Feeling discouraged

[Lauren and Kona]

Hey guys, I recently posted about something similar to this so forgive me for repeating some things.

I brought Kona home on Saturday and when I went to pick her up, I had seven puppies to choose from. Kona appeared to be one of the calmer ones - and I held her for a good little while and she seemed to be a good fit.

I researched for months before bringing Kona home and was well prepared for all that would come along with a new puppy.

Kona is just so crazy. She doesn't stop for one second, it is constant running, biting, chewing, jumping, barking, you get the idea. When I try to approach her, she bites me everywhere she can get ahold of - my toes, my legs, the sleeves of my sweatshirt, my bracelet, my hair, etc. She doesn't even stop for a nap unless I put her in her crate (and that is a challenge).

I know that around this age is when puppies form their initial bond with their owners, and Kona seems to have no interest in me. It is really breaking my heart. I know she is still very young and has a lot of maturing to do, but at this moment, I'm just discouraged. Don't get me wrong, I love her and plan on doing everything possible to train her and give her the best life possible.

I will be starting her in obedience classes as soon as she's had all of her shots. I hope that helps a bit. Outside of how rambunctious she is, I'm concerned that she just doesn't like me/want to be near me.

I'm just not sure what to do right now, to help both Kona and myself get through this rough patch.

[Lauren and Kona]

Deep down I know that she doesn't hate me (I don't think puppies hate anyone!) it just feels that way at times. I'm trying my best.

One day at a time...

Thanks for your continued help!

[Gem's Jewel]

Lauren I agree! She is unsure of her new unknown surroundings & you are unsure of your new roomie...sit on the floor, roll a ball for her, squeak a little stuffed toy for her and just see what happens. Relax, destress and just have fun. See if you can't find a trainer to come to you once or twice to help speed up the process if you need that peace of mind.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I so agree. Lauren....she doesn't hate you. We have a baby here, who is uncertain of her surroundings and has loads of oent up energy. She may also be picking up on your stress/ anxiety ....I like the sit on the floor and relax.....

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

I totally agree, too.  I felt the same way with Ellie for a while.  I seriously thought I had a demon living with me!  She had her sweet moments, but between the razor teeth (which I mistook for biting me ALL the time) and behavior that made me think I'd never get her under control, I was freaked out.  I was so scared about her biting that I had a trainer come to our house before she was old enough to go to puppy classes.  And after going thru what I thought was her mile-long list of issues, he assured me that she, in fact, was a normal puppy - and actually a very good one when all was said and done.  (Didn't feel like it then!!)

I also agree that she may be picking up on your stress.  When I had such anxiety about Ellie, I think I put off some horrible energy and I do think she picked up on that - and she didn't want to be near me.  It was a vicious cycle, unfortunately.  But, the good news is that we made it through.  She eventually calmed down, I learned how to burn off her energy, those scary teeth fell out, and she did great once we figured each other out.  And I used time-outs for Eloise...often when I needed a time out from her!  I put her in the bathroom for about 30 seconds to a minute.  (It did work - it's good to redirect them in those super crazy moments.)

Hang in there!  You guys will figure each other out, too. 

[Lauren and Kona]

I think Kona may be picking up on my stress as well. I really try not to show it around her, but dogs are so smart, and I know she senses it. I know that we'll make it through this - as hard as it may be right now. She gets her next vaccination on Monday and the vet told us we could start venturing out a bit more after that. So hopefully next week I can really help her release this crazy energy. Except for the fact she refuses to walk with a leash! I've attempted walking her on a leash inside, and she just tries to bite it and refuses to walk.

Thank you for your help!! Love the bathroom idea.

[Tracey & Spike]

Spike loathed the leash too! I actually put it on him in the house and let it drag behind him. It helped him get used to something pulling on his neck. As for the actual walking on a leash he will do that now. Does he walk nice on a leash?! Heck no! Tends to try to walk UNDER my feet and tries to eat the leash. I do however consider this a step up from him being a frozen stiff lump from a week ago! Puppy classes. It's all about the puppy classes! Heading into week two! You and kona are going to come out of this the best of friends. Stay positive. We are all here for you

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I felt better about Yarrow's leash behavior after seeing Zak's explanation of what a puppy thinks (or doesn't think) about the leash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVnm5c3xCqs

[Lauren and Kona]

I do frequently sit on the floor with her and play, it goes well for a while until she decides to start biting me, lol! But this is something I've been trying to do with her. Her favorite thing to do is fetch a toy I throw.

I've contacted a few trainers about in-home visits and am in the process of getting something set up.

Thank you!!

[Julie and Max]

The bathroom time out is a great idea Julie.

Lauren when you're feeling super stressed with Kona, maybe just close your eyes for a moment, take a deep breath, and imagine calm happy energy flowing into you. When Max was younger I would do that, and it helped me a lot and I also think it helped him too. 

[Lauren and Kona]

Love this idea - thank you!!

[Crazy Doodle Lady]

Reading this has made me remember Bear as a puppy and I am now wondering why I decided to do it again lol

Day one was good because he was sleepy but what will tomorrow bring?!?!  Looks like we will both have our hands full for awhile!  Good thing they are cute!!

[Lauren and Kona]

Oh, Dexter is just TOO precious!! Good luck with him - let us know how you guys are doing!