hi all Ive been looking forward to the arrival of our pup on the 1st dec, my sister in law is being so negative about it, she said its harder work than having kids. I have three and I have brought them up single handed. I have a new partner been together nearly a year, we don’t live together he lives on base in the week and visits at weekends. Ive read the stories about the things they get up to on here, but I didn’t expect it to be harder than having kids. She rehoused hers after 8 weeks having her dog. Went for labs as my partner has had them before and know that they are good family dogs, Feel disheartened
Maybe this will make you feel better...we didn't find puppyhood that bad at all. OH didn't even blink (he was the dog person, this was his 3rd puppy). I can't comment on it being harder than kids, but the puppy stage lasts wayyy less time than it takes for kids to grow up...and puppies sleep through the night sooner I gather We split the time with the puppy - he worked evenings & weekends and I work week days, so we were each on our own with the puppy mostly for the first 6 months. Yes, the first little while I felt a bit trapped, but it was winter (in Canada) and you feel pretty housebound at times without a puppy. Was getting up in the middle of the night in February in the snow to let her pee kinda crappy...yes, but I could hardly remember it by March. I will admit, our puppy was by all accounts on here, pretty easy. She chewed a couple things, took awhile to house train and did have a bitey stage, but we LOVED her...everything she did we looked at as cute, or amazing. We laughed at her evening crazies. Our mindset was happy and positive about the puppy. That first year went by in a blink. I never had a dog before, and I found I loved training, reading and learning and creating that bond. I never resented making plans around her, and she brings tons of joy to us daily. I can't imagine life without her, and she turned into an amazing dog despite the fact I had no idea what I was doing and I'm sure she will continue to get better as she gets older. You will be fine - everyone reacts to situations differently, and if you are committed and preparing now, I have no doubt you will be completely fine with your new puppy!
Don’t feel disheartened. Puppies are hard work - I had a terrible case of the puppy blues which I hadn’t expected (all documented on this forum) - but the hard work lasts for a relatively short space of time and I just wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. I look back on that and know I was tested to the limit but it makes the pleasure our puppy brings us more special. We love her so much. My children are grown up now and no way would I compare bringing them up to having a puppy - it’s just not the same thing. Continue to look forward to getting your puppy and don’t let your sister in law spoil the excitement. She probably feels guilty at rehoming hers.
I have to say... Merlin was/is also a really easy puppy, very laid back and chilled, easy to train and funny. The first six weeks were a little challenging, because he hated his crate and we got very little sleep... But once we gave up on the crate he slept through the night next to our other dog and we have never looked back. Of course things go wrong - yes he has chewed things, and peed and been sick on the rug... But in the great scheme of things it hasn't been hard. I think it partly depends on the puppy's character, and partly on your personal attitude. And here we are on the forum, ready to listen to you with any questions you may have. Best of luck!! Don't let your enthusiasm be dampened!!
When someone fails at something, like your SiL, it is very common to put a negative spin on things in order to make their failure seem more reasonable. If all the people on here have managed it and you really want it then you will do it and have the best friend you can ever imagine.
It’s hard work and great fun! I have a new pup every year and love every minute of it. Keir (21 weeks) is my fifth Guide Dog puppy. They are much better in every way than children! Dogs want to please you, children want to please themselves! Be sure, in the difficult times, you say nothing to SIL! Come here and chat about it instead .
All pups are different in the same way we are all individual. Some puppies are hard work, others are easy. Some are housetrained and dry through the night very quickly others take longer - sound familiar .Be prepared to feel tired as you lose sleep, and wonder why you wanted a puppy when it has turned into crocopup, but as with human babies they grow and learn (and thankfully quicker than humans ). Not everyone is really suited to bringing up a puppy so your SIL took the sensible option and rehomed when it wasn't working for her.
Harley was my first ever dog and I was so excited to get her. Not many people in my family like dogs, but Harley has changed their minds. Yes they are hard work, yes they can be challenging, yes you may be knackered for a few weeks, but it's all worth it. My mindset was housework could wait, if she napped, so did I. I used to be very house proud - it's now very much lived in (it's always clean, just not tidy) and much more laughter in the house at her antics. Personally it was one of the best things I ever did.
Exactly. Don't let your SiL's opinion get you down. After bringing up three humans you're way more than capable. Your puppy will be cute, cuddly, delightful and hilarious. Keep looking forward to getting your puppy
It's hard work, but manageable and well worth it in the end. Don't let your SiL put you off - you're obviously preparing for labrador puppy mayhem and are ready for the challenge! Don't forget to take lots of photos and share them here. Only a month to go...!
Hattie is our first dog and I had 3 out of children still living at home. Yes it's hard at times, when she was a puppy and I was standing outside in the snow waiting for her to have a wee late at night but training was fun as I did it with my daughter, the family walks, having her snuggle up on the sofa. Having my best friend, Hattie by my side for 10 years has been one of the best things in my life, she has got me through some very difficult times and I treasure her every day. As with everything, you get out what you put in so don't let anyone put you off this special time. xx
I have tried to add photos, via photo bucket but that’s not worked. Only way I manage to show any photos is to change my profile photo.
I had a GSD when I was growing up and did a lot of the caring and training of her but ultimately she was my parents responsibility, the same as lots of us I suppose. Maisy is my first pup of my own and having that responsibility can be quite a task, lots of worry about are you doing the right thing, lots of things that you can't prepare for until you actually experience it and lots of questions. BUT - you have done this before, you are a mother of 3 for goodness sake, you are more than capable and also you have found this forum - I wish I had found it before I got Maisy and been a bit more prepared. Also there are others to help, the vet is just a phone call away for advice and once you get out walking your pup you will meet loads of people who you can ask, I always take the opportunity to ask a question about something when I meet another lab owner, just to compare how Maisy is doing. I hope you look forward to your new arrival, regain some confidence and ignore your SiL, enjoy puppyhood, it can be difficult sometimes but doesn't last long, make the most of it. And keep checking in to this forum, I don't know how many of us there are but we are all shoulders to cry on or share your news with of how puppy has learnt something new or done something wonderful.
Please don't let your SIL put you off - Bailey was my first puppy and I waited 30 years for him. There have been hard times (fox poo in my hair, crocopup designs up and down my arms to name two) but the good times far far outweigh the tough times. I can honestly say I would not be without Bailey as I have and continue to love training and bonding with him (last night he slept on me for the whole night - was it my most comfortable night? Nope. Would I swap it for a dog free bed? NO WAY). Bailey has just had his morning walk and is now snoozing on my feet while I am sat here typing. My life is so much more than it ever was. As others have said when someone fails at something they don't necessarily want somebody else to succeed at it. Let the countdown begin - 31 days to go!!!!
Just because she can't do it, it doesn't mean you can't. Buy the Happy puppy book and enjoy your puppy. We are always here for you.
