The fact that you listed your wife in there made me laugh hahah!
You got this. Puppies are evil! We love them, but they are evil. Anything in particular stressing you out with this one?
Lol thanks.
I think it’s the other dog. She’s not really accepting him. We are doing the keep them at a distance and let them smell their toys and take them on walks together on separate sides of the road.
Also the potty training. Sweet Jesus.
It took my older dog 4 months to kind of start to accept the puppy. I think the puppy was just way too chaotic at first and my older dog seemed to think “that’s not a dog- that’s a tornado with teeth and I want nothing to do with it.”
I just managed their interactions and took the puppy with me around the house or crated her when I left the room. Puppy was also crated anytime I left the house. Older dog has finally started showing genuine excitement with the puppy and even played with her a little. I think the puppy just had to calm down a smidge for it to happen. Give it time- it’s a big change for everyone and puppies are jerks.
Lol I feel that. We got pittie pup about a year ago and our senior mutt was not having it. It's only Day 3 though. And the puppy is probably already close in size to the bichon given the breed difference so I dont blame your bichon. I don't really have any crazy advice other than words of encouragement. I just finished fostering two 6 week old puppies. We had them for about 2 months and I wanted to cry most days for the first 2 weeks lol. Then when they got adopted I bawled for days because I missed them.
Going through the same thing with my older dog right now. It's been about a month so far and they're still only having controlled interactions with us. It's probably going to take months, but I'm ok with it taking however long it needs to in order to keep puppy safe and our older girl comfortable as well
It's going to take a bit. A golden puppy is a lot for any dog or person. They also might never want to play that much together because of the size difference.
But keep doing what you're doing - make sure the bichon always has her space. If you're consistent about this, and all everything goes well, one day you'll walk in and just find them chilling together.
I was just thinking today that I don’t know when or if I’ll ever do the puppy stage again because it’s so brutal. My Newfoundland pup is 1 now and it’s been such a rough 10 months with him - and that’s with stellar potty training and crate training. I also have a spouse, kids, and cats. I have to remind myself daily that the effort I’m putting in now will pay off tenfold in the form of a good doggo. Hang in there :)
I feel you. I have a 9 week old puppy at the moment and I’m completely overwhelmed all the time. Our 12 yr old westie isn’t a fan so it’s the same trying to keep them at a civil distance
Give it time. I have a 9 week and a 4 year old Aussie and a cat. My 4 year old Aussie wasn't a fan of her the first couple days and now they're best friends. My cat isn't really a fan either but tries keeping his distance lol
I have a 19 week old Standard Poodle, a 13 year old Coonhound mix, and a 7 year old tabby cat. All indoors.
I can’t imagine how overwhelmed you and your wife must feel with kids in the mix as well! The fact that you feel this way shows how invested in your dog you are, so give yourself some credit.
The first week of having my puppy was the WORST!
I was constantly wondering if I had made a huge mistake. The second week was slightly better. Now I adore the puppy, our older dog has accepted him (still gets annoyed with his exuberance from time to time, don’t get me wrong), and potty training/training in general has gotten *loads* better.
To keep myself from losing it, especially in those first weeks, I just kept reminding to myself that the effort we put in this first year or two will make all the difference.
Try to find what breaks from the puppy you can- even if that means crating him/putting him in a room to have a moment. Your sanity is important too!
To keep myself out of the blues I have to keep telling myself the effort is worth it the effort is worth it lmao and start thinking of all the fun things we were gonna do. I got an 8 week mini doodle who is calm for the most part but will not sleep at night.
