Let me just whine for a few minutes here...
You all know me probably. I posted alot about my new puppy and when I finally got him, I posted alot about taking care of him. I should've listened to you yahoo users. taking care of a puppy ALONE is the most hardest thing ive done in my life and it's only been a week. I have several major projects assigned in school, joined three after school clubs, and I'm completely stressed out here. I also can't help but to think about my future.. If I'm stressed now, how will I manage during my junior year? Will my dog ever learn how to take care of himself when I'm away? I don't know why I didn't think about this before I got him.. I think rushed into getting him too quickly. I definately want to keep my baby but I'm just SO EXHAUSTED AND STRESSED!!
...so who wants to comfort me and give me some advice on how to deal?? (please be nice and dont tell me to give up my baby, i love him to death.)
2007-10-01 10:38:52 · 18 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Drop the after school clubs. You made a commitment to this dog. You might regret it now, but your dog will never be able to take care of himself, you will always need to do it for him. He may become more independent, but you will still need to feed him, exercise him, and clean up after him. Just remember... it WILL get better (the crazy puppiness DOES go away!)... stick it out... he will calm down in about 5 months or so.
2007-10-01 10:43:10 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Ok Sooz, do you have any best buddies that can come over and walk the new puppy, or even family members? You see now is the special bonding time between your puppy and you. I have a Bichon Frise, she is my middle child so yes, I can definitely relate. You didn't say what breed your baby is, but I can tell you this, the smaller breeds if not pottied regularly, will actually develop bladder stones if you aren't careful. The other alternative is (and no I am not going to tell you to give her up) is to litter box train your puppy. Go to any Petsmart or Petco, and they should have all the training materials on hand as well as an obedience instructor to answer any questions. If that doesn't work, you will have to let some of your after school activities go.
2007-10-01 11:09:05 · answer #2 · answered by Laurie S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know exatly how you're feeling, when I first got my puppy I was sooo overwhelmed with it, I've always had a dog in my life, but I didn't think all the other dogs I had my parents took care of. When I went out on my own I thought, how hard can it be? I was in tears some nights it was crazy. That was 2 years ago now tho and its much much easier! I can leave him home and he doesn't cause chaos or mess in the house, I don't even have to kennel my little guy. So don't worry it will get easier, but expect some stress for awhile, dogs are a whole lot of responsibility! It was all worth it tho, as much as I was cursing myself for getting a dog and all the things I couldn't do because of him, I'm glad hes around, so don't get rid of your pooch! Maybe taking your pup to some puppy classes will help
2007-10-01 10:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by Kat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what, I had the exact same problem. I had a daschund, that I took in cause my mom didn't want her. All I thought at the time was"Aww she's so cute." I forgot about the poo and the pee. Well she was hyper, stubborn and very loud .I was just at the breaking down point, when I had an idea. I scheduled play times, potty breaks everything you could imagine. It did not work! My dad was griping at me, and threatening to take her to the pound. Well, after hearing this, I decided no more goofing off. I finally got to where I just kept her in the cage most of the time with a pee pad. After doing this, I noticed she was actually using it! I was so happy. Then as the accidents started gradully going away she got more time playing than sleeping. Guess what, after doing this, she became a nice, appreciative, well-mannered, dog. That was a big accomplishment to me. Trust me, you will be stressed, but with alot of determination, you can do it. Try what I did. But, if you don't like the pee pads, your gonna have to use them at first, just gradually move them near the door and then outside on the grass, she'll get the idea sooner or later that she needs to "go" outside! Good luck. You can do it!
2007-10-01 10:47:58 · answer #4 · answered by Dogs Rule:) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know it can be hard, but it will get easier. I really wouldn't have gotten a puppy, as they take a lot more attention then adult dogs with training (especially housetraining), teething, etc. As he gets older, it will get easier, and remember, he's getting older every day! You've got a lot on your plate, but you can get help. Don't procrastinate on school work. Get it done first, and then you can have the rest of the time to play with your pup. Maybe you should drop one of the after school programs to help you manage your time better and then pick it up next year when your puppy is no longer a puppy. Try not to worry so much and have fun! Good luck!
