I cant be the only one, I am not looking for training tips because he has a trainer and gets more than enough attention as I am home with him all day. Yes he gets kongs, lick mats and brain games (scent games) every single day on top of $150 worth of chews a month.
I feel SO alone. My golden is almost 14 months old and I love him, I will NEVER give up on him. I know this is temporary. I knew we would have very hard days and I would never ever even consider throwing in the towel on him. I had NO clue just how hard he would be at this stage. I am surprised that it continues to get worse.
But when poeple talk about their dogs I feel like I am the only one who is struggling so hard, my dog is known as a "gulper" and has nearly died 3 times from getting things and trying to swallow them whole. Because of this we have to be VERY careful and section our home off. He even somehow found a sewing needle between the baseboard and the floor from the pervious homeowners and tried swallowing that.
He went to a dog sitter with 30 years of experience and she told me he swallowed an entire half of an apple whole. She told me she didn't even know it was possible and was shocked. She looked completely rattled. I am consumed with anxiety constantly because he could have died. Now I don't trust him with anyone.
I feel like I haven't known peace since this dog turned 9 months old.
He gave me a mental breakdown today because he tried swallowing a small lotion bottle I didn't notice on the counter. I can't believe at this stage of having a dog that I can't even chill with him next to me in my empty office. He knocked over my coffee onto my computer and I was so mean to him, I feel so bad and my voice is hoarse from screaming at him as I begged him to drop the slippery bottle and he just is sitting there with a lock jaw trying to get it down.
I sobbed all morning, granted I am 7 months pregnant so things are just overall more stressful right now. But It's hard to talk to people with teenaged dogs when they say "yeah my dog is hard too, he stole a sock" when mine has separation anxiety so bad he ripped a hole in the wall within 15 minutes of seperation. When mine needs constant stimulation or he barks for hours while I cook so loud that my ears are ringing.
I just feel so alone. I feel like I am surrounded by perfect dog owners who never go through what I do on a daily basis. I am so patient with him generally but sometimes I just can't take the stress and I break down.
submitted by /u/Urmommmmmnm
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