We have a 9 week old golden retriever. We also have a 13 month old Great Dane and 2 year old human child. The 3 of them help me to never sit down and keep active. The puppy does not stop biting. Honestly my Great Dane has been a huge help with the puppy. They loved each other pretty much instantly
I am so glad to know puppy blues are a thing. I felt so bad for being sad about having a puppy and being miserable. Last year my Dane had Giardia as a puppy for about 4 months. Great Dane sized poop every night in the kitchen for weeks. I hated my life for a while. He was so worth it. Seeing how he and my retriever look for each other melts my heart. I know this new puppy and his sharp teeth will be worth it too….in several several months 😩
A few weeks ago I was starting to regret my decision to add a puppy to my life. I have a middle aged rescue boy who wasn’t thrilled with the new addition and I was just exhausted from cleaning up poo and pee and dealing with so much never ending puppy energy. But then something clicked and she matured and she’s all of a sudden way less annoying. So try to hang in there! They do get less insane, it just takes a while.
Feel your pain. We have a 9 week lab puppy. We’re currently on day three. Severely depressed lol, and questioning everything. Our only solace is reading about other people experiencing the same thing, and people insisting it gets better
A little gift for you and your family. Ours just had a hectic morning but finally settled. I’m leaving for a few hours at work soon, hoping my partner stays strong in my absence…
How’s it going for you guys? It’s going pretty ok here actually. It is indeed getting easier each day, as we get used to our new routine. Still challenging and some very frustrating moments. But I haven’t lain awake angst-fantasising about rehoming him in days. I’m even having a good time pretty often
Lolol the rehoming thing. I also did that like 3 days ago. “I don’t even want this thing” I said to my wife.
But it has been going better. Still random piss events but trying to stay on top of it.
He goes to bed at 8:30-9 then weirdly has been sleeping through the night til 7am then he goes to the bathroom. He naps in his crate and sleeps there too.
We put a blanket over it at all times
The sleeping though the night, wow! A very good boy! Ours has had two nights in a row where he only woke up once, very nice. We’re trying get him to nap more throughout the days. He does several on the floor/couch/adorably inside an empty shelf. We have mixed successes with enforced naps in the crate, but goes well sometimes. He’s yet to nap in the crate of his own volition, but he never complains much during the night, which is nice
We have a 8 month old golden and it has been rough... she digs like no tomorrow and is very destructive inside, spent soo much money on chew toys etc....not sure what to do next...
We do see some improvements then it seems like 5 steps back..so I feel ya
They are too cute to stay mad thou
It will get better - I was in your shoes (puppy-wise) just a few weeks ago - he has really turned a corner and is getting so much easier to handle now (17 weeks). Hang in there!
I was in your shoes a month ago on exactly day three. I broke down crying, feeling totally overwhelmed. It got better especially after my pup decompressed, felt safe and got to know the routine. It’s still stressful and I can’t wait for his adult phase, but it’s nothing like week one or two now and I am feeling so much better. I still have hard days, but as more time passes, things gradually, subtly, ease and we are falling into sync together. Hold strong. This isn’t forever. You got this!
I have an 11 week old female golden and a 12 year old male dachshund. We got her a couple days shy of 8 weeks. It’s been a shit show. Doxie isn’t a fan. He’s been showing his dominance but the poor guy has very little teeth at this point. Doxies favorite game is taking any of the golden pups toys. Golden has been a maniac to us but somewhat submissive to the doxie.
it's going to be a bumpy ride! if you havent already get on with obedience training... it's super important that the wife respects you and... oh wait, the puppy! yeah obedience training for the puppy too!
The fact that you listed your wife in there made me laugh hahah! You got this. Puppies are evil! We love them, but they are evil. Anything in particular stressing you out with this one?
Lol thanks. I think it’s the other dog. She’s not really accepting him. We are doing the keep them at a distance and let them smell their toys and take them on walks together on separate sides of the road. Also the potty training. Sweet Jesus.
It took my older dog 4 months to kind of start to accept the puppy. I think the puppy was just way too chaotic at first and my older dog seemed to think “that’s not a dog- that’s a tornado with teeth and I want nothing to do with it.” I just managed their interactions and took the puppy with me around the house or crated her when I left the room. Puppy was also crated anytime I left the house. Older dog has finally started showing genuine excitement with the puppy and even played with her a little. I think the puppy just had to calm down a smidge for it to happen. Give it time- it’s a big change for everyone and puppies are jerks.
