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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

What if I’m not cut out to be a dog owner?

78 replies

Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:03

Please don’t be horrible to me but today have bought a pup home. He’s adorable but I’m sitting here wondering if I’m not cut out for it? Hes done all his wees outside today, Iv put him in his crate next to me by my bed (I go to bed at 9) and he’s cried in his crate for about 15 minutes and is now quiet, I feel like crying. What if I’m not good enough? Do I really know what I’m doing? No I don’t. I had an apt with the trainer and discussed stuff, have puppy class starting on Thursday, had advice from the lovely breeder but I feel like I’m not going to be able to cope all of a sudden? I know our lives will never be the same again.... I love him but I’m scared? I know first 6 months are hard, then the first year etc but I feel a bit overwhelmed? Have I done the wrong thing?! Do these feelings mean I shouldn’t have got him?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:07

and he’s just started crying again..

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Walney · 21/07/2019 21:11

The first few nights are tough but putting in the groundwork now like you are is giving pup the perfect start to his/her life.

Bookworm4 · 21/07/2019 21:13

Weeing outside, what a ⭐️
Persevere, you’ll be fine, get into a good solid routine and everything will fall into place. Though 9 is very early for bed, when are you up?

Walney · 21/07/2019 21:14

Sorry, reread your post and you said he a lot! It's wonderful that you have everything planned out :)

BiteyShark · 21/07/2019 21:15

You will be just fine OP. It can be overwhelming but don't worry as that feeling will pass.

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:20

I get up 515 ish hence early night? He’s weed every 3 hours ish so I’m guessing if he fusses get him out... I won’t be able to tell if he’s had a wee in the dark as he’s so small, can only tell in the day as I’m crouched on the grass! How long do I leave him out to try?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:20

@Walney what do you mean sorry?

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Atlasta · 21/07/2019 21:21

Our pup is almost a year old now. I was never a 'dog person' and I gave in to the pressure from dp and DC and got him.
I too felt completely overwhelmed especially as his needs were almost completely down to me as dp works full time and DC are at school. I spent walks crying as he would pull on lead and bark and I was worried about other dogs and letting him off the lead. I'd sit worried at home about whether I was doing a good enough job. I dreaded bedtime for weeks and dreaded waking up and having to see to his needs before I could do anything for myself.
I really empathise but I assure you it will get better and you will adjust. I'd give it time.
I now have a fantastic bond with ddog and while I would and will never see myself as a dog lover I do love ddog. The relationship has to grow.

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:28

Thank you, it is just me and dc so I do feel completely responsible of course..,, it’s just... scary. I’m worried what if I have to give him up and break the dc hearts!!! I know that’s stupid.....

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Walney · 21/07/2019 21:36

Oh, I said him/her and then reread your post to see you said pup was a boy, I was apologising for not reading your post thoroughly.

Brenna24 · 21/07/2019 21:38

I think even the most dog friendly person has a period of "what have I done?" with each new animal. Your first dog is a but overwhelming at times, then each subsequent one upsets the status quo in the house for at least a couple of weeks, often longer. It's normal to feel like that. He sounds like a wee star peeing outside already. It is going to take a few nights for him to settle, just be patient and expect to be a bit tired for a while. Best of luck.

Bookworm4 · 21/07/2019 21:57

I think we need a photo to proceed 😉🐶

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:59

He’s crying even louder...

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 21:59

He’s had an hour in the crate...

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mummymayhem18 · 21/07/2019 22:04

Hopefully once he's used to his surroundings it will be a lot easier for both of you. Just persevere. It will be ok.

BobTheFishermansWife · 21/07/2019 22:05

Talk to him if he's crying, just assure him you're there, I know he won't understand you, but telling him it's bedtime now will help create a sense of control (it helped me in the early days) I used to tell my dog everything we are going to do, and it seemed to help make things go smoother, or at least gave me the impression they were.

Also keep reminding yourself you're doing a great job! Looking at everything you have in place already for him tells me he's got a happy future with you!

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 22:08

So he seems to be sleeping due 20 mins then crying for 15.....

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 22:08

*for 20

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 22:09

And awake again..

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Bookworm4 · 21/07/2019 22:12

Be patient, did your DC come home and sleep for 8 straight hours? He’s never known a life without his mum and siblings, it’s a big change for them.

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 22:14

No I’m fact my youngest tween had only recently started sleeping through (long story) that’s probably what’s worrying me.

What’s the worse that will happen if I end up sleeping with him on the sofa?

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Bookworm4 · 21/07/2019 22:17

Or in your bed😉 My lot are all allowed in the beds

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 21/07/2019 22:18

I don’t want him weeing on my bed. Plus don’t really want to share my bed with a dog when dc has only just started sleeping properly!

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adaline · 21/07/2019 22:29

It just takes time but he'll get there I promise.

The first few nights are so hard but soon he'll be sleeping through and be fully toilet trained and you'll be into the teenage phase!

tashakg89 · 21/07/2019 22:29

Aw congratulations on your new puppy! You are going to be absolute fine! You sound very organised. Just keep to a routine, start your puppy classes and everything will fall into place.