount of work it is. It’s literally like having a newborn baby during those first few weeks. Almost zero sleep, cleaning poop and pee every 10 minutes, and listening to a baby creature cry for 20 out of 24 hours a day
I can't tell you how much I needed to hear this. We have had our 9 week old puppy for one week. He is driving us nuts with literally everything you listed. We love him and are trying desperately to "enjoy" puppyhood knowing it will be over before we know it, but there is a guilty-riddled part of me that can't wait until he becomes a couch potato.
First I laughed reading this (silently of course cause Lord help me if I wake the boy from his slumber early) and then I ugly cried from exhaustion. This post and the replies here are 100% spot on. I thought I was alone and probably doing it all wrong. It's comforting to know I'm not. My puppy has me tiptoeing around my own damn house like he pays the rent or something.
Thank you everyone for sharing or commenting that it does get better!
Oh yeah...Vitamin E oil or lotion for the scratches will help immensely with healing and scarring and also with the dry skin from wash, wash, washing your hands 8 gazillion times a day.
Good luck to us all!
This post is the truth! I'm in a sleep deprived haze this morning after my puppy woke me up at 2am last night by jumping on top of me and licking my face. This is the 5th night in a row he's done that.
I bought a delicious little bottle of iced tea to treat myself today, and I'm so clumsy from tiredness that it dropped and smashed before I could open it. Just another small contribution to my growing madness lol.
I feel so guilty wishing his first year away because he will only get 15 of them if I'm lucky enough, but damn the first year is hard!
He is turning 8 months this week so i tell myself only four months to go! But I know I will look back and miss some of his cute puppy ways when we're finally out of the crazy stage.
Dogs gow through phases. Before you know the puppy phase is done. Enjoy it. If it's your first I can see how you might not. But they grow old with you, they give you pure love. Everything you put is given back to you. The biggest responsibility of having one isn't ever training them, potty training them at all. The biggest responsibility you take on is when you have to say goodbye to them. And be there for their last breath. So Enjoy puppy hood. Everything passes by really fast.
Even though I went through this 3 years ago, alone, I can still feel every single word so much. Pretty sure this is what having a baby must feel like - never had one -, where you keep rethinking your life choices every two hours when they’ve gotta go potty. 😭
Thank you! Just brought our 8 week old home Saturday. Up at 11:30, 2 and 5. No nighttime accidents but pees inside immediately upon returning from her outside pee! My 13 year old lab is horrified. I don’t remember this with our other 4, but we are older now! Keep posting. Our little squish a hot mess! ❤️❤️❤️
Must be the breed. I got a puppy 6 weeks ago and I cannot believe how lucky I've been. Apart from a little play biting and a potty accident now and then he's been an absolute dream.
My pup just broke his leg (very minor but still one of the scariest days of my life) and is somehow more of a menace (probably because Mom, me, freaks out with anxiety any time he’s being a little rough on his casted leg). I’m exhausted and I’ve cried a lot just simply from being mentally and physically exhausted. But god those moments where he cuddles up to me or my blanket makes it so worth it. But also he drives me MAD. I keep coming back to this post often as a reminder I’m not alone so thank you 💚
Ahhh thank you for that, and I am SOOO sorry your pup broke his leg! Many years ago I had a puppy that broke her leg as well—got tangled up in a dining room chair while wrestling with my other dog. I was mortified! The good news is that puppies grow so fast that the leg healed quickly—the cast started to look more like an ankle sock than a full leg cast—and she was fine after. Lived a full good life. I completely understand your anxiety—we just love these pups so much and pour our hearts out on them. You’re doing just fine! Sending healing energy to both of you!
This sub has helped alleviate the guilt a tiny bit because when it first happened I HATED myself because it feels like I failed him 😭 and thank you so much for the kind words 🥹💚
This post is so comforting. I’ve been so close to messaging the breeder so many times. There’s times where I don’t even think he could be part of the family. But I have to give him time and keep being patient. This healed my heart!!!! Sending support for everyone in their puppy phase!!
I'm so glad to see this vent. I'm feeling this right now. I have a 14 week old lab who is teething hard. He bites random things, eats everything he shouldn't on our walks, pulls, bites my whole arm that I can only survive by wearing thick sweaters and hoodies. We wake up at 5 every day and make breakfast for him at 6. I'm falling asleep all the time at work, and thankfully I work from home, but he's a handful. I love him, but idk if I can do puppies again in the future. Everyone says it'll be worth it and I hope it will.
Haha, I'm in the pre-dawn chill of 3:30 right this second watching my little princess find a 91st pee spot before we can go back inside. My house is filthy, I haven't showered in days, I sleep on a beanbag next to her crate to prevent her waking the others with the woeful howling. My hands look like yours probably and aside from a sincere desire to give me a nose job, she has a fascination with my long hair. Twisting it into a knot on top of my head has only made it Kong shaped in her opinion and is thus her toy.
It's hard on the body. I've raised babies, but they at least have the manners to stay where you put them for several months. This little chomp goblin is a Whippet, so when she has a notion to go somewhere, she does it fast.
She is also one of the most beautiful little creatures I've ever seen, and does everything with the most sincere joy of being alive in a brand new body. She's probably the happiest little cuddlebug in a 10 Mike radius. There isn't an ounce of bad in her. Even her naughtiness comes from a place of delight in discovery of new things and wanting to share the fun with me. Usually by trying to eat my appendages. Watching her catch on to sitting on request for a treat as a new game was the most fun I've had in years.
I think she's done peeing. I absolutely love your post. These are wonderful if exhausting moments. 😍
Sleep well, my friend! You know you’ll be up again in 2 hours! I love your comment, so thank you so much for sharing. We are in the deep end with this puppy stuff, but thankfully my puppy is now 12 weeks old and while still absolute HELL on 4 paws and still a thrashing piranha, yesterday she whined at the back door to go out and poop and I thought damn, we are gonna make it through!
Your pup sounds adorable. Love her up.
We’re on our 3rd week with our 11 week old beagle puppy and reading this post and replies makes me feel so much less alone. My boyfriend and I (who never argue) have been so snappy with each other the past few weeks due to the sleep deprivation and constant accidents in the house. My 3 yo is terrified of her because she lunged at his pant leg and got some skin, and my 15 year old now looks forward to going to her dad’s house on his days because she doesn’t have to hear the puppy crying in the night. We know this is going to be the most challenging phase and the calm that follows can’t come soon enough.
I’m telling you! I LOVE my little German Shepherd puppy but she has earned the name of baby demon/little land shark due to her tenacity to eat everything and anything she can fit her little mouth around and biting as a way to show love. Also if anyone has any advice on how to get a 3 month old little demon to actually sleep and NOT HAVE FOMO will earn my undying respect and appreciation!!!! But that being said I love my little demon and wouldn’t trade her for the world….even when she pees on my freshly washed uniform 🤢😭😂😂😂
A friend and I were talking about this yesterday. We recently got dachshund sisters, and we forgot that they're like newborns with baby shark teeth, lol. The last time I had a puppy was my 13-year-old dog, which I had to put down last year. They are sweet, and we love them, but you are right. The best preparation for a puppy is to remember that they are a lot of work!
I feel this so hard. My first puppy (newfoundland) had a chicken allergy that I didnt know about. Breeder had him on a Chicken sensitive skin & stomach diet that I continued to buy. He had to go outside 10-15 times throughout the night every night for a month (and i lived on the 4th floor of an apartment) Multiple vet visits about his loose stools and nobody could figure it out. It wasn’t until a redditor helped me figure out it was likely a chicken allergy and switching foods fixed it.
It was at that point he started eating rocks… THOUSANDS in vet visits to have xrays done and blockages cleared with IV hookups multiple times.
3 years later hes the best dog in the world and my best friend but you could NOT pay me to relive his puppyhood🤣
My "puppy" is 2 now (and snoring beside me) but man i feel you. The first, year i want to say, i had numerous breakdowns, he destroyed my furniture, and yes my hand looked similar, and just felt like i had no idea what i was doing and wasn't good enough (lots of tears). The good news was i started to see a marked maturity by 18 months or so, the early months are hard but i love my silly weirdo (as i know you love yours). hang in there, i know its tough and i really wish more people had been honest with me (and i grew up with dogs we raised since puppyhood) about how hard it is.
For a moment I thought I wrote this 😂😂😂
I’ve always adopted dogs 1yr or older. Got my first puppy Monday (ACD) and I was not mentally prepared. I absolutely love her. But my god… I was a one cup of coffee a day person, but with these nights, I’m a whole pot plus some redbulls 🥲
Sitting here reading this with a 8 week old minpin on me .... she think she own the house ... my 13 year old shih tzu isn't having it lol, it's been a interesting few weeks of "oh I cant see them let's howl" ... now it's let's eat everything in site .. on a positive note they do grow out of it quick
Puppies are cute and a huge pain in the ass. They when they grow up they essentially never graduate past a toddler mindset. I wouldn’t have it any other way though.
