Not loving him so much.....

[Nadia]

Ok...so I will start by saying please don't judge and this may be a long post.
For many years I pushed my husband to get a dog. I never had one growing up and I thought it would be great for our first born. He refused. He had grown up with a chow mix and knew how much work they were and didn't want to deal. As the years went by I had two more children. My oldest has Tourette's and my middle son is on the autism spectrum. I brought up the dog issue again because I knew there was a benefit for my two sons being they had these disorders and I knew my daughter would just love having a dog around. I figured it was a win win situation ( the boys would have a dog to calm the anxiety and we would add an addition to the house). I should mention that Bentley is now 10 1/2 months old.
I now feel that it was the wrong thing to do. I am not in love with him. I kinda like him. I hate that I have to leave early for everything so I can take him out. He has destroyed my house and my furniture. He is constantly barking and jumping on people and cabinets. I can't even have people over because he doesn't stop barking or jumping. We have spent a lot of money on training that seemed to work in the beginning but now it's like he didn't learn a thing. Wish we could do more training but money is just to tight right now.
He seems to be more added stress than anything else. My husband is constantly telling me " I told you so". I am feeling very frustrated and overwhelmed.
I have thought of giving him to another family that may have a better grip on the situation and know how to handle him but the kids would be totally and completely heart broken!!!! They adore and love him so much!!!!
Am I abnormal for not loving him the way they do? Am I a bad person? I am almost in tears about this.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nadia, DK has a great Training Group you could join for additional help. Also, a Puppy Group where you can see you are not alone. Good luck to you and I am happy to see your decision. I have two dogs and I slacked off long ago...LOL..but I keep them on a great schedule and that helps me out tremendously. Plus, I am at a different place in my life than you and I am over the moon about my dogs, but there are some days I tell them I am taking them to Goodwill :) It gets better! Meanwhile, you will find this group wants to help and all you have to do is ask.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/puppymadness

[Nadia]

thank you :)

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

Nadia, i live close by! i am in oceanside! we should try a walk with them together! :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

:o)

[Nadia]

That sounds like a great idea!!!! Thank you

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Go for it Nadia!  He will be your perfect guy in short order with some training and consistency.  My offer for a weekend off stands, or even when you leave town, we will have a sleep over for him with Quincy!  Keep us all posted!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Nadia, I am glad to  read that you are going to try to work out more training time with Bentley.  I think you will see a huge improvement.  At the same time, if it just doesn't work out and you need to relinquish him to a rescue, you can feel like you have given the situation your best effort, and perhaps later in your life you can try owning a dog again.  You have a lot on your plate and sometimes wanting something to happen, even when you strive to make it happen, just doesn't work.  Good luck.  We are here to support you.