Am I too quick to get rid of my new puppy?

Question

My fiance and I just got a boxer puppy and are already having problems with her. She isnt doing so well with the housebreaking and she is tearing up everything. The only way we can keep her from having an accident at night while we are sleeping is to put her in bed with us and she isnt exactly a peaceful sleeper. Just tonight she managed to throw up on me and all over the bed! Im begining to have doubts about keeping her and I havent been able to get any good sleep since having her. I guess I can consider having her trained. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Obviously we are both new to having a puppy.

Answer 1

Please give her a chance. Puppies are like babies. They need to be taught right from wrong.

Get her a crate. For now, put her in it at night and while you are gone. It will help housebreaking it. Dogs don't soil their immediate surroundings.

Give her lots of love!

Answer 2

It sounds like she's being a typical puppy. Since this is your first experience with this, you might want to go to the local bookstore and find some books about rasing puppies, or look online at Dogwise, which has an extensive catalog of books about dogs.

You might want to consider a trainer, however, they will not train the dog so much as teach you how to train her.
If she's old enough and had all her shots, consider enrolling in a puppy obedience class. Kennel clubs, some boarding kennels, professional trainers and pet supply places often have these at varying prices.

Also consider crate training the dog - that will help with the housebreaking.

Puppies often go through a stage of chewing things up - try giving her some acceptable alternatives, such as durable toys that she can chew on, Nylabones or other things designed to let them satisfy their urge to chew.

I would consider something like this before giving up on the dog. She won't be a puppy for long, and some of this is just a matter of maturation.

The main thing, in my opinion, is that you should find the books, or online resources that will show you methods and strategies for dealing with your pup. There are a lot of websites about dog training, a quick web search should turn up some.

Have patience, do the self-education you need, and things will hopefully work out OK.

Answer 3

Maybe you should look into local puppy classes. You're being very hasty about this.

Puppys take a little while to housetrain and all puppys chew and tear things up. Take her to puppy training classes and talk to the person running it or email/call a trainer if you feel you cannot handle this yourself.

It may also be a good idea to get your dog sleeping in a crate. It may mean a few nights with her whining for a while but it may be your best option.

If you contiune to let her sleep on the bed then she will learn that she is the 'top dog' which will cause many problems when she is an adult which may even lead to an agressive, unmanagable dog. So need to be firm with her - ALL puppy owners go through this and most end up with a well trained, all round great dog. Just as long as they remember to be consistant with the training.

Answer 4

Puppies take a lot of work... It would be a GREAT idea to invest in a dog crate/kennel... It's a nice/safe place to keep your puppy when you are not home or when you go to sleep..Make sure that if it's a big kennel that it can grow into that you partition off a space only big enough for the puppy to turn around in.. Dogs/puppies will rarely go pee/poop where they sleep. Having said, make sure you take your puppy outside IMMEDIATELY from the kennel and at least 15 min. after they eat. To minimize accidents.. Also, use the same door whenever possible so they know where to go to "tell" you to let them outside ! Feeding is also a training "thing" try NOT to leave a bowl of food out at all times... Establish that YOU are the BOSS and are in charge of feeding. Stick to a word "dinner" that will associate YOU w/ feeding. Also, move the bowl and put your hand in the dish when your puppy is eating.. Take toys and food away from you puppy whenever possible.. That way in time the dog will know that you are the boss. Especially, with larger breed dogs. This also helps food/toy possesiveness and aggression. That will help with your puppy eventually running the roost ! Get some puppy chew toys and treats to chew on since it's probably getting it's teeth... A puppy sized KONG toy is perfect ! Puppies need training and that takes time/patience. If the puppy is throwing up then he/she may need to see the vet as well. Do not give puppies raw hide treats.. Their stomach can't handle it. Also, any change in food needs to be gradual. I would get the kennel and try it out again. good luck

Answer 5

This is the problem why so many dogs end up being put to sleep in pounds, the people who sold you this dog should have assisted you with information about this demanding settling period with your new puppy.

There is also some responsibility with people who buy pets to do some research beforehand so they can get a better understanding of what is needed.

The first few months are the most difficult, once your dog is older and if it has been raised carefully as a puppy the sleeping and toileting will settle down. Your dog will need your company, training and exercise when grown. Also vet attention to getting neutered and vaccination shots (has he had his puppy shots and boosters?)

A certain amount of time does need to be dedicated to puppy training, socialising, health matters and exercise, you need to assess if you are prepared to commit the next 10 - 15 yrs to looking after a dog. If you do you will be rewarded by a special love, loyalty and joy that a dog can bring into your life.

The secret of attending obedience classes with your puppy is that it is the dog Owner who is being trained, that is trained in how to manage a dog. This hands on experience is better than having a trainer do it for you.

Even if you do decide to rehome the puppy, the best preparation for a puppy to live a decent life in this world is to be obedience trained and spayed/neutered.

It is better not to pass the problems on, but if you cannot make a committment to the dog for its life, at least make it ready and rehomable for its future.

Answer 6

I recently got a cocker spaniel puppy, and while they are completely different breeds - all puppies are the same... You must leave her outside or in a room (maybe the laundry) at night if you want heer to do this later in life. My philosophy during this period was: 'if I teach them as a puppy - they wont know any different. It is ok to lock the puppy in a room at night - if she cries - leave her- as it teaches her that crying wont get her attention. Puppy's also like being in confined places - so this may help. As for the toilet, there are pads that you can get from pet shops which have a scent that make the dogs want to go to the bathroom on.
Just remember - she is only a puppy. Stick it out - but dont be affraid to be stern with her.... because it is the only way she will learn - and if you teach her now- she will be set for a good life - and you will not have to go through the stress of her or giving her up.
The first couple of weeks are REALLY hard - but it gets easier, and more rewarding as it continues... They are great companions to have... all they have to give is love.
Hope this helps!

