What should I do??

Question

My boyfriend and I recently bought a condo and we have a cat who is about 1 1/2. We'd talked about getting a dog but we also talked about waiting until next summer when we're a bit more settled. We had his little sister with us on Sunday and ended up buying a puppy. She is a 9 week old American Bulldog. I've always wanted one but my concern is that we're just not ready for the comittment of having a dog. I'm looking for some advice. I like the dog a lot, she is super cute but I'm home with her all day. I'm a teacher so I'm off for the summer and I'd like to enjoy my last few weeks of vacation. My boyfriend gets home from work and he's tired and doesn't realize that after spending the entire day looking after the dog, my frustration level is very high. Also, my poor cat (who I adore) has been forced to run and hide when the puppy is around. Have you ever dealt with a situation like this and what advice to do have on dealing wtih it??
Serious answers only PLEASE!!!

Growing up my family had German Shepards. So I've had experience with dogs just never on my own like this. In addition, we did discuss the details. He takes care of her in the morning and I've got evening duties, however this schedule was made for when I'm back at school. As silly as it sounds, what sresses me out the most is seeing my poor cat so stressed. She used to be so friendly and outgoing, now she's always on the run! :(

Answer 1

Okay, maybe you're not ready for a dog, but you have one, so it iss too late to fret the decision. American Bulldogs can be great dogs if they are properly socialized and trained. I am going to give you a list of books and websites that have been a big help to me with my Berner puppy (now about 5 months) below in sources.

My biggest suggestion is not to spend the entire day entertaining the pup, as enticing as it may be, and as strongly as others may recommend it. It is not reasonable to drop everything for the dog (I know because I did it), and it is not healthy for the dog to think they are the center of your universe--it can make them bossy and anxious. The pup needs to learn to entertain herself, so that she does not develop separation anxiety while you are working. Puppies can be left alone for their age in months (plus up to one hour), as this is how long they can "hold it." Set aside a 2-2.5 hour period in the morning and one in the afternoon and have that be her "quiet time". Put her in a crate or an exercise pen and leave the house or ignore her during this time (no matter what fuss she puts up) so that she can get used to being left alone for short periods and can learn to entertain herself. You can leave a toy with her or a food-stuffed kong to entertain her. Most dogs learn to sleep or chew quietly during this time. This will help keep you from getting frazzled (yes, puppies are EXHAUSTING) and will give your cat some down time as well. When each quiet time is over, take her immediately to an appropriate potty area.

When school starts again you will need to arrange for you, your boyfriend or a sitter to visit your puppy during lunch time for food and a potty break.

Dogs LOVE schedules because they know what to expect and when, and the stricter your schedule for her, the less anxious she will be, i.e., she will know when she will be fed, when to nap, etc.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that bulldogs are very high-energy dogs. Have regular play sessions every day. Set up play dates with other puppies who have had their shots. You can't take such a young pup out on walks yet, but do your best to wear her out with play and games. A tired dog is a happy dog.

A good way to keep the dog under control in the house is to keep a leash on her and either tie the leash to you or leave it hanging from her so that you can grab it if need be (she should always be supervised if she is loose in the house). You can easily teach a 9 week old puppy to sit. The resources below will explain how. Have her sit often. This creates a clear communication between you and the pup, and it helps her understand that you are in charge. "Sit" is also very useful if the dog is misbehaving--she can't jump on something and sit at the same time, so a reliable sit will stop her if she is jumping up, running off, etc.

As soon as she has had all her shots, put her in a puppy class. This will help socialize her, the other pups will help teach her bite inhibition, she will learn to follow your lead, and she will learn to pay attention to you in a distracting environment. This will all help her to become a better companion.

On weekends have your boyfriend or someone else play puppy sitter for a few hours, and get out of the house--for your own sanity.

You can never have enough appropriate things for the puppy to chew on. The puppy will chew and chew, and if she doesn't have something good, she will find something bad.

Be firm and consistent and never show anger with your dog--she won't understand why you are angry (she doesn't know a shoe is not a toy and she doesn't know that peeing on the rug is a problem). It does not teach her anything, but will only scare her, increase her anxiety and possibly increase misbehavior. Try to keep your cool, tell her "no" when she is doing something wrong, and shift her attention to something appropriate ("No," remove shoe from mouth, insert chew toy in mouth).

When things get overwhelming, contact other dog owners for moral support (although always be suspicious about their advice--"The road to H*** is paved with good intentions.") :)That is all that is coming to my head at the moment. Good luck and congrats on your new puppy!

Answer 2

There's no reason why you cant enjoy your summer. Yes, when puppies are young you need to spend special time teaching them, but if your condo has a patio, or a yard, you can let her play, depending on how safe you feel that is. Also, if you're not going to be gone too long, you could just leave her crated. I wouldnt like it, but she'd be fine. We have a yard and an older dog for our pup, but crate training is fine for short periods of time or over night. I hate to see dogs kenneled all day though. As far as the cat, relax, they'll get used to one another and it will be fine. Even our two dogs had to do the same thing.

Answer 3

I think what's telling is that you're frustrated after being around the dog for only a day. Have you had a dog before, as a child or otherwise? You should probably have a talk with your boyfriend, too, about what kind of schedule you want your dog to get on and how he can help you with it.

Answer 4

I don't understand why you would get a dog knowing that you are not ready for one. but since you did, you and your bf need to set some rules for the dog, at nine weeks old, he needs lots of attention and training. since you didn't discuss this before hand, I think you are stuck watching the dog untill you go back to work. he is too young to leave alone for very long. I think you need to sit down with your BF and discuss your responsiblites with the dog. decide who is going to take care of him in the morning before work, who will walk him, what to do when you both go to work, who takes him to the vet, etc.

Answer 5

i think the main question is who is going to take the dog while you are at work. when they are puppies its very stressful on them to have someone there all the time then poof... everyone is gone for hours. do you have doggie daycares where you are from. that might be a good place to start.

Answer 6

well just from what you said here, its sounds as though you may not be ready. Having a dog is a big comittment, and you already said your not ready. You answered your own question.

Answer 7

get a mini dachshund