I remember being on this subreddit when my Border Collie was a puppy, desperately looking for reassurance that things would eventually get better.

Well, he's about 1.5 years old now, and I wanted to come back and share our story. Because if you're currently crying over your puppy, exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering what you've gotten yourself into, I know that feeling very well.

When we first got him, he was covered in fleas and had intestinal parasites. We removed around 30 ticks from him. We were cleaning the entire house every single day, terrified that the bugs would spread. He pooped everywhere, had digestive issues, and those first weeks were a nightmare.

Then came this beautiful, peaceful phase where we thought we'd somehow ended up with the perfect dog. He learned a million tricks, was incredibly smart, and we were so proud of ourselves.

And then puberty hit.

Oh. My. God.

Suddenly he was pulling on the leash, ignoring us, and seemingly forgetting everything he'd ever learned. We tried so many things. Different training methods, different advice, different approaches.

And that was another huge part of the problem: everyone had an opinion.

You go online and one trainer tells you to do something. Another tells you that exact thing will ruin your dog. You go outside and suddenly every stranger is a dog trainer who knows exactly what you're doing wrong. Meanwhile, some people can't even manage their own dogs responsibly, and yours ends up paying the price despite being on a leash.

It was exhausting.

There were tears. Puppy blues. Sleepless nights. So much second-guessing. So many moments when I felt like I wasn't doing enough, or wasn't doing things correctly.

But today? Today, he's the best dog I could ever have hoped for.

He's incredibly affectionate with both me and my husband. He's obedient, funny, loving, and somehow makes even the worst days better just by being there.

I had surgery, and throughout my recovery he barely left my side. He just wanted to be close to me.

He's our little shadow, our adventure buddy, and such a huge part of our family. I genuinely cannot imagine our lives without him.

So what changed?

Of course, he grew up a bit. We kept working with him, and maturity helped a lot.

But I think the biggest change was that I finally relaxed.

I stopped treating every piece of advice from some random online trainer as a rule I absolutely had to follow. I stopped worrying so much about what my dog should be doing and started paying attention to the dog actually standing in front of me.

What does he enjoy? What does he need? What works for our family?

For example:

Dog parks? I know they're controversial, but yes, we go. He loves chasing his frisbee and hanging out with the few dog friends he's made there. He couldn't care less about most other dogs. He's happy sharing toys, water, and even food without drama. We pay attention to the dogs and the environment, and we leave if things don't feel right.

Crate training? Nope. We tried, but it just wasn't working for us, and eventually I didn't see a reason to force it. We gradually taught him to stay home alone, got a camera to check on him, and he's completely fine. He doesn't destroy anything.

Sleeping in our bedroom or even in our bed? Absolutely. If he's cold or wants cuddles, he climbs into bed. If he's too warm, he moves to the floor or his own little bed. If the house is too noisy during the day, he takes himself to the bedroom for a nap.

Constant exercise because he's a Border Collie? Nope.

Some days we have big adventures, play frisbee, explore, and do lots of activities. Other days we just take short walks around the neighborhood for bathroom breaks and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

And you know what? He's fine.

Border Collies need rest too. Not every day needs to be an exhausting marathon of physical and mental stimulation.

I'm not saying our choices are right for every dog. They're probably not. And that's exactly my point.

Dogs are individuals.

What works beautifully for one dog might be completely wrong for another. And I wish I'd understood that sooner instead of spending so much time worrying about whether I was following all the rules.

I'm also not saying you should ignore genuine behavioral problems or stop training your puppy. We still put in the work. But training became so much easier when I stopped obsessing over doing everything perfectly and started enjoying my dog.

We learned to understand each other.

Now we're our own little family. We go everywhere together when we can, and I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.

Getting through those early puppy blues was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

So if you're struggling right now, here's what I wish someone had told me:

Your puppy doesn't need you to follow every piece of advice on the internet. They need you to get to know them.

Give them time to grow. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Pay attention to what makes your dog happy, what overwhelms them, when they need activity, and when they just need to sleep.

And please, don't forget to actually enjoy the little creature you're working so hard to raise.

One day you just might look at that same puppy who made you cry from exhaustion and realize they're your favorite part of coming home.

That's what happened to us. ❤️

1. He didn’t have a crate training problem, he had a separation problem. He actually loved his crate when I was sitting in the same room as him. But what actually helped was to practice more separation, on a schedule, at a time he could predict. Basically establishing a routine for being apart.

2. He wasn’t a bad leash walker, he was just overstimulated. Even in our front yard, he was out of control. In flight or fight and incapable of controlling himself. He was actually a very good leash walker. Walked great inside the house and around the yard. What helped most was tether-training, then sitting on a bench/our porch and “watching the world go by” with lots of treats when he saw a new stimulus (car drive by etc.) and didn’t react. But I spent so much time on leash technique when he really just needed more scaffolding to stimuli.

