First timer feeling overwhelmed but hopeful

[Dexter Doodle]

Hi all! I picked up my Dexter a little over a week ago when he turned 8 weeks old. I never had a dog growing up and after watching my 13 year old son dog sit for neighbors this summer, I thought I would give him what he always wanted and I also looked forward to a buddy to go on long walks, play fetch, and snuggle with.

I knew puppies were work, but didn't expect it to take over my life. I am a little crazy with keeping a clean and tidy house and it is currently a mess! Dexter unhappily sleeps in his crate at night and is in there when I have to go out, but otherwise he is with me. He usually cries for about 10 minutes then calms down. I take him out once during the night and knock on wood he hasn't had an accident in the crate since the first night. We also have cats and one just completely avoids him, but the other is a ragamuffin and that breed is known not to fight back. I have been successful at getting a hold of Dexter before he gets a bite in. I do worry for my sweet kitty though.

My house has a very open floor plan. Dexter stays with me in my family room/kitchen, but gates won't really work for us. Once I feel he is mostly house trained I will start allowing him to go in the other rooms too, but I'm sure that will be some time from now. We also have a large fenced back yard, but because he is so young, he can walk right through the gate. I keep him close or leashed in the back also.

My husband either works from home or travels occasionally. Since I don't work and was the one who pushed for this, I take on 90 percent of the work. My son doesn't get home from school until 4:30, has homework, music lessons, scouts, etc. he helps, but isn't always around.

I had a trainer in last week when I was completely sleep deprived and hitting a breaking point. She gave me a few ideas to start training with and a few games to play. They work well, but there are times that you can see him just get out of control with jumping and nipping and I start losing my patience and just hope his nap is coming.

There are times when he is calmer and seems to really listen to me and acts so sweet. They are rare, but gives me hope for the future.

I want to walk around with a big smile and say how fun this is as I see so many others do. I know I sound like a big whiner. I am the type of person to just say how I really feel. This is tough and sometimes I am just too tired and don't want to go out in the pouring rain or sit on the floor and entertain and get nipped at. Sometimes I enjoy it, but others not as much.

Everyone tells me the hard work will pay off, but when does it get easier? Looking forward to hearing opinions.

[Mary M.]

I'm planning to sign-up for Doggy Dan on March 1st for (probably) 6 months. I watched the webinar here on this site after seeing his program mentioned several times. I was like 'who is this Doggy Dan!?'

I've also signed up for a Puppy Orientation class mid March (this is pre-puppy classes with or without your dog). And then I've got puppy socials & training on the calendar.

The interesting thing is that the socials & early training are for puppies under 20 weeks with their 2nd DHP (I think that's what it's called) shot. So Henly can get active & socialized early.

[Julie and Max]

You are not alone, all puppies go through this to some degree, just know it will pass. I understand about the cats too. I have two, and one is a ragdoll (also known for not fighting back) well let me tell you, she fights back lol! She has smacked him so many times, she never hurt him, but he's actually a little scared of her now, if she sits on the stairs he cries until I move the cat so he can go up or down. He is around 80lbs and she weighs 6lbs. Max was adorable as a puppy, but I will say that I am so glad to be past that puppy stuff, he is a wonderful dog now, he learned to play gently with me and gently with the cats. He loves everyone and everything, just loves life. I think the play pen is a great idea. I used a baby gate, and when he got too rough I just left him alone. Redirecting never really worked for me, he would just get too wound up, but leaving the room for a minute or two seemed to work much better.Also for the leash biting, my trainer had me step on the leash, leaving him close to the ground, and I just ignored him until he stopped leash biting. Without any attention it grew old fast.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Dexter Doodle - I had a chance to read half way through this thread.  Thank you!  I had a good laugh, and many times I was saying "Oh gosh, that's exactly what I'm going through!"  Everyone here is so kind to share their stories and experiences.  It helps ALOT emotionally to read this thread.  I also realized that what I'm going through is not so bad afterall.  I wish I had read this thread earlier, then I would have stopped pitying myself and maybe not have the urge to return him! lol

Thank you everyone here who have shared their experiences.  I know a lot of us are browsers because we just can't seem to find the time to post.  Just know that we are learning and reading your posts!  Thank you!