I need some words of encouragement! Tell me this will get better--that she will learn not to poop on my carpet. And any advice on crate training would be well-received. I told Andy last night that it was worse than bringing my first baby home from the hospital--I know next to nothing about dogs, and have seriously no idea what to do with her!
Name of the moment--Annie (as in little orphan Annie that was rescued from the Pasadena pound--subject to change with no notice, as we've seen 10 times already!)
Oh yeah--kids love her. Me, jury's still out...send your advice my way...
6 comments:
Oh man Shannon, you KNOW I've been there and written your exact post before. I felt such pangs of regret and depression after we brought Lucy first home. I then in turn felt guilty because Aaron and kids loved her and I was dying with all the housework/clean up. Ugh. But I'll tell you what my friend told me: it DOES get better. And it does. Just like the baby stage where you're up all night with a newborn passes...so will this stage with the dog. But holy Hanna it IS tough work! That's why I joked with you (kinda joking, lol) that I was excited you were getting a dog cause misery loves company and we can be miserable together :)
We did put up baby gates so she doesn't have full reign of the house and that helps. Crate training at night came kinda natural to Lucy, but daytime was another story and shed have accidents and anxiety fits of being left there during the day. Our trainer suggested us put her in the crate 10 min before we left the house and do not talk to her once she's in there and also don't say goodbye. Lucy was better when we did this.
Sorry for the typos, I'm on my phone. Push through, it'll get better, it's only been about 6 months with out pup and I still have many "what was I thinking?!" days but they are farther and few between now!
I can't even begin to write everything I want to tell you. It would be too long. I'm going to call you tomorrow! Get excited!
It will get better!!
Read EVERYTHING you can about the type of dog you have...looks like a terrier/beagle/mutt mix, so just read everything you can find about beagles and terriers so you have a better understanding of how to deal with the dog the way it knows best. As for housetraining, just use the internet, figure out a plan, and STICK TO IT.
http://www.wikihow.com/House-Train-a-Puppy
Try not to feel too much pressure either. It's just a puppy, and it has a lot to learn, the same as you do. Just from the pictures and knowing the breed, I'd also guess that the dog is super super smart, and you will probably be surprised at how quickly she learns.
For the first months, it might be a good idea to set up a "dog area" in the kitchen, where if she has an accident, you won't need to clean the carpet.
Cliffs notes: It will get better. Your dog WILL learn to be housetrained. Be patient and learn and grow with your puppy. Read everything you can online about your breed mix, because you will hear similar stories and learn solutions you would never have thought of.
Congratulations and good luck! Let me know if you have any specific questions.
JP
First off, we really enjoyed the visit from Andy. We love seeing you guys. Second I have heard that you can actually train them to poo in a specific SPOT in the yard. I am sure that would take a lot of training, but I am sure it would be worth it. I remember when my parents would get new dogs; the potty training, and house training, etc and there is a reason why I don't own a dog at this point in my life. Hang in there I am sure it will get better.
Jon
You got a dog?!?! What happened to the bunny? Wasn't he good enough? I'm more worried about this poor bunny and what he's thinking about all of this: "Does my family still love me? Have I been replaced? How soon do I become the new chew toy?" Sounds like some serious abandonment issues. You should worry more about your bunny freaking out on you and really acting out: clinging to your leg, throwing feces, all that stuff.
WHAT?!?!?! I just read that you got rid of Petey! This is too much to take. I can just picture him wandering the streets in the rain wondering "what happened?" Talk about abandonment issues...
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