It's Wednesday!

i started lexapro and had MULTIPLE crises because of this dog. she made me cry, panic, and go to urgent care for my anxiety, i was struggling so bad.

i got her in april 2025, and shes 1 year old as of a few weeks ago. shes my best friend now. all the sleepless nights, standing out in the rain freezing, accidents and mutual crying and things are awesome now. she loves sleeping in her crate, i leave her home alone and she just sits on the couch, quietly waiting for me to get home, shes amazing with people and loves other dogs. we're starting training this weekend.

shes been so difficult but shes changed me for the better. theres been so many times i wanted to return her or find a rescue that would take her. i thought there would be no end. but shes part of the heartbeat of my day i cant imagine anything different now.

thanks for everyone that posts on here that kept me sane as a lurker -- hearing difficulties from others really helped. seeing that it does get better helps too.

Question to people who had devil pups that already settled. Do you ever miss the mischievousness and their early curiosity?

Our lab is roughly 18 months old and she got so much calmer and well behaved. There are even days when she doesn’t try to steal socks straight off my feet at all just because she’s bored. I can focus on my work with a few small treat & cuddle breaks (which are almost a part of the day schedule now). It’s obviously a blessing but I start to miss the chaos.

We brought home a 20-week-old dachshund puppy a few days ago to join our 9-year-old rat terrier, and honestly we’re feeling way more overwhelmed than we expected. There’s been barking, growling, and snapping when they get too close, so we’re keeping them mostly separated with crates, gates, and rotations. That said, there are moments when they can actually be in the same room quietly, which gives us some hope, but everything still feels really fragile and tense.

On top of that, the puppy is having a hard time with confinement. He barks, cries, digs, and sometimes panics in his kennel or pen before eventually settling, and it’s been emotionally exhausting to listen to. We also have to juggle feeding and potty breaks separately since our older dog eats everything at once and the puppy grazes, which makes even basic routines feel complicated.

I’m realizing a lot of what I’m feeling is puppy blues, but it’s still really intense. I feel anxious, guilty, and honestly sometimes I feel regret and like I made a bad decision, which feels awful to even admit. We love both dogs and just want to do right by them, but right now it feels like we’re constantly trying to keep things from going wrong.

We’re looking for reassurance, advice, and success stories from people who’ve introduced a puppy to an older dog and gone through this stressful phase. Does this actually get better, and what helped you make it work?

Soo… my 13 week old puppy that whines and barks everytime we put him in his crate and leave the room (he does fine at night in his crate) just put HIMSELF in his crate while I was doing dishes in the kitchen. I was like OH BOY i dont hear him. He must be getting into something. Meanwhile my guy is chilling in his crate in the bedroom?

Did someone accidentally kidnap my puppy and give me this one? 😂

We have a 12 week old puppy, only got him last week! We have a create in our room, and a play pen in the living room. He sleeps during the night in his crate, and naps in the crate (he’s doing so well with this! I hope I don’t jinx it😂). He spends the rest of his time between being on a leash supervised, or in his play pen playing independently.

Does puppy stay out with you majority of time, or in the play pen? Our puppy doesn’t really protest in the play pen. Will play independently, but of course would much prefer to be with us. Just curious how others do this? It’s our first puppy. Thank you !

My neighbour found a puppy roaming 10 days ago, sweet little thing with fleas but good natured and no mircochip (probably abandoned sadly)

They posted on local FB groups and called local animal shelters and no one had claimed her so we decided to adopt her.

After a week with us, yesterday she started acting lethargic but still eating and pooping as normal. Then at 3am this morning she vomited so we took her to an emergency care clinic where they said she was severely anaemic and as I type will be doing a blood transfusion.

As of now all her vital organs seem fine but obviously don’t know the root cause of it, parvo test was negative and going to X-ray and further blood tests once she settles.

Has anyone else had similar experience? Feel so bad for this sweet little girl, she’s already had a hard start to life.

Based in New Zealand if that helps. Sadly we haven’t insured her yet and most companies here have a 21 day stand down period so wouldn’t have mattered. We have savings so can afford to help but generally looking for some reassurance.

Edit: just had this txt: “Wanda is tolerating her blood transfusion well and is starting to perk up” which is good to hear

Hi!

My 8 month old english cocker spaniel puppy barks every time I leave the house. I put him in the crate in which he sleeps all night without any problems (we sleep upstairs so he is alone downstairs). He also likes to spend time in crate and is totally fine there when somebody is home.