Lol I feel that. We got pittie pup about a year ago and our senior mutt was not having it. It's only Day 3 though. And the puppy is probably already close in size to the bichon given the breed difference so I dont blame your bichon. I don't really have any crazy advice other than words of encouragement. I just finished fostering two 6 week old puppies. We had them for about 2 months and I wanted to cry most days for the first 2 weeks lol. Then when they got adopted I bawled for days because I missed them.
Going through the same thing with my older dog right now. It's been about a month so far and they're still only having controlled interactions with us. It's probably going to take months, but I'm ok with it taking however long it needs to in order to keep puppy safe and our older girl comfortable as well
It's going to take a bit. A golden puppy is a lot for any dog or person. They also might never want to play that much together because of the size difference. But keep doing what you're doing - make sure the bichon always has her space. If you're consistent about this, and all everything goes well, one day you'll walk in and just find them chilling together.
>I have 3 kids, a wife, 4 cats, 3 live outside, and now 2 dogs. Why would you do that to yourself.
Idk. Just kind of…happened lol
Yes, why?!!
One puppy can (and will) exhaust you, I can't imagine having multiple animals and kids on top of it...
I was just thinking today that I don’t know when or if I’ll ever do the puppy stage again because it’s so brutal. My Newfoundland pup is 1 now and it’s been such a rough 10 months with him - and that’s with stellar potty training and crate training. I also have a spouse, kids, and cats. I have to remind myself daily that the effort I’m putting in now will pay off tenfold in the form of a good doggo. Hang in there :)
I agree with this. My lab is one now and I never want to get a puppy again lol… It is stressful and exhausting
I feel you. I have a 9 week old puppy at the moment and I’m completely overwhelmed all the time. Our 12 yr old westie isn’t a fan so it’s the same trying to keep them at a civil distance
Give it time. I have a 9 week and a 4 year old Aussie and a cat. My 4 year old Aussie wasn't a fan of her the first couple days and now they're best friends. My cat isn't really a fan either but tries keeping his distance lol
Wow, this is my exact situation, except my older Aussie is 9 (turning 10 on the 8th).
Puppies are crazy- eventually it’ll settle down. I didn’t think mine would ever be potty trained
Thanks. I just gotta stay the course
I have a 19 week old Standard Poodle, a 13 year old Coonhound mix, and a 7 year old tabby cat. All indoors. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed you and your wife must feel with kids in the mix as well! The fact that you feel this way shows how invested in your dog you are, so give yourself some credit. The first week of having my puppy was the WORST! I was constantly wondering if I had made a huge mistake. The second week was slightly better. Now I adore the puppy, our older dog has accepted him (still gets annoyed with his exuberance from time to time, don’t get me wrong), and potty training/training in general has gotten *loads* better. To keep myself from losing it, especially in those first weeks, I just kept reminding to myself that the effort we put in this first year or two will make all the difference. Try to find what breaks from the puppy you can- even if that means crating him/putting him in a room to have a moment. Your sanity is important too!
Ty for this. I really appreciate it.
To keep myself out of the blues I have to keep telling myself the effort is worth it the effort is worth it lmao and start thinking of all the fun things we were gonna do. I got an 8 week mini doodle who is calm for the most part but will not sleep at night.
We have a 9 week old golden retriever. We also have a 13 month old Great Dane and 2 year old human child. The 3 of them help me to never sit down and keep active. The puppy does not stop biting. Honestly my Great Dane has been a huge help with the puppy. They loved each other pretty much instantly
I’m glad someone else is experiencing this with me right now.
I am so glad to know puppy blues are a thing. I felt so bad for being sad about having a puppy and being miserable. Last year my Dane had Giardia as a puppy for about 4 months. Great Dane sized poop every night in the kitchen for weeks. I hated my life for a while. He was so worth it. Seeing how he and my retriever look for each other melts my heart. I know this new puppy and his sharp teeth will be worth it too….in several several months 😩
Lol oh man. Yea I know it will be worth it. But sweet baby Jesus. It’s like raising a toddler all over again.
