New puppy-struggling

[4fromsuffolk]

Felt exactly as you have, we have had 4 puppies since being married. It does get easier, promise. Your pup is super cute!

[whlparkstone]

Thanks so much for all the supportive comments. It’s reassuring to know that others have found it tough at times.

[dreamadream]

What you describe is totally normal behaviour. It is exhausting and sometimes never ending stress where I questioned the decision (still sometimes if I am honest!) I would even say I had post puppy depression at some point and dreaded coming home knowing there would be puppy mess everywhere to deal with. And the constant chewing anything and ruining everything.
You need to remain firm and constant. Each time he nips he gets a sharp No or Ouch. And put to one side. Nothing a dog hates more than being excluded from his pack. He will learn. Everyone has to do the same so he knows the pack is strong. We Had an issue with our daughter being too soft and our puppy would always go for her ankles! She had to toughen up! We made sure he knew she was his leader by her feeding him. She would make him wait until she was ready. Often mid way through she would take it away for a minute at a time. It let him know she was in charge! Worked a treat.
4 years on I can’t imagine life without him, he’s our world. But doesn’t mean he is now totally easy. He is a westie so very vocal and incredibly intelligent. But over all he has settled well.
Hang in there, they grow sooooo quickly x

[Mrs dee]

Originally Posted by Th1nkT1nk

I sympathise massively... we got our puppy 10 days before Christmas last year (what were we thinking?! Lol) and I have to say that I found it incredibly challenging! I shed a few stress tears to be honest - trying to keep a constant eye on him, whilst also going about daily chores and dealing with dd was really tough and I felt so much pressure to get it right! Please be reassured that it gets a lot better quite quickly. I’d agree with other posters that puppy training classes work really well... establishing basics in a positive way also helps you to bond with your little one! My puppy is 11 months now and I find it much easier to know how to occupy him - stay positive... it does get easier and it’s normal to find it tough!

ETA .. just seen the photo - what a gorgeous pup! Love him! We have a cavapoo ... poodle mix are often bright dogs (so I’m told) ... our Benji certainly is- which is great for quick results with the training but also has its challenges! 🙈🐶

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Aw do you have a photo ? We have been toying with the idea of a cavapoo

[Libby29]

It all takes time, it can get quite tiring and frustrating, but as everyone has said, it's really worth it. My friend is in the same position just now with a retriever pup. He gets his second jab tomorrow. I found with mine he only really calmed down once he was nuetered and he's like a different dog now. Stay with it, the cabin fever is the worst part.

[MrsArcher2b]

Chip is gorgeous!

Honestly it sounds like you're doing really well with him and his crate training.

Maisie is 14 months old. The early days were extremely tough. There were times i thought we had made a huge mistake. She's a cockapoo and there's a reason they are called velcro dogs. Wouldn't be without her now.

If you're on facebook i highly recommend joining the cockapoo owners UK and canine enrichment groups. Lots of advice and experience on there.

As for the biting, a sharp blow on a whistle was the only thing that got through to Maisie so i could say no and when calm redirect her to a toy. Within 2 days she never bit like that again.

She's still a cheeky little thief but is like a dream compared to the first month. No biting, sleeps 10 hours, loves to walk and play but keeps herself busy if I'm cleaning or whatever.

[Gryff]

We've had one puppy this week returned to us she's 13 months old
A French bull dog
The owners completely ignored all,our advice i.e. She's a dog if you want her to sleep inher own crate if you are at work ( they told lies )
Out shopping / meal out / cinema continue her crate training
She's not a cuddly toy
She's a Madame that's for sure but in a week she knows I don't go upstairs unless I'm asked I'm 4th in line in the doggy family
She will stay with us now but she will not be. Baby Girl that's for sure
At the moment she's 666 or devil dog but sassy is the front runner

[borntoshop]

Ours is 17 months old, he's a boxer and we also have a 7 year old. He still isn't brilliant on a lead but loves dog training, he's everyone's friend there and is so affectionate. He's our 4th puppy but it was still a surprise, we'd forgotten what it was like. It takes time and as you mention once you can start going out he'll be tired and lots of new things.

[scottishmum]

It will get easier once he can go out walks.
You have a gorgeous puppy, a springer crossed with a poodle is going to need lots and lots of excercise , two highly energetic and intelligent breeds there.

[Gilly120]

This is my sons new puppy Woody hes 14 weeks and we have looked after him for a week while they have been away. Dont really know what he is as he has come from a rescue center.

I have 2 dogs who have been amazing with him but you forget how hard work a puppy is. He is in a covered crate at night but the door is left open, he bites his teeth are like needles, and wants to play with the terrier all the time he leaves the lab alone. I think having the 2 dogs helped as he has learnt such a lot from them in a week. Hes much better on the lead now as he follows them, sits when they sit and dozes when they do. It will get easier and they are so worth it in the long run.