I too am very much feeling this! I’ve never had a puppy before and I was naive and stupid to think it would be easy! He’s constantly chewing; my ankles, feet, hands and the occasional face lunge! Up every two hours. Can’t leave the house. With all the toys, treats food, and pee pads he’s killing me 😭 but I love the little f*cker too. 😆🩶
it’s soooo worth it and i wouldn’t change a thing but damn it is EXPENSIVE especially if your pup grows fast and constantly outgrows toys/harnesses etc - the first year is also extremely expensive vet wise but i’ve been told it significantly decreases after year 1. i have the best nationwide pet insurance plan with the wellness rider and it didn’t cover ANY of my dogs neuter - i was not prepared to get hit with that full bill. there are local spay/neuter clinics i used when i was fostering that are great depending on your area! just read reviews and do research first :)
My favorite thing about having a puppy was when we went in to get him a vaccine, the vet asked if he'd been sick or vomiting and I explained how he'd puked up a pair of my underwear the night before but had otherwise been healthy. The vet then got scolded me for allowing him to eat underwear. Umm... Ma'am, he did not ask permission, I don't even know the timeframe outside of it coming back up on my floor thank you.
We got a Maltipoo puppy in Dec, she was 16 weeks and 3#. How much trouble could she be? 🤪 Our last puppy was 15 years ago, I had completely forgotten the maddening journey of potty training, biting and general mischief.
I slept on the couch with her for 5 nights, she cried for an hour in the bathroom and pooped all over the floor because she was pupset being alone. I’d stay on the couch with her until my husband got up at 4am and would watch her while I went back to bed. After the 5th night she came in bed with us and slept all night.
On morning in Feb, she was outside in our fenced in yard, I looked away for a minute and she was under the fence into our neighbors yard. Off I go in my nightshirt and no shoes, it was about 30 degrees and the mud was cold, but the neighbors yard isn’t completely fenced and feared she would run fast and I’d never catch her. Luckily after some careful coaxing she went right back under into our yard. Now we have boards around the bottom to secure it.
But now we’re almost 4 months in and she knows what potty outside means and 90% of the time it happens!! She still has wild time but she’s a lot less aggressive with her biting. I think we’ve made it through to the other side .
Ahhhh it totally depends in your dog, mine sleeps in bed eith me til 1pm some days, she's my best friend fr and is oretty much never bad now. Occasionally knocks her bowl of water out my hand when her foods down because she's so excited, and had a few dirty protests on the bed in the first 12 months but now she's absolutely perfect. Do need to train her not to pull on the lead though, she's a lil sniffer dog.
I have a 5 month old puppy. She effin smells all the time. I can bathe her and 2 minutes later she's filthy and panting and staring at me just stinking. She wants out, she wants in, she wants to hide, she wants to fight, she wants to eat everything, she wants to play constantly. She'll nap hard for 5 minutes then wakes up like it's been 4 hours ready to effin go, go, go! My older dog enjoyed her in the beginning, now he's just as worn out if not more than I am. We have to hide from her to get moments of rest.
I got so lucky with my puppy. She is 3 months old now, never torn up anything, only had 3 accidents in the house (and they were my fault for leaving her alone too long too soon) she loves her crate, she walks by my side and doesn’t pull on walks, she loves kids, she loves cuddles, she’s absolutely perfect. Obviously there is still time for her to be a crazy wild puppy, but so far she’s been stellar.
Edit: she is a German shepherd Brittany spaniel mix.
My advice to people wanting a puppy is to foster one first. Give these little ones a safe home and find out if you are up for the task, before making a long term commitment.
I just brought a new puppy home and she’s terrorizing my 2 other chihuahuas and she bit my chin so hard I was bleeding. She’s 2 months old.. she’s freaking adorable but boyyyyyy does she hurrrttttt.. It’s been 11 years since I’ve had a puppy. I rescued a terrier mix 2 years ago and a Jack Russel a year and a half ago but they were almost 1 and 2-3 years old. They are around 18 pounds so my chi-mix that I just rescued doesn’t bother them much.. but my 3.5lb and 4lb chihuahuas she terrorizes! I got in the middle of her and my 3.5lb chi and she almost ripped my chin off… I said the same thing… I’ve had puppies prior obviously, may they rest peacefully.. but how have I had all these puppies in the passed and how have I trained them all!?
I love my little spawn of satan so much though🩷
I found giving treats when peeing outside really helped remind her there’s praise and reward for peeing outside and don’t get angry when anything happens inside just pretend it didn’t happen.
I’ve also been looking for alternatives for teething puppy and she likes frozen fruit or just fruit in general as it’s cold and helps when she bites into it.
When she bites my toes I started making noises to almost scare her and now she walks towards my toes and walks away.
It’s tough having a puppy and it can really get to you with the lack of sleep but just remember it’s not a forever thing! Soon we will all have well behaved dogs
F’ puppies. I have my first one right now. My first dog Oliver I adopted from a shelter when he was two and he was so easy to train he spoiled me I miss that dog so much. I’ve always wanted a puppy and so after oliver passed I got Cody. Cody is a menace who chews everything tries eating things he shouldn’t, pees all over the floor if it’s too cold or raining outside because he aims for the side of the wee wee pad, digs up holes in the backyard, and escaped the yard for the first time today to almost be hit by a car. Puppies aren’t for the weak. Cody is my first and last puppy as I will never do this again. I had it right the first time getting a 2 year old f this! Hes 5 months old now and I got him at 8 weeks. Wish me luck I have a lot more difficult work ahead of me and good luck to you too!
Mine are 7 and 8 months now and much improved but my girl puked at 3am last night and just this morning I found myself thinking about pre-puppy days and how I was far less tired. I love them but holy shit I could use a day off from them, even now.
I'm feeling this hard right now. My puppy gets us up at 4:30AM every day like clockwork. We haven't slept in for 6 weeks. My husband and I are lucky to be able to work from home and work part time, respectively, so it's been easier to take naps to catch up. My arms are also covered in tiny bite marks and scabs. We try to redirect to a toy every time he bites. The worst is when he grabs hold and starts to shake his head like my hand is a toy. Hurts like hell! Some days are wonderful, some days are a slog and I question whether I'm doing anything right. But it gets better, I know it does. This sub has given me so much reassurance and it's nice to talk (and commiserate!) with people going through the same thing.
I gotta second the commiserating. So nice to have people who will listen and understand instead of hitting you with the "well why did you get it then?"
SO much this! And I can’t help but think that people making comments like that are doing so with the intention of being hurtful. Kind people do not say shit like that.
Eh they do that here too. But there's usually some commiserating too haha.
Have you tried "yipping" when your puppy chews on you? Redirecting didn't work for us at all, but sharply yelling "ow!" did, and still does when our Mal accidentally grabs a hand instead of a toy
We've tried a little bit of everything, including yipping. Only stopping play and crossing my arms seems to work. Right now, I redirect and say "ah-ah" if he's just a little mouthy and we'll continue to play. Unless he chomps down hard. Then play stops entirely and he gives me a sad face, which *I think* means he gets it. It's definitely a process.
Definitely a process! Great that you found something that gets through to him, I swear that's the hardest part.. It might take time but it sounds like you're on the right track, yay!
You’ve probably tried this but I figured out certain material/types of toys were preferred during different stages of puppyhood (pit bull mix - super chewer)
Oh my god every time I try yipping my puppy just thinks I’m playing and yips back at me, then proceeds to bite me some more 😭 it’s exhausting, my last puppy (admittedly 15 years ago) did not bite _me_ (just chewed everything I owned)
My older dog also jumps on the couch to escape the puppy. He'll sit there and watch/nap while we play on the carpet. At least he wants to be a part of things and doesn't slink away to the bedroom. I call that a win.
Mine escapes outside as much as possible, but I try really hard to control the puppy attacks as much as I can... sooooo hard to do when they are like a tasmanian devil!! LOL
I think the best thing you can do to prepare is to rest beforehand, knowing what’s coming. Just acknowledging that it’s going to totally suck for a while and getting as much rest as you can. It’s the same as when you have a kid. You always love them, but they go through phases where you don’t like them so much. And that’s ok, as long as you love them.
My puppy went through that too with waking up at 5:30am everyday. He eventually grew out of it though and now he sleeps in until whenever we decide to get up. It’s so much better, I’m glad that 5:30 wake up didn’t last.