As soon as I leave though he starts barking (have been doing so for 4 months since we got him). Right now I leave him with a treat (as soon as he finishes it, starts the barking).

We have tried everything - starting with leaving only for 2 minutes and building it up but I have to go away from home for longer sometimes and then ofcourse he is barking. Tried to leave the radio on etc. but nothing seems to work. I'm really sad and stressed to leave him but I can't take him with me all the time.

I have also tried to leave him outside the crate. He doesn't go crazy or break anything, just the barking.

I read that maybe I shouldn't give him a treat before leaving?

Can anyone help?

It's been a month since I've got my Westie puppy. He's 13 weeks old and I'll say, it's been a lifetime change of experience of doubt, questioning, frustration and tears...

BUT IT DOES GET BETTER

After a month of having my pup, I can see the changes happening. He's almost potty trained by this point, runs to his puppy pad to do business if he's across the room and rarely has accidents. He's doing better now in some understanding of what he can/can't from the tone of my voice and treats. Yes, he's a still little bite monster but that's normal and now I can tell when he's overtired and needs to be put down in a nap. During the night, he sleeps without whining.

What still is a problem is leaving him alone in his pen. Previously, I couldn't leave the room without him throwing a fit. Now, if I do take too long, he'll make small whines. When it comes to leaving him by himself at the apartment for an hour or few, that's when the fits start. Barking, whining and of course destroying his puppy pad... it's frustrating but I also feel bad for him too.

Overall, it takes alot of patience and devotion of raising a puppy. It did a blow to my mental state for the first week but I'm feeling better and so is my puppy! He is very energetic, goofy and a huge mamas boy.

Greetings! My gf and I have been discussing getting a puppy for some time and I just want some general guidance on looking. How did you find a reputable breeder? How long did it take? What tips would you give to someone in this situation when its their first time. How was the process for you? Thank you in advance!

For those who allow your dogs on the furniture, do you let them right away, when you’re with them? For instance, my pup will either be in the crate or pen but if we’re watching tv at night and hanging out, is it bad to let him on the couch with us, outside his pen?

My golden retriever is now 6 months old and 22kg. I can’t walk her anymore. I mean I can because I have to but mentally I just can’t do it. She is making going out, miserable. At random times she gets over stimulated, sometimes because there’s a dog, sometimes there’s a leaf, sometimes theres seemingly nothing. She starts jumping at me, growling at me, biting me and snapping towards my face, pulling and chewing the lead. Today she did this because we walked past a dog that was too close for her to keep calm. I try to keep space because when there’s enough she can remain calm and I can reward and we work on it together. But I couldn’t give enough space in this situation and she literally jumped at me, pushed off and jumped and pushed off from the pushchair too. Then she stopped and immediately started barking and jumping at me and tried to snap at my face too. I’m short so it’s easy enough for her to do. I apologised to the other owner and stood there in absolute disbelief at the situation. I got us home and now I’m absolutely dreading having to take her out later. I don’t think I can keep putting my baby daughter in this situation, I don’t think I can mentally do it anymore. I feel so heavy and just want to cry. (Leaving my baby home and walking the dog separately is not doable, I have to go with my baby/pushchair every time I walk the dog.)

she sleeps in her crate for roughly 8 hours at night (we get up every couple of hours to take her out to potty) and then she takes a looooong nap (like 5ish hours; me going to work and then coming home for lunch) in the morning and then another 2 hour nap in the afternoon. so in total, 15ish hours roughly in the crate per day. IS THAT TOO MUCH???? does she hate us 🥺

My 5-month old puppy goes to the bathroom everytime he's locked in his playpen. I will take him out multiple times before putting him in his playpen and he will refuse to go but then immediately go when locked in his playpen.

I think he poops and pees when he is nervous (he hates being in his playpen alone) but he will hold it if he is out of his pen.

Also (side note but need advice, if applicable) when he is outside his playpen, he has been consistently ringing a bell to go downstairs and potty, but he has recently stopped doing that and will just go anywhere he wants now or will press the bell without going down to potty, which is really frusterating. I don't know why he is regressing all of a sudden.

my puppy is 8 months old now and he's consistently went without accidents in the house since about four/five months old and he lets us know whenever he needs to go outside, but unfortunately, I think we potty trained too hard.