2007-10-01 10:46:22 · answer #5 · answered by Dachshund gal? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Almost everyone gets stressed with a puppy. But when I wake up and my pup is there with her beautiful eyes waiting to be sure I'm awake, then bounce to my face with kisses, it's all worth it..
You really might have to give up a couple clubs because it seems like even if you didnt have a puppy you'd be stressed? I was one of the yahoo users who said you'd be ok with a puppy when you asked the question, I still think that, but i hear you now..lots of stress, worry, stress, worry..
First, remember the good moments with your puppy. Second, puppy accidents (potty or anything else) always happen with everyone. When that happens instead of thinking "oh my god if it's this bad now, what will I do when I'm a jr" instead smile (force it if you have to and you're going to have to lol) "This is a baby and this is going to pass, now let me clean it up or fix it, give the puppy a nylon bone to chew, and continue on with my homework".
It helps to talk to dog owners. This yahoo forum is good for quick and usually i get practically expert help. But email lists and communities for puppy owners and dog owners (so you can get experienced people) will help you alot too, even if just to vent like you did here. www.dogster.com is one of my favorites, but there's so many out there, you can find breed specific ones or any thing out there.
If you can't get the puppy to sleep the night, it would save alot of stress to crate him, besides the potty training help it gives. Puppies can learn to love their crates, you just need to put treats and toys in there with him.
What exactly are you having trouble with with the puppy? The potty training? Aggression problems? Destroying the house? Finding time to walk him?
2007-10-01 11:04:20 · answer #6 · answered by ♥shelter puppies rule♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if you have tons of homework you can always be with your dog also. Take him/her up to your room while you do your homework or do it down there with him. Occasionally pet him, and talk to him. You're dog will be able to adjust to your busy life...mine did, and I'm sure yours will also.
Make sure your puppy has lots of toys, that's one way to keep him busy when you are, and it will keep him from hopefully not being bad while your gone and chewing at things he's not supposed to.
If you go out to a petstore, take him with you. Most dogs absolutely love to be taken places. He'll love all the new smells, meeting new people, and just being with you.
Try to take him for a walk occasionally. Even around your house will do. Spending time with your puppy is the best thing for him. A dog doesn't need a companion there 24/7 for him, he just needs to realize that he's loved and that he feels safe and secure.
I hope that helps! Good luck with your dog!!!!
2007-10-01 10:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by Jenny D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drop a club or two - your dog is a living being dependent on you. He'll get through his puppy phases, but like another user said, you made a committment to this dog. You love him. You can't abandon him now! Take it a day at a time. Love this puppy with all your heart until his dying day. It does mean some sacrifice, but those people doing all those extracurriculars don't have your darling dog to take care of. It can be tough, sometimes, but then he'll wag his tail or lick you and it's ALL WORTH IT. :)
2007-10-01 10:50:22 · answer #8 · answered by a gal and her dog 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
confine him to one room so he cant make all around the house messes,put him in a different room when you do your projects, but still spend time with him. Also if you have troubles with time between quality time and homework just try a schedule for that. Although if that does not work just give him a room to live in or a porch I have found my back porch very useful because I have a cocker spaniel and she is put on the porch before I leave to go anywhere. Another thing you can try is to do homework at the beginning of the day and play with your puppy later or the other way around but try to keep you puppy happy or the messes will be worse.
Hope this is comforting enough.
2007-10-01 10:48:48 · answer #9 · answered by Mary B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would have gone for a cat. They are so much more independent, even as kittens. But Probably the best thing for you to do is give the dog to someone you know and trust, even if it's just until you *can* take care of the puppy on your own. I'm very sorry for you and I wish that I could be better help.
2007-10-01 10:46:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