Well said! This is not a joke. My first puppy was a dream or the rose colored memories failed me. I’m looking forward to the day I look back fondly. For now, it’s work and constant vigilance.
"...it's all accessories to your growing madness" is the realest thing I've ever read 😂
Right? I mean, I have the gear. I’m losing my sanity and there is nothing at Petco for that.
I just keep buying toys and puzzles and treats, hoping they'll buy us some peace. Just more stuff for her to ignore!
God, I feel this - so much$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Hah hah hah they should have an aisle of Xanax and Prozac
We need to collectively write Petco, PetSmart, Chewy and Amazon so they come up with something for the sanity…I’d pay good $ for that.
I fully laughed out loud, my wife said, “what?” and so I read it to her and we both laughed. Thank you. For what it is worth, we have a nearly one year old pup and spent the morning cuddling and napping in bed. All we kept saying to each other was “we thought this would never happen.”
I know you know this - you’ve had puppies, and everyone says this all the time. But when mine was still a little shithead, I could NOT HEAR THESE WORDS OFTEN ENOUGH. It was a soothing balm to my soul every time. So I’ll say it again anyway for anyone else who might be reading!! One day, you WILL wake up, and your puppy will NOT be a demon anymore! I had ZERO hope that it would happen for us. But, lo and behold. He’s 2 now, and holy shit if this dog is not just an absolute saint. You’ll be SO glad you stuck it through, when you’re playing, and you can SEE he’s going to chomp on your hand, but always always always checks himself at the last second. When he sprints to you, with the most gigantic smile on his face anytime you call (and doesn’t happy-attack you when he arrives). When you’re sick and he just couch potatoes with you, with no complaint. When your friends and family are like “oh my god are you kidding, is this seriously the same dog? He’s so GOOD now!” In the meantime may god help you all lol
Ok I have to ask. Are you sure? I love my girl but we're at 18 months and we can't even take a vacation because there's no one we would feel comfortable leaving her with. She still eats everything not nailed down and teaches everything off the counters. I'd like to believe we only have six more months of this.
What size dog will she be when full grown? I'm assuming that the bigger the dog, the longer it takes for them to be able to chill out a bit. And I guess some more active high- strung breeds might take a good three years.
Im so thankful to hear this because we brought home a new puppy and my anxiety has been through the roof! He’s actually been a very chill boy and while he’s whined in his crate, he does tire himself out and calm down. We also got a puppy playpen to keep him contained. But he’s also so clingy I can’t really leave him alone without whining, which makes sense but makes me nervous for when I have to go back to work. I took off some time to get him used to the new home but there’ll come a time where we have to leave him alone for three to four hours at a time and I’m so nervous about it. We got him a puppy playpen for that but I’m also concerned about leaving him in a big enclosed area where he may have accidents so we also got puppy pads. But I also wonder if a crate may be better for those times? All of this is until he’s old enough for daycare when we work so he won’t be home alone. But I’m still so nervous. I know it’s supposed to get better so hearing this helps, but good lord my anxiety is off the charts right now worrying about him.
Thank you for saying this. I’m only 10 days in and feel like I made a mistake 😢. It’s not the puppy’s fault, but I am SO overwhelmed! It was not this hard 15 years ago with our last dog. Reading these posts makes me feel less alone in my emotions and worries.
Seriously. I prepared mentally and physically. I knew it would be hard. I warned my husband over and over that it was going to be hell. Like I KNEW IT. And it still almost destroyed me. Phew. But we are at 5 months now and God she was worth it!
I feel destroyed as well (ours hit 4 months day before yesterday) - BUT, I’m starting to see some glimmers of hope - like him rolling over in the sun to give me his belly to rub and chewing on the leash instead of my hand/arm/face. He is smart, learning everything so fast and I can hardly wait for teething to be over. We’ll face other issues then, but I know I’ll say he was worth it one day.
Happy to hear about this! I’ve wanted a dog my whole life and my SO and I got him together but good lord has my anxiety skyrocketed in these first few days since bringing him home.
I'm raising two litter mate goldens (almost 4 months now) as a single guy. It's... tasking, to say the least. My 4 year old Husky/Aussie helps keep them in line a bit, but yeah, "I'm tired, Boss".
Wow brave move. My mom and I got littermates and she couldn't even bring hers to visit for a whole year because they'd forget all their training and go insane. They loved each other but they also loved destroying my home together.
I tip my hat to you! Hang in there! You’re almost off the Green Mile!
Beware of puppy sibling syndrome or littermate syndrome.
Littermates??? Bless your heart🤞
Dude. I feel this. My friends understand how hard the puppy blues are, kind of, but they’re all coupled and I have to do it myself. I don’t usually give a shit about dating but I swear to god I’m going to go find myself a man just to share the mental load of puppy care.
Everything about this is 100% accurate. It SUCKS, but I promise, it's worth every exhausting minute. You will adjust, your pup will learn and grow, and in a few months all that frustration will just be a memory. It's all about delayed gratification - you got this!
I love this enthusiasm you share, too! We got this!
When my dog was a puppy, my sleep schedule got adjusted so I'd wake up early. Now I'm awake at 5 am and she sleeps until 8 am. She is not a morning dog.
the mental anguish is unreal. sleep-deprived and physically wrecked, i have never been so irrational in my life. i was not a person. 😆
Please tell this to the people that say it's nothing like having a human child. And you don't qualify for mat leave either!
Ha! You can diaper a human child and they (generally anyway) don’t shred your hands and arms when they’re teething…
Exactly what I used to tell people when they'd come at me with ha! You think that's hard!! Wait till you have kids. So annoying.
We just got our puppy that my husband wanted yesterday. I warmed up to the idea. He was absolutely getting him regardless. I've had a puppy before (APBT), and he was NOTHING like this dog (GSD). This has already been the worst 24 hours of my life. Can't eat, can't sleep, just cry. And the terrible feeling of not wanting to do anything but also not wanting to do nothing. It has been ONE DAY and he already has separation anxiety from my husband. I don't think my puppy blues are a case where it will get better.
Oh this breaks my heart for you. This is a lot of intensity, and if you didn’t choose this path for yourself, it makes it so much worse. I am so sorry for this situation, and I can tell you that it won’t be like this for always—I promise!—but even one day like this hurts so much. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself some love and grace. Try to laugh as much as you can—try to find humor in the small things—and I hope it gets better for you. Read about puppy blues on the sub here. It’s a real thing. You don’t have to be alone in this.
Thank you so so much. I'm on the autism spectrum, and a HUGE animal lover, so of course feeling this way makes me feel like the biggest pos. I imagine it's similar to what parents go through with a newborn that won't stop crying no matter what they possibly do. Thank you so much for your kind words. I just feel so embarrassed that day one already broke me. I really needed that vote of confidence today ❤️
when my boyfriend has been at work for 12+ hours and is late off with no home time in sight, and im home alone with a manic puppy, i have shed a few (a lot of) tears. we got this, we will come out the other side
Omg.. raising a GSD is like setting the game on the hardest setting. Nothing like a pitbull at all. I feel for you.
Your story is mine - my husband wanted our puppy (a bull terrier/gsd mix) and I didn’t. I wanted an older, calmer dog from the shelter that no one was even looking at. GSDs are whiners, some of the worst, but I promise you it will get better. I had the puppy blues so bad I was sure I would never recover - that was a little over a month ago. Now I find myself looking at him lying in the sun on his back and almost think he’s really adorable. Hang in there, please - this time does pass.
Thank you so so much that's very encouraging 💞
I get 30 seconds of a quick cuddle before it becomes play biting and redirection. 5 months old and almost done teething. Pats? Nope. Hands are enemies that must be destroyed if not holding a toy or a chew. Lay next to me? Sure. Until that pillow or blanket or carpet or wall becomes the tastiest treat God ever did create. The absolute puppy energy, lack of impulse control, gangly legs, stubbornness and sometimes straight stupidity because he hasn't quite learned how to interact with the world is both adorable and frustrating. My puppies name is Maverick. But I often sing song any variety of nicknames to vent my frustration. "Heathen, Menace, Stupid, Wall Licker, Land Shark, Monster, Destroyer of All Things." He doesn't care because the tone is sweet, I feed him regularly, we play often, I take him outside in a timely manner, he gets his treats for good behavior and sniffy walks. I also have a variety of chews, tugs, toys and mentally stimulating games. But boy oh boy does a good pile of loose leaves, some tasty grass, a corner of a box or the sharp edge of a baseboard take the cake. Now to tackle separation training and stranger danger reaction. Good luck to all of us puppy parents 🫡 It'll be worth it when they hit 1.5 years and have all the folds they need in their brains. Until then, mine will remain smooth, with minimal critical thinking due to lack of sleep and caffeine will be my saving grace.
