Puppy Support Group 2

[DuchessDarty]

A continuation of this:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/3600375-Young-Puppy-Support-Group

All age of puppies (and owners ) welcome

Bitey I have no choice but to pick her up. She’s not meant to go up and down steps but we have steps into our garden so we have to carry her multiple times a day. I never factored in it being a problem.

To be honest, my family really isn’t set up for having to worry about this sort of problem at this age. Obviously if we’d taken on a rescue then I’d be a bit more prepared to experience possible problems, but this is a puppy. I understand she has just left her mum and siblings but she’s not been scared or harmed in any way and barring anything medical then I really don’t feel like I’m capable of managing this issue alongside normal training and my family commitments.

This seems to have some really good advice. I don't think it's that unusual for a puppy to growl, bite or snap. It's something that could be worked on with behavioural training.

When you chose her did you talk to te breeder about the character of the dog you wanted/suited your family? We selected our pup based entirely on temperament, the breeder should have insight and advice.

www.positively.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12274

Help if I post link!

I really don’t feel like I’m capable of providing that kind of training though. That’s a failure of mine. And where she’s going to be big quick if I get something wrong then it could be one of my kids paying the price if she snaps at them.

I spoke to the breeder a lot about our family life, what I’d enjoyed with my previous puppy and how much I was looking forward to having this puppy to devote my time to again. She said the whole time how sweet natured our puppy is. I’ve got puppy classes set up with a good trainer that I worked with before but I really don’t feel able to be on the look out for warning signs constantly, and train obedience and do everything else that I have to do for my family. I feel awful to be comparing but my boy fitted in so easily, and was devoted to us all and training him worked out really well for us. She’ll only come to us if we have food, and even then isn’t really bothered by us. She doesn’t seem very happy here at all and would sit across the room from us. She’s not scared, just not interested. It’s a really big contrast from what I was expecting. I’d love to be able to fuss her but she doesn’t want it. I’m not able to get her back to the breeder until the 9th so I’m going to try and see if things improve over the week. I don’t want to give up on her, she’s very much wanted, but it would be sadder to keep her with a family she doesn’t really fit with for the rest of her life.

Puppy's are so different so I think you do need to be prepared for this one to have her own preferences and personality. Maybe a puppy just isn't right for you at the moment as it's too soon

However, I can't recall BiteyDog being that affectionate when he was small and I certainly didn't bond with him until he was much bigger and started to show his adult personality. Hell, I didn't even like the bitey peeing pooing monster for ages.

Really wouldn't be without him now but it wasn't love at first sight.

I didn´t bond with my older dog before she was about 6 months old and I don´t even expect it to happen sooner with the second one. I like him, but I don´t love him and I still think that this probably wasn´t the best decision in the world and that I want my life back. But there´s a huge difference: our puppy is playful, happy, affectionate. Ofcourse he tries to bite us while playing. He tries to nip our ankles etc. But he´s friendly all the time and wants to be close to us.

If I had a puppy who doesn´t want me to touch her, to hug her, to play with her etc, I´d at first consult with a vet and then give it some time, maybe a week or so. But if there aren´t any signs of improvement, I´d return the puppy. I have two children and I understand you completely @Ridusofyourstupidity . Kids and dogs with issues doesn´t match. You´d have to be next level dog person to make it happen and I wouldn´t have what it takes. So no judgement here if that is what you decide to do. But first make an appointment with a vet to rule out health issues.

For me and my boy it was.

Don’t get me wrong he was a bitey little bastard, and daily I wished I hadn’t done it, but I loved him so much because I could see what all my hard work was going to give me. I knew he loved me. Being near me was all he wanted. I guess naively I thought this would be the same.

Rid we had a week with a rescue dog about two years ago and she went back, she was a sweet dog but needed so much more than what I could offer. I completely understand your feelings, I worry now that if anything happened to our dpup I'd never be as lucky to get another puppy like him again.

That said I am sure your puppy is out there waiting for you, maybe you do need a little more time though. What breed was your first puppy?

I know each dog is unique but I do think some breeds are innately more friendly than others.

Gave the puppy some roast chicken for his dinner and the smells coming from him now 🐶 💨 🤢

@Bayby you need to do what is right for you and your family. Check out the health issues if that’s what you need to do to make a decision, but she is young enough to have a shot at a different home if it isn’t right or time. You are clearly a good person grappling with this and I just want to say that whatever you choose it is obvious you will be kind about it and it is ok xx

Bayby I'm so sorry to read this. Don't beat yourself up if your instincts are telling you to return puppy. It's so overwhelming and a surprise each day when they turn out to be so different to our last loves.