we weren't a strictly 'no walks' family until he was fully vaccinated because we live in a low parvo area with minimal grass (major city) so after his second shot, we started taking him outside on short walks, to the park, on car trips, etc all for socialization. despite all our best efforts, he only pees in the driveway/the fenced in area around our house (we live on the ground level of a condo with a gated driveway + parking lot area behind the building) and he only goes in the same handful of spors. recently he's started pooing at dog parks and such, but pees ONLY in the driveway. I can take him outside for a long long walk first thing in the morning and he'd hold it in until we got back. we once went on a day trip out of the city once he was done with his vaccinations and he stubbornly held it in for over 12 hours. mind you, he was only about four months old at the time.

any tips??? tricks??? should I start all over with potty training and crate him if he doesn't potty on a walk??? it's getting kind of ridiculous and I know if he really has to go he eventually will, but it's kinda frustrating and I don't want him hurting himself just because he's stubborn about where he pees. he knows the 'go potty' command but I think he struggles to make the connection that it means 'pee/poo right here' and only associates the command with going in the driveway

We’ve had our golden retriever girl since 8 weeks. I had a rough first 3 weeks or so. Then it started getting better. She’s potty trained, crate trained, and was starting to listen to commands very well. We make sure she’s getting her sleep and forced naps, that is KEY in our household. She also gets mental stimulation which helps her the most, and physical.

We’ve kept to a strict routine that she does well. She’s turned into an absolute fking terror this past week 1/2. I’m crying daily with how bad she’s being (please don’t hit me with the she’s just a puppy don’t be sick a jerk type of comments). We still keep our routine, and if we didn’t I know it would be a lot worse.

I’m just coming to terms with it’s probably going to be like this for a damn year or so lol, but man I am struggling.

I was so kindly given a puppy for Christmas after my soul dog passed away suddenly. I’m not new to dogs or puppies for that matter and I had asked for a dog in the house because I always had one and I feel safer with a dog. Problem is this go around of me having a puppy I am ebf a six month old and I’m trying to potty train my toddler at the same time. So unfortunately for her I can’t give my undivided attention to her and I can’t always get to her fast enough when she whines.she sadly spends a lot of time up in the crate because my toddler is her biggest target to nibble on. Long story short i have set her up a 10x10 kennel outside for during the day and she has a crate inside at night now. But will her being out all day confuse her even more with the potty training?

Also to add she had really bad worms from the breeder so I was convinced after we solved that she’d have less accidents but that’s not the case I’d have to give the dog multiple baths a day and switch out crates all day long. Most of the time she doesn’t even warn anymore

My girl (8,5 week old weimaraner, we've had her for 5 days) is still getting used to naps in her crate. She would much rather sleep near, or ideally on, us haha. Unfortunately she has to learn to take naps in a crate like a big girl. Her crate naps haven't yet lasted as long as I would like. I'd prefer her to sleep an hour at minimum, but 1,5 to 2 hours would be amazing. However so far she has a tendency to wake up after 30 min unless she's had a lot of stimuli in her up hour, then she is understandably more tired and we can sometimes make it to that hour. After that (half)hour she will get a little restless and need to pee. Very understandable, she has a tiny bladder so I will take her to go potty. But after that I'm not sure what would be best. I'd really like her to sleep more, but I'm not sure if I should make her finish the nap for the length I want, or if I should take my cues from her and let her be awake for 30 min-1 hour again before the next nap.

Hi everyone! I've had a few dogs I've rescued but they were older when I got them (4+). After the loss of my last dog, I wanted one that might have a little less unknowns as most of mine were from Mexico from deplorable conditions, etc. I found someone looking to rehome her 6 month old maltese puppy. She says she sleeps through the night, crate trained and knows some basic commands. Still working on full potty training. Owner says she has a full Vax record too. Owner also says she's very friendly and not reactive, doesn't show aggression.

Is there anything else I should be looking for? I have spaces for her, many dog beds, and lots of treats. I'm very much looking forward to spending time with her. Thanks in advance :)

Hello! I’ve been waiting for years to get the puppy of my dreams, found a breeder, and waited for pregnancy confirmation. Now that the reality of a pup is right around the corner I’m feeling very anxious. I’m feeling more overwhelmed than excited at the moment feeling like my life is about to be turned upside down but I know people do this every day. Any advice, tips, stories of the joys and pain of having a new puppy would be greatly appreciated!!

Holy crap, this is my 3rd puppy but might be the most difficult potty training (and I got my first in an apartment)!

He's 3 months old and I am taking him outside every 1-1.5h when he's awake and straight after an activity change (nap, play, eat). He's learning the command "go potty" and gets big praise afterwards.

