Hi all I am a week into having a golden lab puppy and it is EXHAUSTING! We have always had rescue dogs before so a puppy is a new experience. My elderly lab is not impressed and VERY grumpy but I am confident she won't actually harm the puppy - just does not want to play at all. The cat has hissed a few times so the puppy is learning to steer clear. I have found 'The Happy Puppy Handbook' invaluable. Crating definitely helps with the house training and although we have a long way to go I feel I am slowly getting there. Going outside so frequently and getting up I the night is very tiring however. Takes me back to having new-born babies (which was a while ago for me!). I am enjoying the challenge but do have moments when I wonder what on earth I have done. Hello to all fellow lab owners. I am in West Sussex, England if anyone else is local.
Congratulations on your new puppy! These first few weeks ARE exhausting aren't they. It sounds like you are starting to make progress though. Don't forget, older dogs often take 3-4 weeks sometimes more, to accept a new puppy as part of the family. Try to make sure she has her own space and can take a break when she needs to. Hang on in there, it gets better
