I've always been in love with dogs. I understand that it is a lifetime responsibility and I've done so much research these past years. We just moved to Gothenburg, Sweden. Just as we were looking for a dog, my friend told me he got a 10 month old puppy and couldn't take care of her for personal reasons. He only had her for about 2-3 days. He told me everything there is to know about her (it's complicated ). So I decided to take her in.
She's an American Staffordshire, which I think is not the ideal breed to have as a first time owner. She's extremely playful and smart (taught her 2 commands in just a day).
She is a challenge. Excessive pulling on leash (my arms are bruised from the pulling), growling, barking and trying to lunge at other dogs and people who visit us. She is okay with people outside and may greet them if she's in the mood, but she has a problem with anyone coming in the house.
I've had her for a week. I walk her everyday for 1.30 hours (secluded area) and I take her out to potty 3 times or more. I've been trying to use positive reinforcement which did help with the leash pulling. But I am exhausted and I always expected my first dog to be a lot calmer and easier!
I look at other dogs just walking calmly by their owners and I feel jealous and sad she can't experience this.
It's like my privacy has somehow been violated. I haven't been sleeping well. It's 4 AM and I am crying. The other day I went to get some groceries, I came back after 20 minutes and she came running to me like it's been forever and started licking/hugging/following me everywhere. Leaving her makes me feel guilty and I do like her .. but it's too much.
I want to get her to a dog school but they are taught in swedish only and I barely started taking a language course.. What do I do?
Did any of you ever feel this way and did you act on it?
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The doghouse
Do you regret getting a dog? :(
43 replies
Scarlet6 · 02/10/2016 03:26
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