Page 7 | Regret getting puppy - 6 days in

sukiwh · 2023-05-15T10:45:56+00:00

Hello everyone, I’m really just looking for some reassurance here. First puppy in many years, had dogs before but do not remember it being this hard. The cats are furious, I feel so guilty that I have ruined their peaceful little lives, and if I could go back in time, I would not get the puppy. I can see she is objectively cute and understand she is 8 weeks and 6 days old, so can’t expect much from her in the way of understanding. I just wish I could go back in time and not get her. I feel depressed. Please tell me these feelings will lift. I feel resentful towards this tiny sweet thing. Lots of support from DH and DC, I have no idea why I feel so negatively. I can’t see a future where this decision turns out to be a good one.

pookiedoodlepuppy · 17/05/2023 21:05

@Solonge Ahh your one of those people 🙄

Solonge · 17/05/2023 21:07

pookiedoodlepuppy · 17/05/2023 21:05

@Solonge Ahh your one of those people 🙄

One that believes animals are entitled to decent lives, yes. Believes they are not just playthings or pretty little cuties to show off, yes. Ive volunteered in dog shelters and am horrified at the cruelty these poor animals suffer. So if you think I am one of those people, yes, I am.

Soothingaftersun · 17/05/2023 21:11

Awwwwww things will lift honestly they will. Puppies are such hard work but hang in there. What breed is she ?

pookiedoodlepuppy · 17/05/2023 21:17

@Solonge Look you take in rescue dogs that's great much respect to you , it's not something that is suitable for my family . Have all my dogs have great lives ? Of course they have ,I've loved every single one of them . Christ I used to be bring home wandering dogs when I was a child . I love them , I would wish every single animal/ dog had the lives they deserve ,it's heart breaking they don't 😞.

Pogue4Life · 17/05/2023 21:19

We’re just over a year into our first every puppy, I have to admit I loved home from the start but then started having regrets at around 2/3 months.
we also have a cat and it’s taken pretty much the whole year for him to accept our dog, we used to strategically let the cat out when the dog was elsewhere, and shut other doors when the cat needed to move round the house. We ended up moving the cats food upstairs.
now he can tolerate coming downstairs and even laying outside in the sun whilst the dog is around (thank goodness)

Original poster

sukiwh · 17/05/2023 21:27

Morgysmum · 17/05/2023 18:19

Puppies are hard work. They are demanding like babies. If your cats are older, they will not want to interact with a hyper puppy. But your puppy will probably want to play as that's what they like.
Are you going to puppy training classes or puppy socialising group? It will good for your puppy, you could also ask for advice from the trainers.
But with kids it will seem like more hard work than before. Unfortunately you maybe didn't put much thought into getting a dog, as I wouldn't have gone for a puppy with children. I would maybe have gone for a dog a bit older. My son has always wanted a dog, but with us working and I know it would be me walking the dog, I have said no, as it wouldn't be fair on the dog be left alone for hours on an end.

Thanks - we will be doing puppy classes. DC is a teenager. We did put a lot of thought into it - this is not our first our first dog. This thread is a request for reassurance that others have felt the way I was feeling, not a request for people to make assumptions about my lifestyle and circumstances. If you read the other responses, you will see the consensus is that many, many experienced owners do struggle with feelings of regret in the early weeks and months of having a puppy.

OP posts:

Soothingaftersun · 17/05/2023 21:34

Absolutely. My pup is 18 months now but I remember in those early weeks sitting on the stairs sobbing thinking what have I done! You will get past this stage, puppy will be your DC's best friend and you will all love her.

mcmooberry · 17/05/2023 21:39

Glad you've already have lots of supportive advice, only just seen this but I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and every time I get a new pet my life gets worse for a while (puppies you just can't take your eyes off them, kittens both seemed to get diarrhoea when they arrived and trailed poo round the house on their feet) and I have new pet owner's regret each and every time. But play the long game, all will be well!

Original poster

sukiwh · 17/05/2023 21:44

Evan456 · 17/05/2023 18:11

Give it back to the breeder

Couple of days ago, I would’ve! But thanks to the kind, supportive and constructive responses to my OP, I’ve gained a bit of perspective and calmed down. Thanks!

OP posts:

Original poster

sukiwh · 17/05/2023 21:52

nopuppiesallowed · 17/05/2023 18:26

I brought a golden retriever puppy to share our house with a middle aged cat. The puppy just wanted to play, so the cat smacked her face a few times and from then on they ignored each other until the cat, now very old and ill, was due to be put down. When my husband went into the kitchen that morning, the cat and dog were curled up on the dog's bed....broke my ❤️

That is heartbreaking and so, so sweet. That must’ve been a very bittersweet moment. Thank you for sharing that. ❤️

We’re seeing some progress with the cats; they are creeping about, peering into the crate when pup is asleep, and now happy to eat their meals at the other side of the baby gate from pup. Hopefully in the fullness of time, there will be something like harmony, if not friendship.

OP posts:

tinkerbelldot · 17/05/2023 22:00

I felt exactly the same when we got our Schnoodle, Mabel.
Cannot imagine not having this bundle of fluff every day, I love her, we all love her.
She barely has to walk anywhere as she gets carried around so much 😂
Here’s a pic 🧡

AnnieSnap · 17/05/2023 22:29

Morgysmum · 17/05/2023 18:19

Puppies are hard work. They are demanding like babies. If your cats are older, they will not want to interact with a hyper puppy. But your puppy will probably want to play as that's what they like.
Are you going to puppy training classes or puppy socialising group? It will good for your puppy, you could also ask for advice from the trainers.
But with kids it will seem like more hard work than before. Unfortunately you maybe didn't put much thought into getting a dog, as I wouldn't have gone for a puppy with children. I would maybe have gone for a dog a bit older. My son has always wanted a dog, but with us working and I know it would be me walking the dog, I have said no, as it wouldn't be fair on the dog be left alone for hours on an end.

