Can't cope with dogs now baby is here

[LaraLou99]

I have a four month old dd who is an absolute delight. I love being her mum and we have an amazing bond.

I've wanted children for about 3 years but my partner wasn't ready. Hence why he bought me a puppy as a surprise Christmas present 3 years ago to help fill the void. I totally fell in love with our puppy, and she basically became my baby. This dog had serious separation anxiety issues from day 1 so last year we adopted a rescue. In many ways this solved a lot of issues as the two of them have an amazing bond and love each other. Dog 1 now goes to bed without screaming the place down because she has company.

However, now baby is here, frankly I find them annoying. They make everything dirty, they're bad behaviour is driving me insane and I just don't feel like I have the capacity to look after them too. I love them so would never get rid of them, and I'm sure this feeling is temporary, but right now I feel like I can't cope. One of them pulls so hard on the lead when I have the baby in a harness I think she's going to do me an injury (she did when I was pregnant so I had to stop walking her).

How do I change my attitude towards them? I do feel like generally there's just too many things I have to manage/ look after in life which is where this feeling is coming from (Ive already started working at a new job). Any ideas?

Hey OP I’m sorry you’re getting a hard time here. You’re just being honest - I bet loads of dog owners feel similar. You’d think some people on here only ever had perfect thoughts and perfect lives.

It sounds like it’s the extra work the dogs bring that are just too much on top of the life change of having a baby.

I would try to delegate some stuff - dog walking, cleaning - either pay or get your husband to step up.

Can you also try and rebond with them a bit? Just cuddle up when you’re relaxing in the evening?

Good luck and please don’t feel crap, honestly. Some people just like kicking others unfortunately.

@LaraLou99

Well I feel like shit. I assume that was your aim so I hope you feel good for it

I can only speak for myself but I can certainly say my intention is not to make you feel bad. But your be become very defensive in your later posts, which might have affected some of the later responses you've had from people.

If you want to try and persevere with the dogs then there's lots of advice here. However I do agree with previous comments which say that you have to be consistent with training. One or two classes a week won't solve the behaviour issue unless you are also consistently addressing it at home. But the good news is that most dogs are quite smart in picking up what they need to do. And the benefit is two really well trained dogs which are a lovely part of your family. As your baby grows up you should also find that the dogs become quite good playmates as well.

However if you genuinely do feel that your cannot do it, then speak to the rescue. I can 100% guarantee that they will have had this situation before. And whilst they might not be happy about the dogs coming in, I can tell you that in our rescue we would far rather have the dogs brought to us, than them be in a home which doesn't work for them anymore.

I'm not sure why people are saying to rehome. The OP loves her dogs, they're getting well looked after, I've read this as she is looking for advice for how to balance everything - dogs, baby, new job etc. And wanting reassurance that it gets easier. Sounds like just a little overwhelmed with everything atm.

Love what a PP said about realising that you're your dogs whole world - so true. Mine is a rescue and loves me so much. However busy I am I always make time to play games with him, fuss him, have a fun walk with him every day. People probably think we're terrible owners also, because he is not very well trained, despite forking our a lot for trainers and behaviourists. Some rescues are just very hard to train, and even our last behaviourist was kind of at a loss after a couple sessions

I know this thread is old OP BUT omg I relate. My son is 13 months and my dogs are so annoying. Mess everywhere, chewing his dogs, slobbering all over his space. Yuck. I can’t stand them except for an hour at night. They are a total chore. I’m keeping them and they are cared for and I hide my feelings but omg, painful.