Feeling discouraged

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.

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Permalink Reply by Julie and Max on March 19, 2014 at 9:06am

Cheryl you should send him in! I dealt with the little bit of flooring too, but we're getting ready to replace our kitchen floor, it's old as the hills, and it had a few tiny holes in it. Now those tiny holes are bigger, and the project has been moved up! Max doesn't eat shoes, but at 2PM when it's walk time he starts carrying them around the house.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Finnegan on March 19, 2014 at 9:46am

OMD that's hysterical - the shoes I mean. He wants you to put them on lol

Permalink Reply by Jen W on March 19, 2014 at 1:13pm

I'm sorry you're feeling so discouraged, Lauren. Puppyhood is HARD, no doubt. I look back on the first 3 months I had Dory as the worst months of my life and I'm not exaggerating. But it does get better.

I think obedience training will make a world of difference for you, I know for us it did.

A year and a half later though I still have days where I want to rip my hair out. On those days I take Dory to doggy daycare so she can exercise and I can get some peace. I hate to admit this, but there have also been times when I've just gotten in the car and driven around, just to be away from her.

I don't have any great advice, but know that this is pretty normal and you are not alone

Permalink Reply by Debbie & Gibbs on March 19, 2014 at 2:35pm

Lauren, just reading the latest post re Kona, and know that a number of us have had or are having some of the very same issues. Gibbs, will have his crazy moments when he won't stop jumping on you, is grabbing shoes out of the closet and running with them, stealing socks out of the dirty clothes and biting at you, it's all to get your attention. When Gibbs bites me, I will yelp at him and he is totally stunned when I do that, it's almost like his eyes are saying sorry. When Gibbs is doing the crazies, it's out in the back yard he goes for a lot of ball chasing and I turn the 3 Westie's on him. They run him ragged, the best puppy is a very very tired puppy. Sounds like Kona needs lots and lots of exercise of burn off excess energy. Is there a doggie day care that she can go to? Hope things are getting better, and don't give up.

Permalink Reply by Tracey & Spike on March 19, 2014 at 4:57pm

I'm sorry to hear that your still having a hard time. I'm one of the majority who think this is just the puppy crazies. I'm positive Kona doesn't hate you. She just sees you on her level not as a leader. I know Kona hasn't had all her shots. At least I don't think so. I told you a while ago the difficulties we were having with Spike. Nipping and such. The week after his second set of shots his fluffy behind was in puppy school. Literally. We are coming up on week three tomorrow. It has made a HUGE difference.
Spike has been more okay with my Dad and I than he has been with my Mom. That first night at puppy class Spike didn't know what hit him. He hadn't been around any other dogs since his litter. During play time three border brothers came right at him and gave him a good scare. He ran right to us. Mom picked him up. In his little puppy brain Mom saved him. Since that moment Spike has begun to listen to all three of us. The nipping has gone way down (it's still there. But a firm NO BITE! Turns rapidly to kisses) Maybe you just need a moment like that with Kona. Get her to puppy school. As soon as she can safely get out. Get her out.
I also think you mentioned car sickness. We've had a bit of that. But we've found out that as long as Spike has eaten a couple of hours prior to the car ride he is okay. A moving blanket from Home Depot or somewhere makes a great car blanket. They are thick and they wipe clean.
Hang in there. We are all here for you. It WILL get better. Take up the other dk'er who offered up playtime. Seriously. The more tired Kona is the happier you both will be.

Permalink Reply by Lauren and Kona on March 22, 2014 at 5:05pm

Hey everyone! I'm sorry I haven't responded to you all yet, I'm just now getting back on DK.

I just want to thank you all so much for your help, advice and encouragement. I don't believe Kona is aggressive in nature, I think she is a sweet girl. Everyday presents new challenges but I'm really working with her and doing my best. As each day passes our bond goes stronger and I think that is helping both of us through these difficult times. I know that she will grow up to be a wonderful dog and companion. I won't give up on her :)

Permalink Reply by Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo on March 22, 2014 at 5:10pm