Anonymous wrote:I can totally see this. For the first two years of our dog’s life, I regretted ever getting her. It was so hard. She is currently four years old and I ADORE her. She is amazing.
I don’t know what to tell you, other than most dogs settle down once they are a few years old. At least I think they do. It did help for me to set a routine when she was a puppy- focused time on her (playing, walks, training etc) then “downtime” for her afterward. Repeat all day. Downtime would occur in the crate when very young, and then in a quiet comfortable room/space after that. She did not have free run of the house 24/7 when she was a puppy, nor was I willing to focus on her 24/7 (and dogs do not require that, IMO). If I had something to do and didn’t want her underfoot, or had guests etc- time for her downtime.
I didn’t read all the replies but your DH/family should be helping as well. DH and I traded off, and the kids helped also. Doggy daycare was not feasible for us but some enjoy it- or maybe a dog walker?
Also - our dog has always been very well treated. I WFH, DH also spends time with her daily, several walks a day, weekly long hikes etc, the kids play with her daily-she gets tons of attention. But it is normal to frustrated and it is ok to set boundaries and put the dog away to rest when you are otherwise occupied.
Anonymous wrote:No hate from me. But as a dog lover who married a non-dog lover (my husband's didn't have pets), I honestly think you may never bond with your pup. May want to consider what that means to you.
My husband and I have now had two dogs and it took him years and years to feel affection for our dogs. He's just not hardwired that way.
I on the other hand instantly love every dog I've ever met. It's not good or bad, just our experiences shaping our responses.
Anonymous wrote:So your brought a new creature into your house and you’re surprised it wants to bond with you? That’s what you want it to do! That’s what all creatures seek- a connection. It takes months for a dog to get used to a new environment.
Anonymous wrote:
OP here. Thank you for this. People are hating on me but I don’t see it as any different as someone coming online and asking for help for their crying baby or when they will sleep through the night, etc. I am asking for advice so that hopefully the feeling of being annoyed will lessen. What is a good amount to walk her? She is 20lbs. We do 20 minute walks every two hours. We do not have a fenced in backyard. Would it be best to get one to help burn more energy? Even when the kids take her out, I have to be out there because I don’t want her running off. I don’t like the idea of a shock collar. We put her in the crate at night with no issues. Putting her in during the day seems so sad to me. She just stares at me. I can’t see putting her in at night and then during the day at times too? We have a deck that has no stairs. We chill out there but again, don’t want her to be unsupervised so I have to be out there too. Most people are saying she will grow out with this and I will keep going. We are getting her trained next month. She knows sit and come. She just pulls at the leash. Again, I think she needs to run but we have no fence. No, we never had a dog before.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Give it back.
OP here. She has a good life. We are doing everything we need to do for her. I just find her annoying. Not sure that is a good enough reason to return her is it? She doesn’t know I find her annoying, I assume. She is very excited every time she sees me be it I am gone for work, get off the toilet, etc.
I don’t know you but I already hate you.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Why did you want a dog? Dogs are pack animals. You are part of her pack. Of course she wants to be with you!
You do not have the right temperament for a dog. Hopefully your family members are nicer and dog people.
OP here. Fair enough, I may not have the right temperament for one. I am very much an introvert and thought it would actually be a great idea! However, I get no break from her. I am very nice to her. I do not know why people assume I am not? Do we never find our kids annoying or needing a break from our kids? No one even answered my questions, what helps? We put our kids in aftercare and summer camps…. Would doggy daycare help?