It does get better!!

For anyone on here right now who has just brought home a fur baby and is maybe having second thoughts or losing their mind or just thinking they can’t do this I promise you it does get better. So 3 months ago I brought home an 8 week old staffie and she was the cutest little pup who we couldn’t wait to have, then it started to sink in that bringing up a pup is actually harder than expected. She was chewing things she shouldn’t, biting everything including us even breaking skin, barking at my cats, the lot, I was losing my mind trying to teach this dog how to settle and not to do certain things, it was hard. I went into this with no idea what I was doing, trying to teach myself training through videos and yes certain things were helpful but I realised you have to find your own way of leadership and guide her your own way, not just for you but for your dog as all dogs are different and one way someone may train their dog may not work for yours. It really is all about patience and working together to form a bond, trust me it is so worth it once you start to see the change and feel that bond, I’m actually happy to see her when I get home instead of worrying how she’s going to behave today or if she will listen to me. The more they grow and get out of that mischievous puppy stage is when you start to realise that they are just babies learning the world and need guidance just like any other baby. If there’s any advice I could give it would be – get a crate, a safe space for them I realised is actually really good for them and you. Teaching manners when it comes to feeding, I will place her food, have her sit and wait until I say for her to eat (of course only a few seconds as puppy eyes) teaches them not to be aggressive with food. Now this one depends really but I found no telling off really got through to her unless I told her to go to bed until I tell her she can come back(which also isn’t long). And I would definitely say to sit and give paw are good ones, she loves to sit and give paw for anything toys, treats, even attention. Sorry for the long post but thought it could be helpful for anyone struggling, I wish the best to all new dog owners!