Hi Guys! I think I’m probably posting way too much. But I just found this forum and before just felt overwhelmed and questioning my decision in becoming a dog owner. I got Molly from a shelter when she was just 6 weeks. And the first 3 weeks I really regretted my decision. I felt like my life and free time were taken away from me. I literally had like puppy depression. Then the biting started and she was peeing every where. I honestly felt like I made the biggest mistake ever. I felt lost. I didn’t know what to do or how to handle the situation. I wanted to give her away and just return to my normal life (I know this is really horrible to say). No matter how much I wanted to give her away, I knew she relied on me for everything. She bonded to me very quickly and I felt that if I gave her away it would just brake her spirit and I couldn’t imagine someone treating her badly due to poor patience. Sooo I started googling and I came across this forum. Reading different posts and following advise given by people who have been in my boat has made a world of difference!! I have now officially bonded with Molly to the point where I can’t even think for a minute of giving her up! The reason I write this is because I read a few posts with people struggling with their puppies, struggling to bond and struggling with all the small things I’m struggling with. So my final word is don’t give up . My bond literally came overnight. One day I’m frustrated and want to give her away the next things are finally falling into place .
Wise words that will help anyone going through the what can be difficult early days. I had a very difficult start with my puppy and came across this forum like you - I had questions every day for months which people quickly responded to - made such a huge difference. Pleased for you that things are finally falling into place.
Great post to read and speaks for so many of us. I too found this forum in desperation when I googled '' Labrador puppies biting'', and reading all the crocopup posts was the biggest relief!
I’m so glad that things are finally falling into place. It’s well worth all the effort and disruption, although it can take time. Coping with a young puppy can be very demanding and come as quite a shock to the best-prepared person, so your post may well help anyone else who is struggling at the moment.
Great to hear this. You all know our forum mantra "This too will pass". Enjoy your best friend and soul mate x
What a lovely post @janesolo and it's good to hear that you are feeling so positive . All these feelings are natural, and very human and it is good to express them, many of us have doubts and wonder what on earth we were doing to get a puppy. Puppies are peeing, pooing, bitey little monsters that leave us feeling exhausted. Thankfully though they grow out of this stage relatively quickly and into a stroppy teenager
Great to hear that things are looking up for you! I stick by my mother's mantra (which has helped me over the years through various puppies and children) - "When they are being awful, remind yourself it is a stage and will pass. When they are being lovely, celebrate, and convince yourself it is their true nature shining through".
My own mantra has always been , Keep the Faith ! Lovely positive post to read , things always work out in the end as long as you want them to ! x
My mantra in the early days was probably "it can't be like this forever, it's just a phase" Then I came across this forum and discovered that no it won't be and things will get easier and how true that is. Unfortunately there are lots of phases with these little devils - I have only reached 10 months so far but there has been so much improvement. Right now we are trying to stop chewing everything that has stuffing to pull out! That's just a phase too though - isn't it?
My own mother's mantra was ''the wildest colts make the best horse'' -- she used quote it to my sister about her lively boisterous handful of a son, don't know if it helped my sister but the wild boy sure became a truly lovely, wonderful man. I've often said it to myself in the last 18 months, since a certain black Labrador came into my life
In my experience the two most difficult and 'wildest' dogs I have had over the years, were the very best and had the most character.
For the first time last night when I sat on the floor, Maxx crawled into my lap and sat there for a few minutes without chewing my hands/arms/clothing to pieces. What a beautiful moment! It made all of the despair and depression of the last few weeks vanish instantly. Unfortunately it didn't last long and maybe he was just resting up for a few mins in order to get the best bite in, but I took it as a lovely sign of better times to come
I can certainly relate to this!! Sweet moments sure do not last very long! But are so nice and enjoyable! I love all the kisses I get before the chewing begins lol.
Thanks for sharing this, @janesolo! It’s so great to give others the same encouragement you received and to help them know they are not alone. Glad you have turned a corner and that things are looking up!
Yes definitely. My 13 month old puppy was such a bitey croco pup - she is now the most affectionate loveable girl .
Yes, that's the way ! I think when Cassie was 5 months I posted on here that she had layed down while I drank a cup of tea and didn't bite me, saying just the same thing, that it was glimpse of the adult dog Now at 20 mnths she's so undemanding it isn't true.
This makes me sooo happy! I'm so glad for you. It is such a special thing to share that bond with your puppy. A lifelong friend