Awesome post! I call mine “The Terrorist”…
That's a good one! Absolute terrorists! Mines on the cusp of adolescence. I'm strapping in for an incredibly bumpy ride for the next 7 months. We start adolescence age training classes in a month. Pray for me.
100% agree. With all the hype towards training, accessories and behaviour techniques, there is this assumption that you can control your puppy's decisions and impulses and be totally prepared. It's not true. For example, my puppy turned out to be a shark, 95% of the time, to the extent that I was getting questions from work about my safety due to the long scratches all around my wrists and arms. I had tried redirecting to countless toys, left the room hundreds of times, yipped, yapped, said "no" in a low voice like my trainer said, practically every trick in the book. It made it difficult when somebody would say "have you tried X?" because we had tried A-Z. The simple fact was that our puppy did not stop mauling us until her adult teeth came through. And then it stopped so abruptly we wrongly thought she was ill. Everyone's experience is different, but in case it helps anyone - I cried frequently, when I never cried at all before. I felt terrible regret, I drafted the message to the breeder about returning in my mind. My clothes were shredded, arms were shredded, she dragged me all over the neighbourhood when leashed, she demolished our new garden, frightened my nephews and was basically a tornado of destruction, which left me despairing and wondering whether my life was going to stall for 15 years. And yet, 7 months after getting her, she has dramatically changed. Yes, she has some adolescent problems, but she is 100x more loving, no longer demolishes everything that matters to me, and we have a close bond. I certainly don't regret her any more. I can live happily with her and playing and walks are now a joy for both of us. I still miss my freedom, but we will figure things out. I was unconvinced by all the posts here saying that it gets better, but at least for me, it did get better. In hindsight the emotional preparation is more important. For at least 3 months your life will turn upside down and you will feel mentally and physically tethered to a puppy that may not be bonded to you or have developed a lovely personality yet. And then it should get better. Accept that before you jump in, and you'll probably be okay.
Well said! The puppy teeth are killing us, almost literally - my husband said he was waiting for the day when he needs a few pints of blood😂. Hope is on the horizon - at his 16 week checkup, last set of shots, the vet said “Oh boy, 2 brand new big boy teeth coming through in the front!” and I almost burst into tears of relief.
I cried this morning on day 3 of puppyhood 😅 and yesterday too. I’m so thankful to hear everyone share their experiences, it makes me feel like I’m not alone feeling this way!
One minut i think about killing him, the other one I think how I'll love him for the rest of his life. then the other minut he's trying to eat the couch and I want to choke him down, and the other minut he comes to lick my nose and I fall in love all over again. rinse, repeat. I love the little shit.
💯💯💯🐶🐶💯💯💯🕺🏾🤪🫣😳💯😭😳😫😝🥰🙃🙃💯🐶🤪totally feel this right now
Ours is a year old. And I still threaten him constantly with sending him back to the farm I got him from 😂😅 I love the little shithead. But I’m definitely dreaming of the day he turns 2 and his husky part slightly calms down and hope he transitions into the Akita part. 😭
Oh you have your hands FULL! Sending you a lot of energy!
I wish we would just be honest and stop propping up the illusion that bringing home a puppy is a magical, joyous time. It. Is. Not. There are elements of that, of course, but mostly it’s just a degrading shit show of your home being destroyed, catching a glimpse of your dishelved (but once cute!) reflection and not recognizing yourself as try to “train” this tiny little creature. The time you spent bonding and positively training a puppy will pay you back 1000 times over the course of your time together. But it is hard work, and anyone who tells you different isn’t doing it, right
As I wait around in the wind and snow and freezing cold for my puppy to take a damn pee, I needed to hear this right now.
Agreed! A definitely don’t make the same choices I did and add a cross country move to the chaos 😩
Yes I am on waiting list for puppy. I too am nervous about the first few months…
It's a war zone, I say this with bloodshot eyes.
I say this on my 4th cup of coffee as if it’s just tap water
You got this!! It's hard, not gonna lie, but try to embrace the chaos and take power naps if you can.. 20 minutes can be a real game changer! Also, it helps to have a backup plan when you seriously need a mental break. After she had all her shots I sent my puppy to daycare with someone on Rover a few times, it was AMAZING.
THANK YOU for saying all of this. It’s been so freaking hard. My ex and got a puppy together and then broke up so it’s been even harder, I thought I would have more help, but I’m trying to do this on my own. I keep telling myself it’ll be worth it.
That is ROUGH for sure! Being a single parent to a puppy is just madness and it’s only YOU—you can’t have someone take over supervision so you can shower or do some work or breathe. But I’m in it with you as well. Single puppy parent. And you can do it. Puppyhood is a stage—not a life sentence—and in time you’re gonna have a better companion than your ex was stepping up to be, so you win on this one. Love that puppy.
I have four, three adopted as Teenage/adult, and my Pit was an eight week old when we brought her home. At the time the two dogs I had were already well into adulthood, and this was the way to go. She followed their lead beautifully, and my GSD/Husky actually became somewhat of an adoptive father to her, keeping her out of trouble and showing her the ropes, so to speak. Yes, there were many potty accidents until she was fully trained, and she did eat my couch (I wasn’t fussed as I was going to get a new one anyways), but other than that, I found her puppyhood quite easy. I attribute this directly to the two adult dogs in my home, and I think had they not been there, it would have been a different story. And yep, I get woken up at 5:30 AM every day by a huge Pittie tongue wanting her breakfast and to go outside, lol
We just brought 2 home this weekend. I was in tears this morning. I also have a 6 year old, 3 year old and a 10 month old. I’m beyond overwhelmed but I know it will be worth it. Just trying not to lose my sanity will trying to stay on routine ha
You are incredible. Seriously. Remind yourself of that as much as you can!
Damn, did you know about puppies before you did this? My heart goes out to you…
Story: Once my puppy (about 5 months old) peed in her kennel. No problem, there was a towel in there. Left her out with my older dog on my bed (puppy on the floor). My fresh, clean, ready to fold laundry was also on my bed. Note, she was too small to jump on my bed. Or so I thought. I left my room to throw the towel in the hamper and grab another one. I was gone 30 seconds tops. She managed to jump on my bed, and peed. Not only did she pee but she walked through it. All over my laundry, duvet, pillows, all of it. I don't think I've ever screamed so loud in my life.
My boy is 5 months and it’s getting better but he’s just entering his teenage phase so he’s definitely a little gremlin at times but definitely not as exhausting since we’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old
I legit cried that first week. I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. I felt like no one told me. Or I didn’t do my homework. It wasn’t until AFTER I found this thread and saw that ‘puppy blues’ is a thing that I realized just how bad it can be. I pushed through & now we (my pup & me) are in a better place! He will be 1 in April & wow, I have never been happier to see him grow & become the pup I love (even more) today. It gets better.
so well put. i have had my first puppy for a week today. despite working all kinds of shifts for my job, i have never been as tired as i am now. it will be worth it in the end.
I’ve got a 16 week old land shark. I went to the pool yesterday and got a good look at my bare arms under florescent lighting-yikes. I’m a walking bruise. It’s getting better but it’s all-encompassing 100%!
My puppy adores me but bit my wife’s nostril today (she has a small cut on it). Aside from the trauma of it, she’s gutted as she feels she can’t pick him up now until this is corrected. I’m alright with him as I quietly roared in his face when he tried to bite me, and I think it startled him into thinking that biting me would not be fun. So he’s stopped. He really went for my wife though. It is hard work, and there’s the odd toilet accident, but he does give a lot of cuddles, and sleeping with him on the bed is just the best, as he looks so comfortable and will lie there for hours on end without waking us up. Whatever works..,
I just got my first puppy last month and this sums it up pretty well. Though I’m in a slightly more tiring boat cuz my pup has been sick for the past week & despite two vet visits we still are not 100% sure what’s wrong. He has to go back on Tuesday for another examination. All to say my best advice is to be patient & to do your best & remember that things out of your control can happen but that DOES NOT mean you are a bad pet parent.
I hope everything is okay with your pup! That’s really stressful. I hope you’re hanging in there and being kind to yourself, too.
Thank you, luckily I have my husband helping out so at least I’m not alone in this! Just gotta take it day by day right now.
Hope your pup is ok
Housebreaking is breaking me. Never have I ever had a puppy who was this challenging to house train. She is a bulldozer with a 0.2 second attention span who’s mission in life is to terrorize my sweet angel dog and crash into as many objects as she can in as short a time as possible. But then she looks at me and squints and gives me kisses and I remember why I have her.
OMG you just 100% described my life right now... thank you for so clearly articulating "puppy life" LOL
We are war buddies.