Answer 7

ok first off boxer's are the best dogs i have one too. Ok the dog is just nervous and the way it is doing this is by tearing things and peeing every where right. Well put a baby gate so you can block places where you are not at. I think it is to early to give the boxer away. The dog is just tring to adjust and does not know how.. Maybe she is feeling lonely and needs more attention remember she is a a brand new puppy. I would bring her to a school that trains her once and a while. But please keep her i think things will work out.

Answer 8

Well... my husbands the boxer expert, but I'll try. Apparently from what I hear (he got his before we met - he's now five years old) that's how they are when they're puppies. I've heard stories about how when he'd get home from work his apartment would be trashed - everything in sight would be destroyed. Also, the house training... I remember one particular story where he also let him sleep with him and he was awakened by "pee in the face". Either way, our dog has settled down now - my husband says that it's just the way they are when they're new. They need a lot of attention, do a little research and see what's the best recommendations on how to handle boxer puppies. Have some patience, if you can, think of it like a child - you have to teach her how to be.

Answer 9

Train the dog.
You should have given this consideration BEFORE getting the puppy.
I work at an animal shelter and we get puppies in all the time because of irresponsible pet owners who don't look into what it takes to raise a puppy before buying one...the puppy does what puppies do and is destructive and needs to be housebroken but nobody ever wants to put in the effort.

For the good of the puppy, have her trained. It is psychologically bad for a puppy to have to change hands so many times. Think about her welfare as well as yours. All puppies go through destructive phases, and some take longer to housetrain than other, but the reward is well worth it.

Answer 10

it is crazy when all you wanted was a cute sweet dog to love and call your own and then...reality sets in. You just bought a pint size tornado!

Luckily, your new puppy does have handbook. I would go ASAP to a pet store and pick up a book on Boxers.

Now some food for thought:

When we have ~human~ babies for the first few years we have to wipe their noses and clean their butts several times a day. We also have to teach them how to behave with constant love and give them as much postitive attention as we can muster. Animals are really no different. We humans are all they have to teach them what it is they are to do and how they are to behave.

What not to do:

Never wipe their noses in their poo.......Think about it......would you do that to a baby? Absolutely not but some people actually do this to their dogs. It is disgusting. They should never be chastised for something their bodies do naturally. After she goes somewhere in the house she shouldn't have it is OK to use a stern voice though. Hurry and clean it up then sprinkle black pepper in that area. When she gos to sniff around in that area she will sneaze so much that she will not go back there again. I cannot say this enough...PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE...when she goes outside. Never punish for going to the potty even if it is in the wrong place.

I am going through the same things right now and if it were not for the help of people on here I would go mad. My eyes have been opened by the kind words of encouragement in this community. Ignore all those who are mean spirited because you had a moment of weakness in thinking wether or not you shoul have gotten your dog. I appreciate the fact that you are seaking help, which shows you do care.

LOL...you are basically going through post puppy depression but once you own your roll in her life everything will get better and ...you will like her a lot better.

Having her in your bed isn't really a good idea when they are young and not potty trained because just like a baby she will have little accidents all over but if you insist then put plastic under your sheets ASAP. Expect her to spit up and throw up when things she has eaten does not agree with her newly formed digestive system. When we have kids we baby proof our house but forget we have to do the same thing for our babie pups. There are a lot of deadly things a pup can get into around the house. A friend of mine lost her pup to him chewing into wires dangling around the T.V.

So, when she chews on your fav shoes or ruins the legs of your very beautiful table........forgive her........she is just a little being brought here for your love and protection...and get her a soft rubber squeeky toy ( keep ten on hand to replace them when she shreds them to pieces) )....they love them!

If you do nothing else know this to be true...that dog has to RUN and exert it's natural born energy. If there is a doggy park anywhere around then take her and let her RUN for at least an hour. It is worth the drive if you have to get in your car and drive him there every day..... that will take a lot of the energy away and make your life much easier at night when you are ready to go to bed, Also it socialzes her with other pets and people. I HIGHLY recommend it. It is no different then taking your kids to the park. Boxers and other big dogs HAVE to have the outlet of energy or they will make your life miserable. The joy you will find from a dog park is immeasurable...trust me


good luck hun and congradulations on your new puppy. I am sure she is lucky to have you.

Answer 11

Yes, please give her more time! Study up on it, talk to your vet, consult a trainer, talk to people who work in a pet store. You took on this dog, you should give her a chance. With some attention you will have a wonderful pet and companion, with irreplaceable memories to last a lifetime.

If she is throwing up continuously, you do need to take her to a vet. You may need a different food, or don't feed her before bedtime. If she is tearing things up, don't leave her alone with things you don't want torn up. Make sure she has toys and playtime/walks with you. Also you could put her in a crate while you are gone, although I prefer a doggie safe room or space. You can use gates to help create the space too. If she is hard to sleep with right now, put her in her space with a soft doggie bed, toys and a pee pads.

There are solutions to all these problems. She is your child now and needs you to help her. Good luck :-)