My last fella was affectionate on his terms. He really didn't like being touched and could well growl and snap. He was a very anxious soul and took some understanding but we were always on our guard in case someone went to pet him, though he never once approached anyone aggressively. He just needed his own space.

This fella is affectionate and friendly but has growled and bitten a couple of times. As I type I have three plasters on my thumb and it won't stop bleeding because I was playing ball with him earlier and he grabbed it but got my hand. It bloody hurt too.
I'm wondering if I need a tetanus shot. Would any of you know??

On a separate note I have ruined our weeks of training to get him to sleep on his own downstairs. He was doing fine until last night. We think it's because DD went to bed last and he just wouldn't settle. Howled and barked. I went down a couple of times to no avail and in the end I brought him up and put him with DD on her bed.
What have I done? He's nowhere near housetrained...

Oh, and he's starting to cock the leg on walks and covering other dogs pee. Is this the start of adolescence? Jesus help me...

Bayby, whatever you decide we're here if you need a rant or some comfort. It's such hard work mentally and physically. It doesn't always work and you're only human and doing your best.x

Realised I will have to leave Clownpup for the school run this morning. It will be for only 5 mins maybe 10,because we live right by the school, but still nervous.

I'm going to try and wear her out so she will sleep. Would 5 mins do loads of separation damage if she's upset?

Boy! Never seen my house in such a state before,even when the children were babies they stayed in one place while I had a quick tidy up.Bella is on the go all the time,or so it seems but we are now 25 days in and although I am covered in little teeth marks and have a particularly nasty bruise on my forearm I can’t imagine life without her now.
Ridus have you looked on reddit puppy101? It’s a really good forum that’s helped me a lot in the early days.

Mantrapup is quiet and not demolished his food in 2seconds as usual. I'm sure it's just as we had a full on weekend with family visiting and he had 2 short walks yesterday but gosh they make you worry

Or it could be that he's calming down and not a full on bitey landshark all the time now

Ignore. Normal service of biting and ignoring instructions has resumed

Clownpup had to go to the vet this morning. She's had diarrhea, that has just got worse over the weekend and started with blood in her poo too.

Vet says her tummy is inflamed, she's got antibiotics to try for a couple of days. If that doesn't clear up then we'll have to do stool samples for parasites.

She seems OK in herself though.

Had a little look at the above recommendations but nothing’s really standing out as helpful in our case. She’s still very aloof and uninterested. Still feeling a little flat. I’ve booked her in for her 2nd jabs in anticipation of her staying. I’m really hoping something clicks this week.

Sending good wishes for ClownPup.

Sending get well wishes for ClownPup

@Ridusofyourstupidity you're really going through it, perhaps see what the next few days bring, but if sending her back in the final outcome, remember thats a responsible decision to make too.

TokyoPup is doing well, we took him for his first (carried) walk outside yesterday evening which he seemed to enjoy. His final injections are next Wednesday (9th) roll on then end of house arrest!

Clownpup has gone downhill a bit, she's still active but not drinking or eating, and her poo is now just blood (sorry tmi). Have to take her to vet hospital.

@ClownsandCowboys I don´t want you to worry even more but have you heard of this disease? www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49627463
I think you should bring this up with your vet. Blood in poo and vomiting blood is the most common signs of this disease. Fingers crossed that it´s not what´s going on with your pup!

Forgot to mention that since the beginning of September this disease has been diagnosed in other countries as well, there have been cases in Sweden, Finland, Latvia etc.

Clown really am wishing the best of luck. Having an ill puppy is just heartbreaking, as you expect them to be bouncing all over the place. Please do keep us updated when you can.

Thank you all for your kind words. I’ve given myself this week to see what happens. If a bond happens naturally then wonderful, if not then I know I will have tried my best.

Here’s a picture of the not so little wotsit.

Took her to get hospital. Vet there said she is a bit dehydrated and her tummy is clearly sore. But she's nit yet at the dangerous stage, so we could either admit her or take her home and keep an eye. Vet hospital is open 24 hours if need be.

Vet felt going home would be best at this stage, as she already had so much change and the admission would stress her further.

They then offered her some cooked chicken and she wolfed it down like nothing was wrong! She has to have a bland diet if chicken, rice, scrambled egg for a few days.