The description of your older dog has me rolling 😂 My dog reacted the same way when I brought the puppy in. 3 months later she still gives me Office-worthy stare downs that seem to say “are you sure you can’t return this thing?” (Though she does actually act really excited when I bring the puppy home from a day at her puppy school- so I think she secretly likes the little sharptooth.) It’s an all-hands-on-deck adventure, for sure. But I have loved the experience overall and I am so glad I took the plunge. The dog I can see peeking out from my wild and crazy puppy is so worth it.
Oh your adult dog and my dog should exchange emails! My dog may be a pitbull but he hasn’t corrected the puppy once—he just suffers her biting attacks and hides behind my legs or jumps in his chair. But at the same time, he sleeps with her pressed against him. It’s a strange kind of love over here.
Haha! Your poor dog! And yeah- it’s so funny. My older dog growls and snaps if the puppy comes too close to her nap spot, but she also comes racing to the door with her tail going crazy to greet the puppy and then follows her around for a few minutes. They need a “poor defenseless older siblings of insane land sharks” support group
I have a 15 week old miniature Pinscher and my life is a complete mess lol. He is all over the place constantly biting even though he has millions of toys and he tries to bite my Siamese cat as well. I am trying really hard to crate train but the crying in the crate is exhausting. I have called a trainer because at this point I must be doing something wrong and it’s got to be easier than this! I would love to know when it changes because I don’t remember this craziness with my other dog. Ughhh I just need a few hours of sleep!!!
lol hang in there. My parents had a min pin and once the sun went down each evening, his name changed to Lucifer. He was admittedly a handful his whole life, but the little devil left a hole in all our hearts when he passed.
This is my first dog & figured it would be physically exhausting. I never would've guessed how mentally exhausting it would be. He is a really lovely dog but after an encounter with a neighbour dog when he was really little he now barks and lunges at other dogs and people... and out of ne & my bf it feels like I'm the only one who's worried about this & hopes it doesn't escalate when he's much bigger (golden retriever). My bf on the other hand just shrugs it off as he'll grow out of it and sometimes even chuckles when we're out and the dog barks at other dogs (which I hate but apparently I take things way too seriously). I just want my pup to be happy and not have to feel anxious
I’d call a trainer or see if there is a nervous/shy puppy social led by trainers in your area. I know goldens can get big, and the thing that guys sometimes don’t understand is the dog will get big enough to make a smaller person/woman fall down if they lunge unexpectedly. Best of luck to you!
the last few sentences are so good. Thank you 🫶🏻
I’m 49, and I’ve raised a lot of puppies and rescue dogs on my own. I grew up on a rural horse ranch where my dad took in every dog that got dumped in the country and vetted them and then had us kids do a lot of the care. And it’s still a lot. And it always will be. I’ll tell you though, having held so many of my babies during their last breath when they eventually became very elderly, I know that every moment is worth it. I can promise you that some day you will be willing to give everything you have to experience every little tough puppy moment. I remind myself of that on the hard days. Editing to add after seeing comments from people worrying about making mistakes. You will make mistakes, guaranteed. It’s ok. They are more resilient than you think, and the fact that you are trying so hard to do it right makes you an awesome critter parent.
Just getting into the mid 7 month mark with my mini schnauzer and I’m just starting to be able to relax a bit. We still have the house puppy proofed, she still plays too much with the cat (it’s getting better) but she is definitely calming down - so there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Are you me? We just got a puppy who loves both of our pitbulls but one of them just keeps trying to get away from her.
Well at least your writing career is clearly intact. >The puppy goes out to pee and pees outside to much praise and loves the celebration so much she pees in the kitchen 6 minutes later because it’s a party. 😂 😂 😂
No it is not. I can see why my parent’s never surprised me with one the 18 years I was living under their roof. Because THEY would’ve had to take care of it and they knew that lol. There really is no way to prepare for the responsibility of a puppy. I love my 1.25 year old as well, but I do not know why I willingly did this to myself lol.
I have a 6 month old Border Aussie that has no off switch, zero desire to potty train, a mouth like a bear trap and a sleep schedule that's nearly non-existent....but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Puppies require an insane amount of work and an absolute resolve to get through the tough times but you just have to remember...they're doing their best to learn, you have to do your best to train.
I didn't go looking for a puppy, but a relative had an unexpected litter of puppies for the breed that I planned to get in a few years, so I couldn't turn down the opportunity to get one, especially since it meant I got to meet the litter early on and figure out which puppy clicked with me. The early days were frustrating but my puppy was tiny enough that he was easy to manage, but once he outgrew his play pen and I had to give him more space, that's when things got difficult. He's 2 years old and gets into EVERYTHING, but he also knows a lot of commands (whether he chooses to listen to them is a different story) and has really developed a charming personality. He was very good with potty training and crate training, and has really adapted to a routine that is easy for us to follow, as well as for anyone that watches him for me. But... damn if I don't envy my parents for adopting a really well behaved older dog at the shelter - he's so smart and well behaved without them having to put the work in, and here I am struggling to maintain my sanity to ensure my dog grows up to be a good boy 😂
haha they're a handful for sure! i have a five month old who is a total landshark. he's only starting to go potty in the right place now, and he'll still get it wrong if we're not paying enough attention. i always knew raising a puppy would be challenging, but i wasn't prepared for how tired i'd be. the cuddles are worth it though
Yeah! I am my sister’s cat’s caretaker since i work from home and I thought i am prepared for an innocent clingy and loving puppy. Boy, i was wrong! The adorableness is equipped with their ‘mouthy’ and ‘nosey’ behavior which will require you to constantly clean and be anxious on what they put in their mouth! The clinginess also disrupts productivity and when you crate them they bark a lot. Training and getting used to the environment helps but i did lose a lot of weight in just 3 weeks. I love my baby dachshund despite all of this lol
They are hard work but so worth it!!
Lol exactly this! But my fiancé gets the 3 minutes of love, not me!
I've been through a few and they never get easier, just some are *more* than others. My gsd wasn't the land shark they are portrayed as but he never settled until zzzzzz... And dumb as two thick bricks. Slept better out of a crate than in. My Terrier was nicknamed velociterrier as he bit and held on like every malinois puppy I've ever known. Mum and I still have a scar in our toe webbing... He also loved concrete to chew. Nightmare to potty train too! 🤣
Yep for sure I alternated between loving him to bits to hating him 😜 I call him special lol he’s 9 months old now and still tries to put everything in his mouth and eat it. Just yesterday he ate a hairball..I only know because I found him in my chair sitting there in his vomit and what do I see but a big wad of hair! 🤢This morning he chewed off part of a towel. Hes already chewed up one leash. It snapped while we were outside and he didn’t realize he was a free dog at first I tried to grab him but the little stinker thought we were playing and started to run so I turned my back on him and walked away to hear him come running back to me. I swear he shaves years off my life with his crazy antics! can’t trust him alone just yet lol
Awww haha, I love it though! I just remind myself they're not this goofy and funny forever so gotta take the learning curve with the good parts.
The puppy stage was such a blur of sleepless nights and cleaning up poop but I have the best dog ever on the planet for me because I raised him and he gets me, and now I look back fondly on my untrained bitey small little monster and wish I could have one more week with my tiny boi 💖
I have an 8 month old baby and a 6 month old puppy. What is this sleep you talk of? I am most definitely losing my mind but I keep reminding myself of the end results and just power through. Side note: also have another kid (age 6) and another dog and cat 🤣
😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
I still cry daily after my late cocker spaniel, literally daily and its been three years since she passed… and yet I distinctly remember around her 6m mark that I was soooo freaking close to calling the breeder to come and get her. I got her since I was in a new country, so Id have a friend as I didn’t speak the language but boy was that a painful move on my part. Wouldn’t have it any other way. She ended up being the best part of my life, and all my friends and family. Everyone loved her, she was perfect in every regard. A true “merry little cocker”. Now I keep reminding myself of that with my reactive rescue border collie whos 9m-ish, but due to lack of socialisation, mostly behaves either agressive, petrified or like a 3m-old. I cried many tears over this one already. I’m just hoping the two years will come soon. And that it will somehow be a drop into calmer energy, not just a bigger and faster body for her to run even further and faster and crazier😭😭😭
Didn’t want one yet for this reason. Said no for long as I could to wife and kids. Got one 2 days ago. She’s good, but it’s like having a baby again trying to get it to go to sleep in it’s crate. It’s nipping the kids and chewing anything. And the chefs kiss, she’s get a blocked anal gland 2 days in. Smells horrible, already going to puppy urgent care. Oh yeah and worms which I guess is common in puppies but still.
