I'm feeling full of regret since getting puppy and don't know what to do.

[wcsdilemma]

I am feeling fully of regret and wish I had never got our puppy. He's 8 months old and we collected him at 3 months. He's a working cocker spaniel but very different from our elderly dog of 13 who's also a WCS. This one is so driven, he literally never stops despite getting lots of exercise and stimulation. To be honest, I sometimes feel he's better when he's had less exercise! I've done obedience training classes with him and he's a good little chap but I think the problem is more me - I regret the impact he's having on me and my other 2 dogs. And I realise it's not his fault at all, entirely mine, but it's all so difficult.

I wish I had been firmer and said no but I was persuaded by my (grown up) family and now I feel it's just all out of control. I have been having some very real thoughts about rehoming him but I fear the backlash from my family would be too awful. The needs of my elderly dog are taking a back seat because I am so pre-occupied with the puppy. I don't know what to do, and wondered if anyone else has been in a similar position and could offer me any advice? I do know one thing for sure, I will never do this again and I would advise anyone with an elderly dog who's thinking of getting a puppy, not to. I feel very upset about the whole situation.

How are you OP, have you told your kids yet? Don’t let them pressurise you.

Sorry - have only just seen this. Well, we had a big family meeting and as I suspected would happen, both DCs have agreed to help out a lot more whilst they are at home. I don’t think any of them realised just how I was feeling, at breaking point. So they have promised to step up.

At the moment I am going to see how the next month goes - if they don’t get more involved I have said that I will be looking into rehoming.

To be honest, my gut feeling is that ultimately rehoming may well happen because I don’t see their enthusiasm lasting and their lives will become busier as time moves on, especially as things are getting back to normal. But as each day goes by it gets harder for me as he is such loveable dog. I would rather do it now but having given the DCs the opportunity I have to see what happens. I have stressed that it’s not just during the holidays but that from time to time I would like them to come back from uni to be here at the weekends to look after the dogs. My DH is fully supportive and has said that ultimately he will support me in my decision. It’s just very difficult as the puppy looks to me all the time and I feel guilty for feeling like I do. But if things don’t improve then I am going to have to take the hard decision to rehome.

And just to add, thank you all for your wise words and support, it ultimately gave me the strength to say exactly how I felt in a very direct way. That has shocked them as I think they just thought that I would carry on carrying on as I usually do. But not this time - I still regret getting the puppy and going forward I am going to be firmer and do what is best for me. That probably sounds quite selfish but having looked after the DCs, home, DH, extended family etc I want a break! I will keep you updated.

reach out to the ladies working dog group on Facebook. There are lots on their with wcs who can give you advice. If you are already doing training on your walks like heal work, a ‘job’ could just be teaching a hint command and channelling those instincts. Look for some of the exercises and get the family involved in teaching these games.

mentally tiring out is better than physically tiring out- as others have said they just get fitter.

if you do want to talk about rehoming spaniel aid is a good place to start

Why do I bloody read posts and not dates. Muppet