New puppy-struggling

[ziggyzag]

Just make sure that you, your hubby and son have the same rules when dealing with/playing with the puppy.

[archibald]

You're probably right with the 18 months thing. We have a springer collie cross, I'd advise constant rules - none of the 'puppy mouthing' or 'teething' excuses for biting, and get to a puppy class asap. Decided now if the pup is to be allowed on furniture/upstairs or whatever, don't allow some behaviours 'because it's a pup', it's far too confusing to change the rules as he gets bigger.

The same with chewing stuff - springers seem to need lots of 'stuff', make it easy for him to know what is his and what isn't. Don't give an old shoe to chew on - he won't know not to chew your new ones. Being strict now makes it easier later.

And yes, a dog is the perpetual toddler, they don't need you less at they get older, but they're a lot easier to love once they stop pooping behind the sofa.

[arielrocks]

Honestly puppies are an absolute nightmare, far worse than any baby in my experience. They are relentless
With the biting, over zealous playtime, constant training, constant destroying of things, the lost goes on.

However, the first 9 months are worth the hell you go through! After that teething/biting has stopped and he calms down (slightly) you’ll be rewarded with a lifelong companion.

I think every puppy owner goes though the ‘what have I done’ moment, you are not alone.

Try puppy classes, puppy socialising meet ups and get a puppy pen! The pen is great for leaving them with space to play but they are out of your hair for that time as well.

Stick with it, I promise it’s worth it. Xx

[Lell]

Nothing to add as you’ve had lots of good advice. It will get better soon and you will wonder what you did without him. He is absolutely adorable❤️

[Lizzim]

We had the same thought back when we got a puppy - the first few days especially were a nightmare!

I definitely recommend making sure they know what they can chew e.g toys so they don't start on shoes etc.

We absolutely loved our boy (we lost him 3 weeks ago at just over 13 years old) and would love to have him back so it does get better

[skalexander]

As others have said, having a new puppy is hard, especially with no previous doggie experience. When we got our third, she was a dream. We got the other two together and it was chaos.

The only thing I'd add to what others have said, as a general comment, is remember that what gets rewarded gets repeated. The reward doesn't have to be treats - being allowed on the sofa/bed/somewhere you want to keep them off in the longer term, fussing when they've just been naughty, etc.

[Labboy]

The biting will stop as he gets older, never to young to start training him, this could be as simple as leaving him alone in a room for a few mins then building it up. Play the nice game when out a walk if he gets scared of say a lorry just say nice to him so he knows there is nothing to be scared of. Start introducing the one two three game also, which is having a little bit of chicken as a treat and as you are out walking go 1.2.3 then treat then 1. 2. 3 then treat, space the 1 2 3 out before he gets the treat, this helps them to keep looking up to you when walking. Have you tried a crate where he can go while you get other stuff done. He looks super cute btw. Oh and puppy classes as others have said are a great way to train and bond.

[Nicksgirl]

sorry, but the poor mite is a baby, just a baby...

[whlparkstone]

Originally Posted by Nicksgirl

sorry, but the poor mite is a baby, just a baby...

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Oh I know...he is adorable, and just a puppy. I am not putting any pressure on him as I know his behaviour is perfectly normal. I underestimated how demanding a puppy was. We are focusing on positive play, rewards and lots of love and attention.

[Lou1982]

Originally Posted by whlparkstone

Oh I know...he is adorable, and just a puppy. I am not putting any pressure on him as I know his behaviour is perfectly normal. I underestimated how demanding a puppy was. We are focusing on positive play, rewards and lots of love and attention.

See more...

You’re doing brilliantly, don’t doubt yourself. I’ve had 2 dogs from puppies (second one is now almost 2) and I felt exactly the same as you, to be honest I think of you asked most new puppy owners in the first six weeks a lot would say they felt they had made a mistake by getting a pup, or at the very least had seriously underestimated how hard it would be.