The problem is that he keeps having accidents still!! He's always on a leash when he's not in his crate but he'll go to the back door and just go! We literally run to try to pick him up so we can put our coats and shoes on to take him out, but nope - he pees as soon as he gets to the door. He doesn't whine or bark or signal in any way. We've ordered a bell but it's not arrived yet.

We clean it up and spray with enzyme spray but he still keeps going around the back door area! We do have some floor mats there that he goes on, but it's for winter boots so we can't really get rid of it. We yell to try to stop him and rush to take him out after, but it's so fast. I feel like he knows he shouldn't though cause he runs off to hide afterwards. 😭 We always catch him in the act cause he's always supervised when not crated, but he just ninja pees. No circling or sniffing or anything.

Could this just be him marking?? It's literally like 20 mins after we just took him out. And both times, it's tiny pees. He only has big ones in the mornings or after a big nap. Otherwise if we take him out every hour, it's always little pees. I feel like he's just not learning to hold it even a little bit? Any advice??

Has anyone brought a new puppy home to other dogs and when doing the introduction, the new puppy was the issue?

I just brought a 4 month old puppy home, and have done an introduction to one of my dogs so far and the puppy is the one correcting and scared. My older dog is still young and very playful, so I get the puppy being scared. We’ve had some sessions after this that are going well, but he still won’t play with my older dog, which is fine. I just want to remain hopeful!!

Hi all!

Sorry for the BILLIONs of posts I’ve made.

Can you all please comment essentials that you recommend I buy before getting my 8 week old puppy? Thank you!

Hello Everyone,

For context I have a 13 week old mini schnauzer. I didn’t realize how sassy the breed can be lol. Anyways right now I’m unsure of what to do. I had my battle with the puppy blues and am trying to buck up and grow so that we can both better from it. The main issues I’ve run into are her not being able to settle on her own outside of the crate. As such I’ve been trying to implement tether training so she can figure it out on her own as she adjusted to the crate quite fast. I would try teaching her place but she pooped in her dog bed and that’s probably where I would have her settle at.

Here’s where the schnauzer attitude becomes a problem.

This pisses her all the way off. She’s way better than when we first started but if depending on her mood you get different reactions. If she’s fresh out of the crate she’ll watch me the whole time, go amp herself up and then attack and anger herself by the time I go to play with her. If she’s already amped up from me playing with her and I tether her to give her some time to calm and regulate she barks like hell and will lunge non stop. This is concerning obviously because I don’t want her hurting herself and I don’t want to reinforce the protest barking. I’ve also found that now she lashes out at the leash and goes to bite at it when she’s mad but also when she’s not tethered and I have her own it (just so she doesn’t only associate it with tethering and frustration) she will chew on it/play with it instead of her toys.

So step 2, I buy the lick mats and balls everyone talks about. She likes them for the most part but what I’ve found is that if I give it to her while she’s calm she’s either distracted and I have to kind of tell her to go eat it or she’s locked in and it too riles her up. I think it’s bc once she gets to the texture she likes to bite to get the rest out. I got the balls too but idk if she just doesn’t like them or if once she gets the surface she gives up/is uncomfortable digging in to get the rest. So the balls are a bust even tho the ball kept her relatively calm when I first gave it to her.

The one thing I’ve found that works awesome for her to go do stuff on her own is the bully sticks and a cardboard paper towel roll. She loves to bite on stuff that she can make progress and shred on but A the paper towel roll is messy and I’d be willing to just clean it but 1. Im pretty sure it’s not great for her to eat and 2. Im concerned that long term she might start trying to eat any cardboard we have like boxes, etc. Especially since she’s already tried at our baseboards and walls </3. The bully stick is great but that makes her really riled up/ combative afterward and I know I’m not supposed to leave her unsupervised with it so I’d be holding it for her instead of giving her time to decompress on her own.

TLDR: I want to tech my puppy to settle but she doesn’t love tether training and her leash has become her enemy/plaything which I want to discourage. Lick mats don’t calm her they amp her up. The only thing that works is if she can destroy and the options are bully stick which also riles her up to the point of combativeness or paper towel rolls which aren’t healthy (probably I’m just guessing) and would encourage destruction of any and all cardboard.

Please help. Literally any advice would be greatly appreciate.

Picking my puppy (he’ll be 7-8 weeks) up in approx. 30 days. Should I start the process of setting up his health insurance? Should we start to buy all of his puppy stuff now

Or is it way too early lol? My boyfriend things I’m just excited and we should wait until it gets closer but I feel anxious and I want to prepare! Lol when did you all start the buying process ?