Puppy dilemma - it’s not her, it’s us

[neverwakeasleepingpuppy]

Brought home a gorgeous 2 month puppy two weeks ago; the kids wanted one for years, DP and I are mildly pro-dog, thought it’d be great for us as a family, everyone says they’re great, unconditional love blah blah.

Being fair, she’s a perfect puppy so far - quickly getting the crate and toilet training and is now sleeping through from 11-7am, minimal accidents in the house. Hard work but manageable.

We are the problem - despite her gorgeousness, we are all a little meh. DD2 seems to be allergic; puffy eyes and sneezing. The kids have zero interest - spent maybe 30mins with her since she landed. DP and I are enjoying her somewhat but also my OCD is going through the roof, googling amputees from dog licks etc.

Am interested to hear others views on this as I think it’s a case of it’s not her, it’s us …. the breeder is fine to take her back as she has a waiting list for an adorable puppy who is mostly trained! Just wondering if it’s fairer all around to do this?

I bought our puppy because I wanted a dog. I didn’t expect to feel instant love for a creature id met for the first time, why would I? I don’t believe in love at first sight amongst humans, let alone for dogs.

We’re all different.
I think homework/revision is important, for one. Weird to think everyone is the same.

Amputees from dog licks? 🥴

don’t let the judgy people on here make you feel bad. do what’s right for your family, it’s not the end of the world

I think a dog would have to lick you REALLY hard to cause an amputation.

This. Utterly disgusting that poor animal that you have treated like a disposable toy. None of you deserve the honour of having a dog.

You don’t really understand OCD, do you? I can tell …

@steff13 as well. Utterly pathetic to mock someone with OCD. Nobody ever said it was logical. My child has been unable to attend school for a year because of it. Such larks in our house.

First post nails it. Poor little dog. 🐾😢

Exactly as expected. Thread full of fucking dog nuts and endless bleats of "pweeese don't ever get another animal again."

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

This breaks my heart the poor girl. This is why you don’t get dogs for your children and eith zero research. Let her go to a loving family who will give her the life she deserves and as PP says, don’t get another animal again.

What do you expect? They did no research, weren’t even that into dogs, ‘mildly pro dog’ got a et for their children and you know how that works out.

Maybe they can get another animal again but maybe it’s a pet house spider or an ant farm. I wouldn’t even trust them with a goldfish.

My dog had to be pts recently and I missed having a dog, I knew I couldn't deal with a puppy so I rescued a senior dog. Puppies are a long commitment. Some dogs can live best part of 20 years.. u can't be somewhat on board. My husband and 2 older kids aren't really interested in our dog but I take full responsibility for her.

That’s not really the point though is it. It’s wholly irresponsible then decide 2 weeks later that you don’t want it.

Pweeeese?🤣 embarrassing you’ve even put that!

Hi OP.
Weirdly, I also brought home an 8 week old lab puppy nearly two weeks ago so just wanted to give a run down of my experience so far.
We dont have allergies or OCD so take that in to account!
He’s largely an very good pup - even with this, our routines have changed massively, I’m still sleeping on the floor next to his crate, it’s full on in terms of mental energy expended etc but I am totally and utterly in love with him. I’m finding it very rewarding so far and my house feels complete (this is my first dog so I’m actually a little shocked by how quickly I feel this way about him)

You need to give your pup back to the breeder. If you haven’t bonded with her and don’t think you will, this is going to make the whole process so much harder for her and for you. You want to want to do the best thing for your dog, not just going through the motions. She deserves to go to a family who will fall in love with her. Labs especially need loads of love.

I can't understand how you'd not love your own baby on first sight either!

It shows a real lack of imagination to not be able to understand that other people are different to you.

Chances are you'll realise how much you love her and actually want her when a new owner comes to collect her...and it might be too late by then.

How will you feel if the new family say things you don't agree with, or they have vastly different views on training?

FFS yourself.

stupid thing to 'point out' when they already have a much loved cat. Just admit you didn't bother to read the OP's posts or you don't care they already have a much loved cat you think they should get rid of.

'I'm glad you don't feel like this about your kids'

Nobody “totally adores” their dog from day one. I didn’t “love” my rescue for the first six months or so. Didn’t make me a bad owner or a terrible human being.

OP, the main problem that I can see is that your child has an allergy. In this case it’s totally fine to return your puppy to the breeder.

How about a thread full of compassionate people who care about other living creatures? And the odd cold hearted twat!

Oh dear. Well, I guess if your empathy is reserved mainly for dogs, you couldn’t be expected to have any understanding of your fellow humans. Or to even ponder why or how a woman might have complex emotions following the birth of her child. If your username reflects your profession, then it’s probably a good thing it isn’t Midwife or Therapist or PsychiatricNurse.

Fair enough - I didn’t know allergies could start suddenly like that. Maybe the closer and sustained proximity is causing it. It sounds like returning the puppy to the breeder is best all round.

@godmum56 posted upthread that if the house starts from pet free, it might take a while for a trigger amount to build up which makes sense I guess. Also DD is definitely not allergic to dogs in general so it’s likely a breed issue