Things Do Get Better

[Mary Beth]

Well, I didn't write a letter, but a week before Sting was due to arrive, being he was my first puppy, I got cold feet and nearly cancelled. I had myself in a panic over the house training - which I had never done. Sting was smart - he was a real easy puppy. Then when he knew he was a keeper, at 8 months he burst out into his adolescence. That's when I would keep repeating "when this is all over, I'll be a confirmed cat person". To my surprise, Sting had the last laugh, when the elderly cat went to catnip heaven, I'm content with Sting and even when that day comes, looking forward to starting with another puppy. Congratulations on sticking with your puppy and now enjoying the hard earned reward of having a well trained adult.

[Gharrissc]

Most of my personal dogs were already adolescents/adults when I got them,but I do remember the second thoughts that came with some of them. After all of the issues were worked out, they were some of the best dogs I've ever had.

[jourdan]

Avery is in his adolescence phase and I have thought so many times to rehome him. I have a wonderful trainer who works with us everyday and reminds me that it's only a phase. I know in 6 months or so Avery will grow out of this and be a whole different dog.

I could never honestly be a "this is my dog until..." person. My parents were like what with some of the cats we had when I was younger and that's not cool to me now that I'm older.


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[Kyleigh]

Oh yes, I so remember those months ... and Ky's 18 months now so it wasn't that long ago!!!

I used to threaten to drop her off at the park ... but then remembered that everyone knew her, so she'd just end up back at my front door.

I've threatened to trade her in for a hamster

I've told her that I would GLADLY give her to the next person that said she was beautiful

And I sat on my bed one day (she was about 8 months old) and broke down and cried ... why the heck did I get this dog??? Really, what was I thinking getting a purebred dog? Why couldn't I have been happy with a mutt, like all my other dogs?

And then, the moments pass, and the puppy shows you something funny, and you forget about it (til the next time) ... and then WHAMMO ... they're not doing any of those behaviours any more ... and you know what ... you don't really notice they're not doing them until it's been a couple of weeks!!

Glad you hung in there ... as am I!

[Jo Ellen]

Spirit wore me down too. 12 years of a calm and now aged golden retriever, I had no idea what was in store for me with Spirit. Honestly, I barely remember the first 3 months of having him, I think I was in total shock LOL. My family expressed concern and ever-so-gently suggested I consider my options.

Trading in for a hamster

I didn't consider giving him up, but I sure did question if I would survive.

[KatsMuse]

Originally Posted by Jo Ellen

Spirit wore me down too. 12 years of a calm and now aged golden retriever, I had no idea what was in store for me with Spirit. Honestly, I barely remember the first 3 months of having him, I think I was in total shock LOL. My family expressed concern and ever-so-gently suggested I consider my options.

Trading in for a hamster

I didn't consider giving him up, but I sure did question if I would survive.

I remember those days! .

[Kaasuti]

I'm struggling so much at the minute with my five month old pup because i have a baby daughter and i'm working part time as well. His training is going fine, it's just his constant hyperactivity, lol.

[Kyleigh]

Do you have someone that can come and take the pup out for a bit for you? Just to give you a break? I also have two parrots and a cat - not the same thing as a baby, but having to rotate times out / making sure all get attention ... it's a handful!!!!

Last Christmas my dad asked me what I was getting Ky as a present ... I told him the continuity of life ... figured that was a good place to start!

[Lilie]

I think too many people expect perfection over night. I think they take their pup's actions too personally. I also think they don't realize that advice given over the internet should be taken in as a consideration and not as gospel. They need to realize every dog is different and every training tool needs to be tried in variations.

I think if folks would just relax and know they are in it for the long haul, rejoice in the little things, it would take the pressure off training.

[Kyleigh]

Lilie ... I was SOOO guilty of that!

I have high expectations of any dog I own ... I have zero tolerance for a "badly behaved dog (not puppy) ... I know it's the owner's fault, not the dog!

I had to stand back some times and say Marion, back off, she's only "x" months old ... And then yes, rejoice in the little things .. like chasing leaves in the backyard, doing all the funny things that puppy's do that you'll never see again!!!!

SOOOO true Lilie ... and a great reminder for people in the puppy stage!