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.

[Wendy]

She's adorable! And it sounds like she's full of the puppy crazies!  This is normal. She's exploring her new environment. Limit her space that she can run.And you can always put a lead on her and attach it to your belt loop so that she goes everywhere you do. Play with her. She'll have a short attention span, but that's o.k. Gently but firmly teach her commands. This phase shall pass!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

This is really great advice! Especially limiting the spaces where she can run and attaching a lead to both Kona and yourself. Doing both of those can really help to settle a puppy down. Lauren, we've all been where you are now, and as joyful as it is having a new puppy in the house, it's not without its challenges and discouragements. I can so relate to your feelings in different ways with both of my doods as puppies. Lucy was the wild, willful one who nipped and bit something fierce. She wanted nothing to do with cuddling. I think it took a good 4 months before I felt a real bond with her. Oscar was the non-nipping, non-biting, mellow, cuddle bug from Day 1, but his potty training took f-o-r-e-v-e-r! Each is so different, but both have all my heart. Patience and consistency is all I can advise. Kona will come around eventually to the exact doodle you were expecting. It just takes time :)

Oh, and BTW, Kona is about as adorable as a puppy can be!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Here is a blog post of mine when Lucy turned 18 weeks old. This is what I was talking about:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/lucy-turns-18-weeks-old

[Lauren and Kona]

Thank you, Debb!! This helps so much. I'm trying to be as patient as possible with Kona. I know that underneath all of her craziness, she is a sweet little girl. I'm sure eventually we will develop a bond with each other, it's just the present that gets discouraging at times. Thanks again, Lucy and Oscar are both precious!

[Lauren and Kona]

Thank you so much! I had heard about keeping her on a leash inside but never really considered it until now. It sounds like a good idea - hopefully it will help. I know things will get better with time. Thanks again!

[Megan]

My sister used the leash trick with their Lab when he was a puppy and even now (he's 4) if he gets a little crazy and she puts him on a leash he settles right down and takes a nap. It also kept him from eating the furniture as he was teething since he was constantly monitored.

[Malenie Piscetelli]

When I brought my puppy home almost 4 weeks ago. She starts to love me about 2 weeks later. About biting use bitter apple on your hand, spray on your clothes and so on. It works. After her third shots Lucy is going to puppy training which is 2 more weeks. Your puppy might be very nervous right now. Kona will feels comfortable to your new home and your family. Koan will loves you. Just wait. My Lucy don't like to go in the car and plus she get carsick. What I am saying just take one day a time. It is not even one week yet.

[Lauren and Kona]

Thank you, Malenie! I thankfully purchased the Bitter Apple spray before getting Kona and have been using it frequently. Haven't tried using it on myself, though, that's a good suggestion. Thank you for your advice - Lucy is beautiful!

[Malenie Piscetelli]

You're welcome Lauren. Thank you so much. I love Lucy. Good luck!!! Kona is so adorable. :)

[Michele & Kallie]

Most of us have gone through the wikd puppy times.One thing you can do is tether her to you when she is out of the crate and its not play time.I kept a hold on the leash and took her with me in the house.
This will help with house training and she will have your company.You could try feeding her by hand too to increase the bonding.She is adjusting from all her siblings to just humans.You two will do fine. Try to wear her out with ball chasing or walks .Dont stay discouraged it will get better!

[Lauren and Kona]

I'm going to start keeping Kona on a leash in the house this week. I think that will be helpful as it's difficult to keep an eye on her as she darts throughout the apartment. And I would like to spend more time with her as well. Thank you for your advice - I really appreciate it!

[Tracey & Spike]

Ohhh don't be discouraged!!! You haven't had kona a week!
Spike was a complete nut job when we first brought him home. Almost four weeks ago. He's still nippy. Get yourself lots and lots of teething toys. Spike LOVES his nylon ropes. I soak them in water and freeze them. It soothes his gums and makes him happy. When they thaw I exchange it for a cold one. Another thing that has REALLY helped is carrying acceptable teething toys around with me. When Spike gets mouthy I replace myself with a chew toy. He's really getting the idea.
For bonding. I waited until he crashed and I cuddled down beside him. I offered up treats and cuddles. It really helped. He has changed SO much in the past four weeks. Stick with it.
For nipping another thing you can try is holding a favorite treat in your closed fist. Let Kona know it's there as soon as she licks. Open your hand and give the treat. Spikes learned that kisses get more than teeth. He's no where near 100% but a heck of a lot better