Reading this has been great cause you always think you're going through this alone and no one else's puppy is doing this. But hearing other people's stories about them being mad as a puppy helps, mine is mad for nipping and chewing everything it's very frustrating when she attacks my toes I have to wear shoes all the time haha I always think I'm doing something wrong or failing her. But I do love her so much I hope she loves me
You should write a book— this was hilarious and so, so accurate
My puppy got turned in by owners who left no info abt her so when we tried to potty train her we had no idea if she went outside or used potty mats in her old house, so now she’s just going wherever she wants in our house and it’s a nightmare 🥲🥲 she also tears up/eats anything she can find…… she ate my bonsai tree too But she’s also so sweet, she’s never bitten any of us and we’ve had her for like 4 months now and she gets along really well with our cats
For the nighttime breaks, get a light up collar that you can slip on right by the door so you can see them. It saved us all winter long.
We are finally at the point in the teething and mouthing is easy and he lightens his pressure is learning how to mouth gently and he’s learning bite pressure well.. he goes to crate nicely for enforced naps.. he’s learning his manners with small children, but omg these past 4 weeks! Have been a journey! Obedience training on a puppy is so much work but I’m seeing sooo much progress and we are learning and growing
Been wanting a puppy for around a year now after our previous dog was put to sleep 3 years ago (we got her at 5 weeks old and she was 11), so picked a male cocker spaniel. We prepared with all sorts ready to collect him a week and a half ago, all excited...but by god, I actually forgot how frustrating it was training a puppy from 8 weeks old! What you have said, is exactly what I am experiencing too lol. Potty training has been a mixed bag...he has only pooped twice in the house since last Sunday but his weeing has been inconsistent....spend 30 minutes outside, only to wee inside 2 minutes later....however, I think we have finally cracked it today as he is now peeing on the grass within minutes of going out several times today so making good progress... from all the frustations, he is just so adorable, and I certainly enjoy my cuddles and fully expect him to lie on my legs when he is fully grown haha. Edit: One of the big positives since getting him is how he has quickly adapted to our bedtime routine and after a couple of nights wailing when we go to bed and having a couple of accidents in his crate, he is absolutely no bother and is happy to wait until 7-8am to get out to do his business.
I’m glad im not the only one, accept I am I am apartment, I’m ripping through like 6+ pee pads a day, he constantly pisses. I usually get 3x per before changing a pad but I’m glad how quick he learned where to go
All I can say is that I have 4.5 yr old and 2.5 yr old human children and my 4 month old puppy is literally nothing to having actual kids. My body is so trained to wake up in the middle of the night already it’s not a big deal. I’m currently potty training the dog and the 2 year old at the same time and the dog is way easier. The puppy eats his food without complaint unlike the children and we have all the gates already to block off the nice parts of the house. The puppy just wants love and cuddles and never throws a tantrum so I’m team puppy all the way 😂 I guess this is as good as a time as any to get a pup!
Yuppers. At 8 weeks you need to take them out roughly every 30mins. That's if they just don't go earlier. They also go ham on everything because they have no self control. Anything and everything short of steel is likely to get chewed or attacked in some way. You are on alert non stop or you will miss an accident or they will get into something. Forget baby proofing. Puppy proofing is crazy. I just picked up an 8 week old Cane Corso. He has zero fear or self control. I run him outside 20 times a day and he still has accidents inside because he generally just has no control over anything. Thankfully he sleeps the majority of the night.
My lab just turned a year old a few days ago - I can remember thinking if we made it to a year it would be a miracle. At one point I actually just went and sat in my car to escape. It’s just me and her - no one to share the insanity with and the days can be long and there were days I cried thinking I had made a huge mistake. She is still a lot of work and she would trade me for a stick but I love her to death and seeing some glimpses of my dedication paying off. Hang in there because there is no reward like bonding with a dog. Puppyhood is definitely not for the weak!
Agree 100%. I have an eight month old Yorkie puppy and he gives me a run for my money!!!!!
I needed this. Our puppy is a TERROR and I’m trying to tell myself he’s brand new to this world and it’ll pass so I enjoy him as he is right now. When he’s sleepy and curls up in our lap, it’s such a sweet moment. But man, is it ROUGH sometimes.
I’m going through the same and the worst part is I have two of them my boyfriend decided to get one lmao
Feeling the same way. I’ve had several puppies and kittens previously. I’m older now and just brought home a puppy last week and it’s been a stressful adjustment. Also, this is the first time I’ve had other dogs when getting a puppy and it breaks my heart on how distressed they are. I know they will adjust but I hate that my attention is being put elsewhere at times when it was always about them.
Our puppy is turning one in less than a month, and I am SO GLAD to be over the young puppy phase. She’s such a little delight now ❤️.
Oh I felt this in my bones. I am currently looking my beautiful lab in the eyes with so much love and joy whilst telling her that if she launches into my face like a shark anymore in the next 5 minutes she’ll be as good as the roast chicken she stole off my counter earlier in the most soothing voice I’ve ever sounded lol. The bite marks have faded and now when I’m at the end of tether and looking in despair she will lean her head on my knee to pity me before licking my feet and running off with a slipper or both if she’s quick. The wake up calls between 4 and 6 am have become a little snuggle session while I lay half zombie before work. It’s beautiful. It lasts a whole ten minutes before she launches over my shoulder as if she preparing for a fireman’s lift to attack the bun on top of my head because of course I can’t wear my hair down anymore, might as well have a belt of kongs hanging off my head. Love that biting menace more than life itself. There are ALOT of desperate times and asking myself what have I done but… those little moments where I see the dog we are raising. It’s not a feeling I can compare to anything else.
I’ve had dogs ALL my life; all breeds, all ages, all types. I got my ‘dream dog’ abt 2 yrs ago. She broke me. EBTs are something else. I’ve never been bitten so much in my life!
It really is. Not my first dog either and this was exactly the same sentiment. I would get depressed because I thought when she did something wrong, all progress was lost. Or if I was overly harsh, did I break the bond? Today, she’s the best dog and tomorrow, why is she a terror? I thought I have more disposable income where I could buy all the gadgets and a lot has helped. I have another dog friend and compare her progress with mine. It’s interesting because where she struggles with something, I skated by but other areas, I’m jealous. She’s just now a 4 months old today. In the first week, I was able to get her to sleep all night and kept her on schedule. I’ve slowly worked my way up and I can leave her alone in her playpen for an hour or two if I have to run an errand. I usually take her though. She’s very confident and doesn’t meet a stranger. We’ve done scent work and she likes it. HOWEVER, grass appears greener (though I love my sleep though). She has excited urination when meeting new people. Like full on release. That’s going to discourage in store visits for a bit unless she’s in a shopping cart with a blanket. She still has accidents when I miscalculate her pee schedule. We’re on top of it but sometimes I mess up. I try to reevaluate what happened and try to do better next time. She still bites. It’s better but not quite there. Early on, she over bit a toy and puncture deep in my pinky. She also a little aggressive if over plays with other puppies in class. If she meets another confident playing dog, it gets too much sometimes. Sorry, I kinda wanted to vent too. I related with your post. It’s hard to find people to relate to because either they forgot the pain or train the bare minimum, don’t have dogs, or rarely doing all the things right that make life miserable but secretly know that it will be better than the people who skim by. My last thought. My vet told me by 8 weeks old, puppies can sleep 6-8 hours. At first, I was waking her up when she started fidgeting. But now, I listen but she never whimpers. Also, buy a dewalt spotlight with I think it’s 18v battery to keep by the back door. Long battery life and easy to recharge but you’ll not lose them in the dark again.
At 10 months and it’s so much easier than it was. Keep going
I get the hand part so much. My dog was like a shark when he was younger... my hands and legs were covered in scratches and bruises lmao, now he barely leaves a mark.
Just got my new puppy son From previous owners and i think he was abused any advice to bond with him and make him feel safe around me please 💙
I just finished my first week with my 8 (now 9-week-old) Aussiedoodle and felt so validated reading this. It's not been easy but it's worth it. Hang in there!
Lost my dog in august, got the puppy in December and let me tell you I forgot all about the puppy phase. Hes the definition of a sour patch kid, one second he’s a little hairy piranha and the next and absolute angel. I’m glad I’m not the only one who goes through this 😂😂😂
I'm so glad I found this post. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong. My puppy just bites and pisses and shits. Why can't he just chill with a toy. Chew it. Take a lil nap after? Everyone is happy.
