I have a 9mth old mongrel rescue puppy. I also have three children, 8, 5, 2. We all love her. Husband not at all keen but tolerant so that's fine. She has two long walks a day (from me. Only ever me), treats, toys, we play search and sniff games after naps. I read dog training books and work hard to give her an enriching puppyhood.
And then she spends days in some kind of stand off with us: barking at me, barking at the kids, eating the remote control, snatching the kids toys, snarling at the postman, badgering the toddler... and it is only lunchtime. So I just yelled at her and threw her outside (I was really rough :() and burst into tears.
Last time I remember us having issues was when the kids were on holidays. I think she hates all their noise, she hates the break in routine, she hates strangers coming to the house, she hates sudden loud shrieks. we live in an open plan house so unless I crate her she is on edge and miserable and it comes out in this shitty, confontational behaviour.
What can I do? I looked at the puppy thread and it is lovely but it makes me feel even more desperate because underneath it all there is love and humour. I feel none of that right now.
Our last pup died suddenly which my then 7 year old has never recovered from. And now I have fucked up royally getting this wonderful pup who is making my life a misery. Am I doomed for another 15 years?!!
Please tell me this too shall pass... I just want to send her back, really quietly, so no one notices and I can be myself again.
Thank you for reading and for any help. Please don't judge me for hating on a defenceless puppy.