Puppy regret

[Gallaadia]

Hello Doghouse,

We're getting our much wanted puppy next week, but as it approaches, I find I am absolutely WRACKED with fear. I'm terrified of making a mistake and being stuck with a dog I don't want. Even though I've obsessively wanted a dog for a good five years

I'm just afraid of what the reality of a dog looks like. Walks, letting it out to pee all day long, worrying when I need to leave the house and leave it at home, fear of the poop and vomit, worry about the biting one of the DC (in the bitey phase), signing up for a lifetime of early wake ups and having to go out to wee/poo ten times a day.

I don't know wether this is normal last minute panic or if I should listen to myself.

We have all wanted a dog for so long and were waiting til we moved into a house. We're a family of dog lovers and me and OH grew up with dogs and would love the DC to.

[Babypug]

I would say read your last sentence, you have so much love to give.

Remember you are your puppy's life and their just a part of yours.

I had the same panic when we got our puppy 2/3 weeks ago. We already have a 3 year old dog and I thought we were taking on too much. One day of wobbles before she came and when I voiced it to my husband he made me realise the positives and how I wanted her to begin with. A pic to send some happiness

[Babypug]

Our new puppy Minnie 💗

[LochJessMonster]

EVERYONE has this panic! Having a puppy is hard. Everything you are scared of- the peeing, early morning, nipping etc will happen. About a week after getting him/her you will regret it. Come back, vent here and let us help.

Because they are so so worth it. Put in the hard work when they are young and you will get years and years of joy out of them.

Focus on routine and structure, particularly about how the children and puppy will interact. Loose lead waking is important.

Most of all, just focus on raising a friendly, happy puppy.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Puppies are little bastards, but not for long - and they are also funny and engaging and entertaining. Be consistent, be loving and caring, and have fun.

[Tinyandpetite]

Our new puppy Roxie- little swine but totally worth it!! You won’t regret it. She’s my first dog!

[PsychoWiener]

We've been umming and ahhing about getting a puppy for 3 years now. It's looking pretty likely right now but then one of us will talk the other out of it. I grew up with dogs, I know how amazing they are. I think we just need to take the plunge and it'll be worth it!

Good luck!

[Cosyblanky]

The paws on Roxie are massive! What sort is she Tinyandpetite? Is that a cardigan she's wearing?!

[pigsDOfly]

Not all puppies are hard work, mine was relatively easy as far as house training and sleeping through are concerned.

Although, I do remember saying to her on a few occasions as we were starting out for our walks, 'please don't embarrass me today'; I can't remember why though. Actually, that was more likely to be when she was a teenager, come to think of it.

She's 9 years old now, and she's getting me through this lockdown at the moment. I'm on my own and without her I'd be very sad and lonely.

They are a tie and a lot of work, but make the training fun so you both enjoy it and you'll build a lovely bond between you, it'll be more than worth it when you have a lovely calm, well trained dog.

Enjoy, your puppy.

[vanillandhoney]

It's TOTALLY normal to panic, don't worry.

You'll be fine. I actually didn't find the puppy stage too bad - the teenage phase was worse

But he's two now and such an amazing addition to our house. He has his routines (meal and walk times) but otherwise fits in with our day just fine. DH is out working while I'm stuck home and he's been the best companion ever.

[Perfidy]

Had exactly the same fear and we got her January 31st . I was on here in the first week seriously wanting to give her back. So glad we didn’t. She was a little shit at times, but that’s just a puppy. She’s really a little sweetie.

[NotYourHolidayDick]

My puppy was fairly easy.

He's now almost 1 and is a fucking arsehole. Total selective hearing and does what he wants.

And I should know what I'm doing as I work in dog rescue!

You'll be fine OP. Just dont expect to not have the regret, then when it appears you'll be ready for it

[Windyatthebeach]

We got ours at 14 weeks just before lockdown. Every day I force myself to acknowledge one tiny thing that is better than the day before!! Working so far!! No real regret just yet. Despite her fetish for shredding loo roll at this crucial loo roll shortage time!!
This is her in the lounge that ddogs are def not allowed in....

[NotYourHolidayDick]

SNOUT!!

[NotYourHolidayDick]

All mine are skinny legged long noses

[Wolfiefan]

Puppies are bloody hard work. But dogs are awesome. My youngest pup is 6 months. She’s sleeping through the night. And yes she needs to pee but the weather is lovely and (having spent the time toilet training) if I leave a door open she takes herself off. She’s coming through the bitey stage. I LOVE dog walking and training and laughing at my goofy pair is helping to keep me sane.
TBH the fact you’re taking this so seriously just suggests you’re just the sort of person who should own a dog!

[Wolfiefan]

Oh that nose!!!!! Love it.
Mine.

[NotYourHolidayDick]

She could almost be a scruffy lurcher if you squint, look from a distance, and say it quietly (knowing the value and selective breeding that the Wolfhound is, I dont want a virtual punch )

Lushious

[Lovebug06]

I wanted a dog so much. Got our pup and a few days in I had puppy regret. They are hard work but they are babies. But it doesn't last long really and if you put the work in its so worth it. I'm at the teenage stage and he can be a right twat sometimes. Not listening and doing as he likes (like a human teenager ) but just back to training and praising good behaviour. He is the most lovable little dog and we can't imagine our family without him. The DC adore him. I remember the puppy naughtiness from my family dogs growing up, I thought the last one was evil😂 but he is the most chilled out, lovable dog ever now. Its all worth it when you get an amazing adult dog who is just part of your family. You and DH want a dog as you remember growing up with dogs, this puppy will be that for your dc. When they get older you just remember the cute bits of when they were tiny . If you'd asked me a few months ago I'd have said never again, But now I'm already thinking about getting mine a friend! (haven't told DH yet 🤣)

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Good.

People who think it's easy and know it will be OK and underestimate the work, those are the problem.

You're realistic and will therefore be fine.

[Windyatthebeach]

Pointy hounds are fab!!

[orlarose]

@tinyandpetite can we have more pics please. So cute

[Wolfiefan]

@NotYourHolidayDick value and selective breeding? To produce a gobby hooligan.

[terrigrey]

You'll be fine.
Just make sure you start the separation training otherwise you are screwed for the next 10 years!

[Hovverry]

For a start stop calling your puppy ‘it’. He or she will be a new baby in your family and we don’t call our children ‘it’.
You will probably fall straight in love, puppies are adorable, so stop worrying and think of all the fun you will have bringing up this baby.

[frostyfingers]

Did someone say pointy hounds? This is our junior pointy, her long nose gets her into a lot of trouble, especially with the cat! At 6 months she is definitely a hooligan, nothing is safe and her recall having been good is currently non existent BUT it is only a stage and soon she’ll be a great deal more civilised (please god!)