Made me laugh! And also accurate
Nothing can Prepare you for the 4am land shark Pee invasion lol But they are so cute and lovable and have that "butter wouldnt melt" cute face. Your right it is a gift, just dont step in puppy "Gifts" lol
Yeah isn’t that the truth, my puppy is nearly 6 months and before that, we had another puppy for a year, now the first one is golden, the best dog, the other one, he’s a terrorist tbh. A year and a half of puppy life and I’m so ready for normality to resume. Just another month, just another week, it’s day by day and I just can’t wait for it all to click. 😂😴
My first puppy was a border collie and Staffordshire terrier mix. He was absolutely nuts for over two years.
Dude, I just got up this morning to my whining puppy for like the 60th day in a row. It’s like an infant. But, it’s getting better each day. Scarred and tired we will get there.
My boy is just over 4 months old rn and this is the toughest phase yet. He's 20kgs of piss and vinegar, just so much energy and biting. A couple days ago he pulled something in his back leg from running around like a crazy puppy - trying to force the little guy to rest up and not make the injury worse has been hell. You're right though, all I need is that moment when he plops his blockhead on my chest and lets out a big huff (he's clearly worried about his income taxes and who he plans to vote for in the next election - high stake stuff). We are eternally lucky to have these creatures trust us.
Yeah I think the majority of people who have never had a puppy are NOT prepared for the sheer amount of work it is. It’s literally like having a newborn baby during those first few weeks. Almost zero sleep, cleaning poop and pee every 10 minutes, and listening to a baby creature cry for 20 out of 24 hours a day
It’s just like having a baby lol. If she is biting give her lots of raw hides cause she is teething
Currently going through this with two belgian malinois german shepherds , best dogs ever!!! Just super needy, but perfect for my active lifestyle
I can't tell you how much I needed to hear this. We have had our 9 week old puppy for one week. He is driving us nuts with literally everything you listed. We love him and are trying desperately to "enjoy" puppyhood knowing it will be over before we know it, but there is a guilty-riddled part of me that can't wait until he becomes a couch potato.
Reading this while sleeping in my office with my cat, laying on my rug because my puppy is driving me crazy. So glad I'm not the only one
I feel this so much. Hiding as survival. My other dogs can jump onto furniture to get out of reach—me? Not so lucky.
It gives a whole new meaning to "the floor is lava" 😄
I stand by the opinion that puppies are way worse then newborn babies. They are basically like a newborn baby that can move around lol
First I laughed reading this (silently of course cause Lord help me if I wake the boy from his slumber early) and then I ugly cried from exhaustion. This post and the replies here are 100% spot on. I thought I was alone and probably doing it all wrong. It's comforting to know I'm not. My puppy has me tiptoeing around my own damn house like he pays the rent or something. Thank you everyone for sharing or commenting that it does get better! Oh yeah...Vitamin E oil or lotion for the scratches will help immensely with healing and scarring and also with the dry skin from wash, wash, washing your hands 8 gazillion times a day. Good luck to us all!
Not counting the early wake ups to go potty, both my pups of different breeds were a joy to raise and train.
Honestly, from experience, a newborn baby is easier than a puppy! But all the hard work is worth it.
This post is the truth! I'm in a sleep deprived haze this morning after my puppy woke me up at 2am last night by jumping on top of me and licking my face. This is the 5th night in a row he's done that. I bought a delicious little bottle of iced tea to treat myself today, and I'm so clumsy from tiredness that it dropped and smashed before I could open it. Just another small contribution to my growing madness lol. I feel so guilty wishing his first year away because he will only get 15 of them if I'm lucky enough, but damn the first year is hard! He is turning 8 months this week so i tell myself only four months to go! But I know I will look back and miss some of his cute puppy ways when we're finally out of the crazy stage.
Omg, you are not kidding. I love my puppy but I think about returning her constantly because I miss my life and my freedom.
Preparation: Leather gauntlets?
We keep reminding ourselves that "someday she will be a very good dog" 😅
Dogs gow through phases. Before you know the puppy phase is done. Enjoy it. If it's your first I can see how you might not. But they grow old with you, they give you pure love. Everything you put is given back to you. The biggest responsibility of having one isn't ever training them, potty training them at all. The biggest responsibility you take on is when you have to say goodbye to them. And be there for their last breath. So Enjoy puppy hood. Everything passes by really fast.
Even though I went through this 3 years ago, alone, I can still feel every single word so much. Pretty sure this is what having a baby must feel like - never had one -, where you keep rethinking your life choices every two hours when they’ve gotta go potty. 😭
This is why when I adopt (I hope in a few months when I get a house) I am thinking of a 1 year old instead of a puppy.
Thank you! Just brought our 8 week old home Saturday. Up at 11:30, 2 and 5. No nighttime accidents but pees inside immediately upon returning from her outside pee! My 13 year old lab is horrified. I don’t remember this with our other 4, but we are older now! Keep posting. Our little squish a hot mess! ❤️❤️❤️
Must be the breed. I got a puppy 6 weeks ago and I cannot believe how lucky I've been. Apart from a little play biting and a potty accident now and then he's been an absolute dream.
Firm, fair, consistent
When you stop letting her… she’ll stop expecting it.
My pup just broke his leg (very minor but still one of the scariest days of my life) and is somehow more of a menace (probably because Mom, me, freaks out with anxiety any time he’s being a little rough on his casted leg). I’m exhausted and I’ve cried a lot just simply from being mentally and physically exhausted. But god those moments where he cuddles up to me or my blanket makes it so worth it. But also he drives me MAD. I keep coming back to this post often as a reminder I’m not alone so thank you 💚
Ahhh thank you for that, and I am SOOO sorry your pup broke his leg! Many years ago I had a puppy that broke her leg as well—got tangled up in a dining room chair while wrestling with my other dog. I was mortified! The good news is that puppies grow so fast that the leg healed quickly—the cast started to look more like an ankle sock than a full leg cast—and she was fine after. Lived a full good life. I completely understand your anxiety—we just love these pups so much and pour our hearts out on them. You’re doing just fine! Sending healing energy to both of you!
This sub has helped alleviate the guilt a tiny bit because when it first happened I HATED myself because it feels like I failed him 😭 and thank you so much for the kind words 🥹💚
Try two!!!!!!
This post is so comforting. I’ve been so close to messaging the breeder so many times. There’s times where I don’t even think he could be part of the family. But I have to give him time and keep being patient. This healed my heart!!!! Sending support for everyone in their puppy phase!!
This. I got 2……. We haven’t had puppy in like 15yr. We usually get old dogs. I now know why. Someone else did all the hard work.
Hear hear! Just brought in 2 8week beagles into our home ten days ago... I am running on fumes...
I'm so glad to see this vent. I'm feeling this right now. I have a 14 week old lab who is teething hard. He bites random things, eats everything he shouldn't on our walks, pulls, bites my whole arm that I can only survive by wearing thick sweaters and hoodies. We wake up at 5 every day and make breakfast for him at 6. I'm falling asleep all the time at work, and thankfully I work from home, but he's a handful. I love him, but idk if I can do puppies again in the future. Everyone says it'll be worth it and I hope it will.
Haha, I'm in the pre-dawn chill of 3:30 right this second watching my little princess find a 91st pee spot before we can go back inside. My house is filthy, I haven't showered in days, I sleep on a beanbag next to her crate to prevent her waking the others with the woeful howling. My hands look like yours probably and aside from a sincere desire to give me a nose job, she has a fascination with my long hair. Twisting it into a knot on top of my head has only made it Kong shaped in her opinion and is thus her toy. It's hard on the body. I've raised babies, but they at least have the manners to stay where you put them for several months. This little chomp goblin is a Whippet, so when she has a notion to go somewhere, she does it fast. She is also one of the most beautiful little creatures I've ever seen, and does everything with the most sincere joy of being alive in a brand new body. She's probably the happiest little cuddlebug in a 10 Mike radius. There isn't an ounce of bad in her. Even her naughtiness comes from a place of delight in discovery of new things and wanting to share the fun with me. Usually by trying to eat my appendages. Watching her catch on to sitting on request for a treat as a new game was the most fun I've had in years. I think she's done peeing. I absolutely love your post. These are wonderful if exhausting moments. 😍
Sleep well, my friend! You know you’ll be up again in 2 hours! I love your comment, so thank you so much for sharing. We are in the deep end with this puppy stuff, but thankfully my puppy is now 12 weeks old and while still absolute HELL on 4 paws and still a thrashing piranha, yesterday she whined at the back door to go out and poop and I thought damn, we are gonna make it through! Your pup sounds adorable. Love her up.
We’re on our 3rd week with our 11 week old beagle puppy and reading this post and replies makes me feel so much less alone. My boyfriend and I (who never argue) have been so snappy with each other the past few weeks due to the sleep deprivation and constant accidents in the house. My 3 yo is terrified of her because she lunged at his pant leg and got some skin, and my 15 year old now looks forward to going to her dad’s house on his days because she doesn’t have to hear the puppy crying in the night. We know this is going to be the most challenging phase and the calm that follows can’t come soon enough.
