I am writing you today to talk about my experience with puppy blues and maybe help a person or two feel less alone and less guilty.
I got my puppy at 9 weeks old, we were ready, we were prepared aaaaand then life came tumbling down. Between a major hurricane the week I was set to get her, a lung infection the first few days I had her, having to move due to a rat and mold infestion leading to us moving in the first 2 months we had her, going back to school, having a major trauma be investigated for months, eventually slipping into a major depression, getting extremely sick, partner having a slow period of work, so on, and so on this hit us hard with this girl and although I believe she is a very good and resilient puppy it has been a rough year and a half. Training was put on a back burner many times due to life just lifing and truly we had great months and then we had absolutely terrible months. My older dog also regressed in a way that was super disheartening and only added to that feeling of failure and guilt that maybe im not the right home for these girls, that am I selfish for not giving them to someone who is better equipped. But we have bounced back it has taken a while but we are finally back on track and as much as I sat and thought about all the ways I maybe damaged her, shes fine, they're fine, we're fine. Everything is going to be ok. I wont lie it wasnt one of the hardest times in my life but it wasnt her fault truly life just happens and bad things just have unfortunate timing sometimes but that doesnt mean it will last forever. I worried about everything, is she getting enough enrichment, is she getting enough attention, food, exercise, everything. I have cried so much from the guilt of feeling like I wasnt doing enough. But were good.
Somethings I want to say to anyone struggling with the puppy blues:
Prioritize your needs, if youre not good your dogs can feel it and maybe even exhibit not fun behavior due to them feeling the tension. If you need a minute to cool down put them in a safe place and take time to regulate.
Its ok if your dogs is making you feel a certain way that doesnt make you a bad person. Sometimes dogs just do some annoying and sometimes ignorant things, that doesnt mean you love them any less. Dont let people shame you for having feelings.
Do what you can today dont worry about what you cant do today, do your best today.
Dont feel bad that you cant take your dog on 4 hours of walks a day or that you cant give them 17 toppings for kibble or have 4 sessions of enrichment a day. Or take them to the doggie masseuse every 3rd Wednesday. Dont let dog influencers make you feel like a shitty dog owner. Some dogs dont even want that. My aussie god bless her hates water and we live in florida so there are sometimes weeks we are stuck in the house because SHE doesnt want to touch wet grass regardless of if the rain has stopped. Somedays she is maxed out after a 45 minute car ride(we have a route). She isnt about being outside all day so why would I force her to have 4 hours of walk time a day because Kennedyxbinks992 said Aussies require 4 hours of exercise a day NOOOOOO!!! I can guarantee you my dog would plant her butt at minute 45 and id have to carry her home. Sometimes if shes tired from a walk she will infact want me to carry her home and boy is she stubborn. A breed's recommended activity and training is just that, a recommendation, see what fits in your life style and what your dog is into some dogs regardless of breed know life is better if I just sit on the couch and wait for dinner. Comparison has been my main source of guilt. Until I realized just cause other people's dogs need that doesnt mean mine does or even remotely wants that.
It does get better and if it takes a while for things to get better, thats ok, thats normal just dont give up on them.
Its never too late to train your dog. My older dog is going to be 4 this year and she loves learning just as much as my Aussie does, its possibly due to treats and attention being involved. Also possible sibling rivalry as well 😆 Dont think theyve hit a certain age and I cant teach them it now theyre too old. Just try they may surprise you, I know mine did.
Your love for your dog will help you navigate this!!
I hope I've been able to help someone struggling. Seeing post like these were very instrumental in me getting through it with less guilt and more determination.
submitted by /u/Lexloner
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