New puppy blues?

[Jenna & Cider]

Hi Everyone. I am a new doodle owner. My little guy is named "Cider", which is my grandpa's nickname having been in the business of distributing hard cider years ago. My dood is super relaxed and has had no problem going potty, which at 10 weeks is great. I am having a VERY hard time with walking him, he does not care for the leash and it's very challenging right now. He is stubborn and isn't easily coaxed and does not come to me when I call him.

I felt exasperated the past couple of days andtrying to do the right things when he whines during crate training etc. I had myself believing that I made a mistake, that this was too overwhelming for me but I've also heard that this is normal... but is it?  I have him starting puppy training classes on Sunday but was wondering if anyone had any advice or anecdotes of feeling new puppy blues? I am hoping that these feelings will subside, he's a beautiful dog and I just want to do the very best by him.

[Jenna & Cider]

Thank you so much!!! :) Love your profile pic !

 

[shelly]

YES! Jenna!  it IS normal!  We have all been there... start searching old posts.  You may even find yourself in MANY of them.  We all have said that we 'think we made a mistake'.  hang in there!  It DOES get better (yeah - I didn't believe anyone either - LOL)  But it truly does... be consistent and READ READ READ... and when you can't read any more ... TYPE TYPE TYPE and we'll all be here listening to you and ready to give support and advice - and share those 'tricks up our sleeves'!  Good  luck!  congratulations!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Jenna ~ Getting a puppy is almost like having a baby! LOL. Once you get into the routine everything will be fine.  Initially, I think all puppies do not care for the leash because it is something new to them.  They get the hang of it quickly though.  The fact you are starting puppy training is wonderful and it will make all the difference in the world for you and Cider.

Looking forward to updates!

Welcome to Doodle Kisses, Linda and Charlie Brown

[Rose Ann and Amante]

OOhh sweetie been there!!! Amante is 10 months had I had similar issues. Signing him up for classes is the best thing. It will be ok. You are in the right place DK members have helped me sooo much with questions and advice. Hang in there

[Rachel and Ollie]

Your post sounds just like mine did! I was so excited to get Ollie, but then he came and I was exahausted and overwhelmed. He seemed to have to pee all the time and it felt like I couldn't get a moment of peace...he cried even when I showered. Well the big goof ball won me over and now he is my best friend. I think he might be the perfect dog...okay well he still tears up my papers lol but the dork makes me laugh everyday. I'm so glad for the encouraging words that were offered to me on this site, and it's neat to see those same words posted for you on this post! Cider's color is awesome by the way :)

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Rachel, look how far you have come!!  I am so proud of you -- you are now giving advice rather than desperately needing some!!   By the way, Ollie is not a dork...you are, lol!  He is just trying to get YOU trained, lol!!

[Rachel and Ollie]

I suppose you are right lol though he looks pretty dorky when he drinks out of the bathroom sink or when I find an entire piece of paper shredded next to him!

[Jenna & Cider]

Aw, your pup is adorable!!!!! Thanks for your kind words. I am feeling better and more confident everyday. He is so strong willed but is such a good boy! I am learning more and more what realistic expectations should be for the pup. 

[Heather & Brinkley]

1) TOTALLY normal.  My husband didn't even have a love hate relationship-- he just had a hate relationship at the beginning.  I think he said the following line at least ten times a day: "What the heck did we get oursleves into?"  The sleepless nights, the peeing in the house, etc. was hard but it got better remarkably fast. 

2) My husand came around within a month and now his love for our Doodle is amazing.  He worries about, play and babies Brinkley all the time and now he wants another one. 

3)  Really, just be patient.  Give praise when he does something right.  They are very smart and will catch on fast but you be calm and patient really does make all the difference.  He's still young at 10 weeks.  I didn't even get our Doodle until he was 12 weeks. 

It really does get better-- and he'll end up being one of the loves and joys of your life.