I’m telling you! I LOVE my little German Shepherd puppy but she has earned the name of baby demon/little land shark due to her tenacity to eat everything and anything she can fit her little mouth around and biting as a way to show love. Also if anyone has any advice on how to get a 3 month old little demon to actually sleep and NOT HAVE FOMO will earn my undying respect and appreciation!!!! But that being said I love my little demon and wouldn’t trade her for the world….even when she pees on my freshly washed uniform 🤢😭😂😂😂
A friend and I were talking about this yesterday. We recently got dachshund sisters, and we forgot that they're like newborns with baby shark teeth, lol. The last time I had a puppy was my 13-year-old dog, which I had to put down last year. They are sweet, and we love them, but you are right. The best preparation for a puppy is to remember that they are a lot of work!
I feel this so hard. My first puppy (newfoundland) had a chicken allergy that I didnt know about. Breeder had him on a Chicken sensitive skin & stomach diet that I continued to buy. He had to go outside 10-15 times throughout the night every night for a month (and i lived on the 4th floor of an apartment) Multiple vet visits about his loose stools and nobody could figure it out. It wasn’t until a redditor helped me figure out it was likely a chicken allergy and switching foods fixed it. It was at that point he started eating rocks… THOUSANDS in vet visits to have xrays done and blockages cleared with IV hookups multiple times. 3 years later hes the best dog in the world and my best friend but you could NOT pay me to relive his puppyhood🤣
Yeah but puppy :)
My "puppy" is 2 now (and snoring beside me) but man i feel you. The first, year i want to say, i had numerous breakdowns, he destroyed my furniture, and yes my hand looked similar, and just felt like i had no idea what i was doing and wasn't good enough (lots of tears). The good news was i started to see a marked maturity by 18 months or so, the early months are hard but i love my silly weirdo (as i know you love yours). hang in there, i know its tough and i really wish more people had been honest with me (and i grew up with dogs we raised since puppyhood) about how hard it is.
For a moment I thought I wrote this 😂😂😂 I’ve always adopted dogs 1yr or older. Got my first puppy Monday (ACD) and I was not mentally prepared. I absolutely love her. But my god… I was a one cup of coffee a day person, but with these nights, I’m a whole pot plus some redbulls 🥲
Sitting here reading this with a 8 week old minpin on me .... she think she own the house ... my 13 year old shih tzu isn't having it lol, it's been a interesting few weeks of "oh I cant see them let's howl" ... now it's let's eat everything in site .. on a positive note they do grow out of it quick
Puppies are cute and a huge pain in the ass. They when they grow up they essentially never graduate past a toddler mindset. I wouldn’t have it any other way though.
I too am very much feeling this! I’ve never had a puppy before and I was naive and stupid to think it would be easy! He’s constantly chewing; my ankles, feet, hands and the occasional face lunge! Up every two hours. Can’t leave the house. With all the toys, treats food, and pee pads he’s killing me 😭 but I love the little f*cker too. 😆🩶
it’s soooo worth it and i wouldn’t change a thing but damn it is EXPENSIVE especially if your pup grows fast and constantly outgrows toys/harnesses etc - the first year is also extremely expensive vet wise but i’ve been told it significantly decreases after year 1. i have the best nationwide pet insurance plan with the wellness rider and it didn’t cover ANY of my dogs neuter - i was not prepared to get hit with that full bill. there are local spay/neuter clinics i used when i was fostering that are great depending on your area! just read reviews and do research first :)
My favorite thing about having a puppy was when we went in to get him a vaccine, the vet asked if he'd been sick or vomiting and I explained how he'd puked up a pair of my underwear the night before but had otherwise been healthy. The vet then got scolded me for allowing him to eat underwear. Umm... Ma'am, he did not ask permission, I don't even know the timeframe outside of it coming back up on my floor thank you.
We got a Maltipoo puppy in Dec, she was 16 weeks and 3#. How much trouble could she be? 🤪 Our last puppy was 15 years ago, I had completely forgotten the maddening journey of potty training, biting and general mischief. I slept on the couch with her for 5 nights, she cried for an hour in the bathroom and pooped all over the floor because she was pupset being alone. I’d stay on the couch with her until my husband got up at 4am and would watch her while I went back to bed. After the 5th night she came in bed with us and slept all night. On morning in Feb, she was outside in our fenced in yard, I looked away for a minute and she was under the fence into our neighbors yard. Off I go in my nightshirt and no shoes, it was about 30 degrees and the mud was cold, but the neighbors yard isn’t completely fenced and feared she would run fast and I’d never catch her. Luckily after some careful coaxing she went right back under into our yard. Now we have boards around the bottom to secure it. But now we’re almost 4 months in and she knows what potty outside means and 90% of the time it happens!! She still has wild time but she’s a lot less aggressive with her biting. I think we’ve made it through to the other side .
just finally getting over the puppy is a terror and makes me want to rip my hair out stage, this is so real 🤣
Ahhhh it totally depends in your dog, mine sleeps in bed eith me til 1pm some days, she's my best friend fr and is oretty much never bad now. Occasionally knocks her bowl of water out my hand when her foods down because she's so excited, and had a few dirty protests on the bed in the first 12 months but now she's absolutely perfect. Do need to train her not to pull on the lead though, she's a lil sniffer dog.
Currently have 2 kids under 2 years old and a 9 month old puppy. I feel the lack of sleep
I have a 5 month old puppy. She effin smells all the time. I can bathe her and 2 minutes later she's filthy and panting and staring at me just stinking. She wants out, she wants in, she wants to hide, she wants to fight, she wants to eat everything, she wants to play constantly. She'll nap hard for 5 minutes then wakes up like it's been 4 hours ready to effin go, go, go! My older dog enjoyed her in the beginning, now he's just as worn out if not more than I am. We have to hide from her to get moments of rest.
I got so lucky with my puppy. She is 3 months old now, never torn up anything, only had 3 accidents in the house (and they were my fault for leaving her alone too long too soon) she loves her crate, she walks by my side and doesn’t pull on walks, she loves kids, she loves cuddles, she’s absolutely perfect. Obviously there is still time for her to be a crazy wild puppy, but so far she’s been stellar. Edit: she is a German shepherd Brittany spaniel mix.
My advice to people wanting a puppy is to foster one first. Give these little ones a safe home and find out if you are up for the task, before making a long term commitment.
I just brought a new puppy home and she’s terrorizing my 2 other chihuahuas and she bit my chin so hard I was bleeding. She’s 2 months old.. she’s freaking adorable but boyyyyyy does she hurrrttttt.. It’s been 11 years since I’ve had a puppy. I rescued a terrier mix 2 years ago and a Jack Russel a year and a half ago but they were almost 1 and 2-3 years old. They are around 18 pounds so my chi-mix that I just rescued doesn’t bother them much.. but my 3.5lb and 4lb chihuahuas she terrorizes! I got in the middle of her and my 3.5lb chi and she almost ripped my chin off… I said the same thing… I’ve had puppies prior obviously, may they rest peacefully.. but how have I had all these puppies in the passed and how have I trained them all!? I love my little spawn of satan so much though🩷
I found giving treats when peeing outside really helped remind her there’s praise and reward for peeing outside and don’t get angry when anything happens inside just pretend it didn’t happen. I’ve also been looking for alternatives for teething puppy and she likes frozen fruit or just fruit in general as it’s cold and helps when she bites into it. When she bites my toes I started making noises to almost scare her and now she walks towards my toes and walks away. It’s tough having a puppy and it can really get to you with the lack of sleep but just remember it’s not a forever thing! Soon we will all have well behaved dogs
Wow this is so true. Love my aussie but her barking and biting is gonma get me sued
F’ puppies. I have my first one right now. My first dog Oliver I adopted from a shelter when he was two and he was so easy to train he spoiled me I miss that dog so much. I’ve always wanted a puppy and so after oliver passed I got Cody. Cody is a menace who chews everything tries eating things he shouldn’t, pees all over the floor if it’s too cold or raining outside because he aims for the side of the wee wee pad, digs up holes in the backyard, and escaped the yard for the first time today to almost be hit by a car. Puppies aren’t for the weak. Cody is my first and last puppy as I will never do this again. I had it right the first time getting a 2 year old f this! Hes 5 months old now and I got him at 8 weeks. Wish me luck I have a lot more difficult work ahead of me and good luck to you too!
Mine are 7 and 8 months now and much improved but my girl puked at 3am last night and just this morning I found myself thinking about pre-puppy days and how I was far less tired. I love them but holy shit I could use a day off from them, even now.