12 week GSD — love him, but entire household wants to rehome. Need perspective 🙏

Hi everyone,

I have a 12 week old German Shepherd puppy. I’ve had him for about 3 weeks. I’ve wanted a dog since a child and I was genuinely excited and prepared for this.

The issue isn’t that I don’t love him — I really do. I’ve been waking up at 4–6am, standing outside in the cold for potty breaks, training daily, sacrificing going out, etc. I’m committed.

But my entire household (parents + sister) now want him gone. My sister originally agreed to shared responsibility for over a year while planning this, but backed out about 3 weeks in. My parents are worried about my mental health, the arguments in the house, and that I haven’t left the house much since getting him. They’ve even offered to pay me back all the money ive spent on him to rehome him.

Objectively:

• He’s a normal 12 week GSD (bitey, high energy, needs structure) • I’m willing to do the work • Parents are leaving overseas in 2 weeks, so it’ll just be me and my sister (who don’t want to help) 

Emotionally:

• I don’t want to give him up. • But I feel like I’m fighting my entire household. • I’m scared of making the wrong long-term decision. 

For people who experienced puppy blues or family pressure:

Did it genuinely get better?

How did you balance independence/social life with a working breed puppy?

And if you rehomed early, did you regret it?

Please be honest — I don’t want comfort, I want perspective.