Sometimes you need to go for a puppy. In a home with cats and dogs, when a new one In introduced, it has to be a kitten or puppy, so it doesn’t react too badly to the presence of the others. It’s rare there is a rescue dog that is ‘cat friendly’. Even cats used to living with dogs will be ‘furious’ when a pup arrives because cats don’t like change! They would be even more furious if a new kitten was introduced. It all settles down within weeks. There is no suggestion that the OP didn’t do proper research, or that she doesn’t understand what this puppy will need. She’s simply experiencing a spot of ‘puppy blues’ because those early weeks are tough!

Original poster

sukiwh · 17/05/2023 22:34

tinkerbelldot · 17/05/2023 22:00

I felt exactly the same when we got our Schnoodle, Mabel.
Cannot imagine not having this bundle of fluff every day, I love her, we all love her.
She barely has to walk anywhere as she gets carried around so much 😂
Here’s a pic 🧡

She is lovely! And what a great name! She looks absolutely adorable 🧡

OP posts:

Waitresstime · 17/05/2023 22:46

This is SO common it’s a known thing… puppy blues ! It WILL pass, hang on in there and get yourself a training course like the Fenrir puppy course because it really helps you bind with your puppy, links you with people in the same situation and helps you build a perfect companion :-)

pollymere · 17/05/2023 23:09

Having had a kitten as a child, we've adopted a rescue because I didn't want to do the first part again. It is really hard and like having a baby but then you get a dog or cat who is part of your family. Do persevere ☺️

EyeBetOnSky · 18/05/2023 07:26

Can I ask how you stopped the ankle biting on walks? My pup is nearly 6 months and does this quite a bit-especially when we cross the road (so any advice to ignore is hard to carry out in that situation). It’s driving me round the bend. I’ve looked online for advice but can’t find anything-just for lead biting but she doesn’t do that. I try to redirect with treats/look at me cue but it just feels like it’s never going to stop!

Newpeep · 18/05/2023 07:31

EyeBetOnSky · 18/05/2023 07:26

Can I ask how you stopped the ankle biting on walks? My pup is nearly 6 months and does this quite a bit-especially when we cross the road (so any advice to ignore is hard to carry out in that situation). It’s driving me round the bend. I’ve looked online for advice but can’t find anything-just for lead biting but she doesn’t do that. I try to redirect with treats/look at me cue but it just feels like it’s never going to stop!

On walks it’s often overstimulation. My pup did it. Theatre much better being driven somewhere for a run around rather than lead walks. My pup stopped but we reduced it by learning when she may be over stimulated and trying to avoid it. Scattering treats works for emergencies and calms them down by sniffing.

Rosejasmine · 18/05/2023 07:44

It will settle down. It might take a while but I’m a few weeks or so you will think it was a great decision to get your puppy.
The cats will likely make friends and they’ll be cute together, but at the moment they will be scared which is not surprising. I’m assuming you have a pen to contain him when he is over excited to see the cats so they have some respite?
I’m sure you’ll have a torrid few weeks at first, just grit your teeth for a while and it will all be good.

Pogue4Life · 18/05/2023 09:21

We have a Schnoodle too, Dexter. Here is attempting to be nice with our cat

Lovely13 · 18/05/2023 20:32

I phoned breeder of mine to take him back as he such was a nightmare. He persuaded me to hang on in there. So glad he did. Became the best dog, with us for 15 years. Miss him still. Breeder became a friend, until he also sadly died.
Deep breaths, it will get better. Promise! Good luck.

Macinae · 18/05/2023 21:20

Puppy blues are very real and normal. I cried within the first couple of weeks as it was so hard. Now she's almost 2 and I can't imagine life without her!

Please remember that she is a tiny baby who needs patience and guidance. Go to a local puppy training class (usually from 12 weeks) and always use positive reinforcement techniques. You'll develop an amazing bond for life.

pookiedoodlepuppy · 18/05/2023 22:14

Yes definitely go to puppy classes . we as a family are pretty experienced at training but puppy gets so much out of it as the social side of it and it's nice to have a professional on hand when we have a problem (heel 🙄)

Rhaenys · 18/05/2023 23:32

I felt like this both times I got a kitten. It gets better I promise!

gmor6787 · 19/05/2023 08:26

I have had both a puppy and a rescue over the years and both have been initially hard work. I decided that I would get a puppy now that I am on my own and definitely got the puppy blues. House training was harder than I remembered, she chewed my skirting boards when I went for a shower, did zoomies round the lounge in the evening when I just wanted to settle down for a bit of tv. She is now 1 year old and I adore her. She is my little companion. Follows me everywhere. So well behaved (after 8 weeks at puppy training) and can’t imagine my life without her. It is hard at the beginning but you have to remember they are babies, looking to you as their new person to bond with so you have to show them the way. It will definitely get better, they just want to please you.

Nottodaythanksforplaying · 30/05/2023 17:42

Late to the party but had to share. It definitely gets better, hang in there!