Suffering post puppy depression!

[Mairyhinge]

I love my pup, he's 9 weeks and we've had him 10 days. The good points...
He sleeps all night in his cage, 10-5, then 5-8, no whining, no howling, no mess.
( I'm desperately hoping this doesn't change!)
He MOSTLY goes outside, the odd wee on the carpet, but I'm constantly aware of him sniffing. We take him out regularly and he gets lots of praise.
The bad points...
(& im well aware it's my responsibility to sort this)
He chases and bites feet. He will bark in my husbands face and go to nip, also does it to my son (15), and I think it's because he's with me most of the time.
I've read all the guides on how to tackle this, and I'm trying, but I'm exhausted.
Husband works all day so isn't up for helping train, son ( who wanted a dog desperately) will play with him but he's really not that bothered and this REALLY upsets me.
So it's just me and the dog.
I'm tired, I'm emotional, I miss my cats ( who come in to eat but won't hang about).
I'm realising this is it for many years to come and I'm panicking and want to run away.
I KNOW it will get better, hopefully once we can go out for walks.
I know it won't last forever but I think I've hit a wall today.
Can't even tell my husband as he will be quite smug and say ' you wanted the dog,' even though I told him we all have to be in this together..and he agreed.
Maybe it's cos it's the week,
Any survival stories, tips, ideas or even a un mumsnetty hug!
He has come to me for a cuddle and fallen asleep, maybe he knows?!

[Hoppinggreen]

Puppy survival thread on here - you are not alone!!

[Coloursthatweremyjoy]

This is not "it forever" I once cried I a field because my dog would not completed e back and thoughthe recall was a game. He was young and I was teaching recall (evidently badly). Dog is almost 6 now, fantastic recall, calm, gentle, the envy of many. It really does get better if you keep at it.

I researched having a puppy really thoroughly and did all the right things. I still remember cleaning up an accident in the kitchen on a rough day thinking "what have I done?"

Pick a tactic for the nipping thing and stick to it until pup gets it. You can fix it. For what it's worth I just used to dramatically cry out Ow! Ow! Ow! While holding the offended finger or whatever and put him away from me. Dog really responded to that. He didn't want to hurt me you see and once put away instantly wanted to come back. (Not shut away, just a bit away.)

Big hugs. He is going to be a great dog one day...and yes, he knows.

[InvisableLobstee]

Being naughty and bitey is a normal puppy thing so try to stay calm and be patient. You aren't doing anything wrong. You need to have a safe place you can put him to calm down when he gets excited that way or if you just need a little break. A puppy playpen is good. I would put him in there with something to chew on like a Kong.

[Coloursthatweremyjoy]

Good grief...I once cried in a field because dog wouldn't come back and though recall was a game...sorry.

[InvisableLobstee]

By the way I think the barking in your Dh face and going to nip is just him trying to get your Dh to play. Again not an acceptable behaviour so I would put him in his pen to calm down. If you see he is getting a bit bored and ready to start being naughty give him some attention and start a gentle game that won't get him over excited. Perhaps a little walk round the garden.

[BiteyShark]

Come over to the puppy survival thread on here for ongoing support.

Yes puppy regret/depression is a thing. I felt regret and overwhelmed at the beginning but now at 10 months all is good and I love him to bits.

[pigsDOfly]

Oh bless you OP. It's not forever, it will get less intense. You sound as if you're doing fine.

You can, and should, take him out and about while he's small and not allowed on the ground. Take him out for a carry. He can go into town and see the cars and hear the noise and see the people, so he gets used to it. He can learn to go in the car. There's lots you can do with him and it'll all help you feel as if you're less stuck at home with him.

Do the cats have high places they can go to that the puppy can't? Also it's a good idea to find somewhere where you can make a fuss of them that's puppy free. I had two 17 year old cats when I got my dog as a small puppy and they all got used to each other quite quickly. You just have to make sure they get their equal share of attention, not saying they're not, but a puppy can take over a bit sometimes.

I think almost every new puppy owner has the 'what the hell have I done' moments, it's perfectly normal. And many of us have been reduced to tears. All part of the wonderful puppy experience.

[newpuppypanic]

Read my post from yesterday - totally identify. We've had our pup 3 days now and she's almost 12 weeks old. She is lovely but such hard work. Today has been so much more positive than yesterday when I spend most of the day on hte verge of tears and wondering what the hell i'd done. She slept better last night, has done all her wees and poos outside (not sure if it's luck or judgement but I'm delighted not to be cleaning crap off the floor) and she seems much more chilled out. Just need to stop her trying to nibble my toes now...

[Mairyhinge]

Thanks all, and newpuppypanic I read it yesterday!!
After my meltdown we picked ourselves up & started again.
He now takes himself out for a wee rather than being taken ( again prob coincidence etc), but I sprayed the carpet with very diluted lemon juice....so far??
He is really good and we are lucky, I will perservere, but it's heartening to know I'm not alone 💕