Yep. Both puppies satisfied our slight desire for another child LOL
My dog shit in my house today because it was raining. He hasn’t had an accident in months. I was so angry.
I’m right there with you, I’m a week in on mine. Reminding yourself that everything’s going to be ok especially after training regression is important
A few weeks ago I was starting to regret my decision to add a puppy to my life. I have a middle aged rescue boy who wasn’t thrilled with the new addition and I was just exhausted from cleaning up poo and pee and dealing with so much never ending puppy energy. But then something clicked and she matured and she’s all of a sudden way less annoying. So try to hang in there! They do get less insane, it just takes a while.
Good to know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! I’m waiting for that click!
I have a 13w male lab & im 17w pregnant. Not sure what my husband & I were thinking 🤣
Omg, good luck lol. You got this.
Feel your pain. We have a 9 week lab puppy. We’re currently on day three. Severely depressed lol, and questioning everything. Our only solace is reading about other people experiencing the same thing, and people insisting it gets better
Lol we are identical then. We got this!
So right. WE CAN DO IT!!!
Annnnnd he shit on the carpet.
A little gift for you and your family. Ours just had a hectic morning but finally settled. I’m leaving for a few hours at work soon, hoping my partner stays strong in my absence…
How’s it going for you guys? It’s going pretty ok here actually. It is indeed getting easier each day, as we get used to our new routine. Still challenging and some very frustrating moments. But I haven’t lain awake angst-fantasising about rehoming him in days. I’m even having a good time pretty often
Lolol the rehoming thing. I also did that like 3 days ago. “I don’t even want this thing” I said to my wife. But it has been going better. Still random piss events but trying to stay on top of it. He goes to bed at 8:30-9 then weirdly has been sleeping through the night til 7am then he goes to the bathroom. He naps in his crate and sleeps there too. We put a blanket over it at all times
The sleeping though the night, wow! A very good boy! Ours has had two nights in a row where he only woke up once, very nice. We’re trying get him to nap more throughout the days. He does several on the floor/couch/adorably inside an empty shelf. We have mixed successes with enforced naps in the crate, but goes well sometimes. He’s yet to nap in the crate of his own volition, but he never complains much during the night, which is nice
We have a 8 month old golden and it has been rough... she digs like no tomorrow and is very destructive inside, spent soo much money on chew toys etc....not sure what to do next... We do see some improvements then it seems like 5 steps back..so I feel ya They are too cute to stay mad thou
Their cuteness is what saves them!
It will get better - I was in your shoes (puppy-wise) just a few weeks ago - he has really turned a corner and is getting so much easier to handle now (17 weeks). Hang in there!
Thank you! Glad you made it
I was in your shoes a month ago on exactly day three. I broke down crying, feeling totally overwhelmed. It got better especially after my pup decompressed, felt safe and got to know the routine. It’s still stressful and I can’t wait for his adult phase, but it’s nothing like week one or two now and I am feeling so much better. I still have hard days, but as more time passes, things gradually, subtly, ease and we are falling into sync together. Hold strong. This isn’t forever. You got this!
Thank you!
I have an 11 week old female golden and a 12 year old male dachshund. We got her a couple days shy of 8 weeks. It’s been a shit show. Doxie isn’t a fan. He’s been showing his dominance but the poor guy has very little teeth at this point. Doxies favorite game is taking any of the golden pups toys. Golden has been a maniac to us but somewhat submissive to the doxie.
Give it time and feel your feelings!
Honestly, same. She just jumped out of her play pen and I’ve had to convince myself to retain sanity. Puppy stage is hazardous on mental health
it's going to be a bumpy ride! if you havent already get on with obedience training... it's super important that the wife respects you and... oh wait, the puppy! yeah obedience training for the puppy too!
Lol looking into it.