So let's preface this by saying that I have never had a dog before and grew up with cats, but I work as a kennel technician at an animal hospital, so I thought that my experience handling dogs there would prepare me for having a puppy. As you might guess, that assumption was wrong. I had been looking into getting a dog as one of the roommates I was moving into an apartment with was allergic to cats. I did want an animal companion though, so what better time to get a dog? So just under a week ago, a lab mix puppy was surrendered to my job, and needed a home. I saw it as a sign, and decided I would take her home that night. Slowly over the next couple of days my emotional state worsened over having this new life to take care of. I'm a ball of nerves and anxiety, and often wonder if I am up to the task of handling this responsibility. Shes not even that bad considering all of the horror stories I've read. She whines a bit when put in her crate, but pretty quickly settles down and naps. And she hasn't gotten potty training down quite yet, but our place doesn't have carpets so cleanup is pretty easy. Her worst behavior is her biting at feet and legs, but we try to distract her with a toy when that happens. I am trying to take her to work with me as its only a 20 minute walk (I don't drive a car), but her leash etiquette isn't quite there yet so it is a little difficult. I don't want her to be in a crate for 5-6 hours though, at least not until she's a few months older. I guess I'm just typing all this to vent. I really don't know if I can be the owner she deserves - sometimes after a 11-hour workday I just want to go home and sleep, or just relax and unwind - but I have to walk her and play with her! I know that is my responsibility. Of course the thought of rehoming her has crossed my mind, as I want to do right by her and give her a good life. But the thought of giving up and giving her up hurts, a lot. I don't want to be a failed puppy owner, especially when I can see so much potential in her. But I don't know what to do. I don't want to feel the way I do anymore. I want to just crawl under a rock and hide.
There is no shame in giving a dog up to a better home. If you aren't fully committed, or don't have the time, your dog would be better off with someone else. It could be very kind and mature to re-home. Though you may miss your pup for a little while, you'll be better off knowing you are giving the dog the best chance at a great life. Please look for a great home and do not just give away to anyone.
Yes, you have a child and with that come responsibilities. Rehoming to a good home is an option. Only you will feel the guilt of trying and giving up. Your dog will be fine. They live in the moment. Your emotional and mental well being is far important.
I’m sorry you’re feeling overwhelmed! If you really feel you can’t cope then rehoming is an option. Your routine sounds like it would suit an adult dog ( albeit it would need longer walks the older it gets which you could do to and from work- maybe set off earlier and give it an hours walk there and back) but plenty of dogs would love going to work with their owners. The first 2 years are tough! Ours is 10 months old and needs a LOT of attention. A lot of attention to to practice calm behaviour as well as wearing him out physically and mentally but before you know it, it becomes normal and then time passes and it all just clicks. It’s normal to feel anxious at the beginning, you’re whole life is turned upside down and every decision can be riddled with doubt and there’s times you feel like you’re going backwards not forwards. I guess it just depends if you feel if you can stick it out for the next year or so.... remember YOUR mental health is the most important thing here so do what’s right for you long term so try and make a balanced decision that will be fair on both you and puppy
I am feeling exactly as you have described in your post! I totally understand the overwhelm. And I have a family of four to help out (though I seem to do a fair whack of it all) Our pup is 10 weeks old and I’m not sure if we can go on. We are on break right now and in a weeks time we return to work/school. I’m only two days a week at work, but the anxiety I have around day care and changing our whole routine is through the roof. The stress I am experiencing is horrible and my family is fighting and we are losing it it doesn’t help that I have a teenage son who is not helping at all either. I am sad to think about rehoming, but it is seriously something I am fantasising about - as painful as it is. Mand I totally understand you when you say you don’t want to be a failed dog owner... I don’t know what to do! We are trying g so hard to train her and we spend all of our time with her (it’s hard for us to even eat and shower!) at least she sleeps all night, that’s one thing we are grateful for
I felt like this when our girl was a puppy. The difference was that my adult daughter was there to support me and share with the work. It got much better after a few months and I bet it will for you too.
