Grumpy Husband who hates puppies!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Anyone else have a husband that hates dogs? We got Cooper a little over a week ago. I figured with time he would warm up to Cooper but it hasn't gotten any better. He pushes Cooper away ever time he comes near him, freaks out if he chews on stuff or pees in the house. Who doesn't love a cute puppy?!?! Any suggestions to make it better?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

On your page your status is 'Engaged'. In this discussion, you are married.  What is your true status?

I ask because I dated my first husband for many years, we lived together three years, then waited 5 years to have our first son.  All was well, but the signs were there.  Love is Blind

But... when the children came, he became a different man. Jealous of his own babies and very much a bully.  I have no idea what he really was angry at, but he took it out on them.  Maybe because I was bigger and I could fight for myself. Babies cant.  Same with puppies.

Find out why he is so angry if you can.  If you are not married, I would think long and hard about your life and if you will have children. 

[Miss Ellie]

Sending hugs & doodlekisses your way...sounds like you could use some right about now!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Connie - tell you grandmother outright that is not appropriate and what you expect when she is watching the puppy and how important it is that everyone is on board to training the same way so puppy knows what to expect.  No different than how you expect her to treat the kids!  Communication.  People from my parents generation thought that was the right way to train a puppy - but it is so primitive and archaic.  Good luck.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree 100%. 

"The second time she rubbed his nose in it (something we don't believe in but that's the way she always trained her puppies)"

What if the way she always trained her children was to beat them? Would it be okay if she beat your kids? 

FYI, judging by your "runny poop" post in the Puppy Madness group, this poor, poor puppy probably has giardia, so he's also sick and being abused for doing something he can't help. 

You need to get a stool sample in to your vet, because if he has giardia, everything the poop touches is contaminated, and your kids can get it. I'm sure your husband will be thrilled by that as well. 

 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Your bio mentioned you were engaged - have you since married?  And was he in agreement with you in bringing a puppy home?  Could he be angry at you for rehoming the Boxer, or could it be that he is jealous of the time you are spending with the puppy?  It sounds like your husband is having difficulty communicating his feelings to you in a constructive way.  It would be nice if you could sit down and discuss the situation and make a plan as to how you are going to help each other get through this puppy period.  As you know - having a good dog and true family member takes lots of hard work, love and training.

I do hope your husband is not being vocal and ranting and raving at Cooper when he does something- because that will only delay successful training and potty training.  As you know, at this time Cooper is having hard enough time adjusting to a new home and he is learning who he can trust.  He really needs lots of love and attention. 

Connie ~ I am not trying to be critical or unkind in any way, but I am a dog lover and it breaks my heart to think that a little defenseless puppy is being treated badly by a member of his own family!  That just is not fair. 

 

   

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

I guess the question I have is, without being too personal, and you don't have to answer...but, how does he treat you?  If he doesn't like the kids & the pets, where is he happy?

It will be a long life for you, the kids & the puppy...maybe he's just a 'habit' for you.  Too much negativity isn't good for anyone.  I know this is more criticism than you probably want, but he sounds like a bully.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Giardia has a 10-14 day incubation period, and doesn't show up in stool tests before that, so the fact that his last vet tested him more than a week ago means nothing. 

Good luck.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Connie, you asked for suggestions on how to make this situation better.  I guess I'd have to ask you what has helped in the past.  You mention that you've been together for ten years, and that your partner doesn't care for dogs or cats or even the kids.  I'm sure this is a difficult situation for your whole family.  This is probably a larger issue than this puppy.  He sounds pretty unhappy to me.  I'm not sure how healthy it is for the kids to hear him say things like "go away you dumb mutt".  I think you are the only one who can really answer the question of what will make this better.  I wish you the best, along with this adorable Doodle puppy.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Hi Connie... engaged, married  whatever the case is... I feel sad for you and I know that isn't what this post was about, I was with a guy for a very long time and I had huge blinders on... 

You, the Kids, and the puppy all deserve to be around someone that doesn't sound like a jerk...

[Seamus & Haidee]

oh my.. I hope more time helps.  good luck with Cooper and let us know how it goes at the vets.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Everyone!  I think Connie is asking advice on how the puppy and grumpy husband can co-exist peacefully...not judgements on the husband.  She's been with him for 10 years and they have kids.  She has also said that he was fine with their golden and there were no issues.

Connie,

i would take cooper to the vet and see if he does indeed have Giardia.  Even if he was tested before maybe you can test again?  and then I would potty train him asap.  It sounds to me the whole potty thing is the most major issue.  Also...get him lots of chew toys and things to chew so he doesn't ruin furniture!  I mean i LOVEEEE my dogs but its frustrating when they chewed on my baseboards and furniture LOL!  After that...and after the chewing stage I think they will grow on one another.  Good Luck :)

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

keep us posted on all the progress :)