3. He wasn’t trying to burn off energy, he was tired. He didn’t have a biting/nipping problem, he was tired. Landshark? In crate for nap. Zoomies? Nap. I spent a lot of time trying to keep him moving/ tire him out so he would sleep through the night. What he actually needed was more crate naps, initiated by me.

4. He’s not an asshole for trying to get food out of the other dogs bowl, he’s hungry. Trying to take food out of my hand? Hungry. Off the table? Hungry. That suggested serving size on the back of the bag is a ballpark. Give him some extra scoops.

5. Kibble isn’t enough for training. 90% of stuff, sure. Sit/stay, sure. Staying on “place” while a throw a tennis ball, jerky. Breaking a “trance” when he’s locked on to something and doesn’t even hear his name, jerky.

6. Don’t leave the house without a vest that says “ignore me.” People rushing and gushing to pet the cute puppy is really bad habit forming. Greeting other dogs on leash is no bueno. Off leash playdates in the neighbors backyard >>>

I’m not an expert. Not even CLOSE. But I hope this helps someone going through the same stage.

SHE’S HOME SAFE!!! I said I would edit the original post and make a new one since this gained so much traction. I want to thank everyone who was kind, caring, insightful, and supportive. This was a truly terrible situation with a happy ending. We are extremely lucky to have her home.

I know some people will be curious how I found her (really she found me). I saw her multiple times again tonight, and saw her eat some of the hot dog I left as bait for the crate trap. Our amazing trapper even brought a second trap out since it was obvious she was getting more daring. She waited in her car, and I waited in mine while they were both parked right up next to the cornfield. Part of the corn had already been cut so there was probably a 25ft gap until the corn started. She ended up leaving. I figured I’d turn on videos of myself and my daughter laughing and having fun. It was about 10:45 and I was getting ready to get some sleep around 11. All of a sudden I heard a bang on my car. Then another. Opened my door and she ran right to me. I picked her up and held her telling her how good of a girl she was, and how brave she had been. Her sister and the rest of our family was so happy to see her. Lots of tears were shed and puppy kisses given.

Let my story be a sign of hope for anyone else who loses their sweet pup. It was 3.5 days and she was only 6 months old and still made it. I will be taking extra caution from now on with double leashes on a collar and harness. Will also be getting an air tag for both of them. If you find this post at a later time please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and I’ll give you any advice I may have. You all have been an amazing support group, and I appreciate all of you very much. If you want more of a day by day check out my previous post and comments. Again, thank you all.

We rehomed our puppy yesterday. It was one of the most difficult, heartbreaking decisions I have ever had to make. She was a lovely little pup but there were so many health factors involved that I had to accept defeat and realise that I am not going to be the stable, and therefore, appropriate guardian for this pup in order for her to thrive and have everything she needs.

The only upside is that we were able to return her to her breeder who still had one of the litter living with them – our pup’s sister.

I cried when I handed her over because to be honest? I felt like a failure. But upon reaching home, I realised that I absolutely did do the right thing in terms of the pup’s wellbeing going forwards, as well as my own.

I’m more than aware that I will be downvoted for this but I’m okay with that because I’M content with MY decision.

I’m posting this to let others know who suffer with mental health and find themselves slipping ie experiencing intrusive thoughts about self-h*** and unaliving ideation, that it is not only OKAY but PARAMOUNT that you put YOURSELF and YOUR emotional stability first. Always.

I will always miss our pup, but I am firm in my belief that I made the right decision based on our extremely debilitating circumstances.

Anyone in a similar position to all you’ve just read? Choose YOU. Every single time.

Sending love and positivity to you all ✨

I’ve had my cocker spaniel puppy since she was 8 weeks, turning 1 soon. I just wanted to say to anyone currently in the trenches - it does get better!

I cried every day, regretting all my decisions and honestly thought I was a terrible person for geniunely wanting to rehome her at times. She was a bad biter which made it worse, and it felt like she only bit me, not my partner.

10 months later? I could not imagine life without her. The bond we’ve built is incredible and she impresses me everyday how smart and loving she is

Don’t get me wrong, the teenager phase is testing at times but when I think back to how I felt last August-October, I remember how far she’s come

For anyone in the puppy blues right now - your feelings are valid, no they aren’t doing it on purpose and it WILL get better x

I made a post in here about 6 months ago telling everyone I couldn’t do it anymore.

Update - I’m doing it. I stuck with it. I have the best dog in the world now. She’s crazy, but it’s all worth it in the end. She’s a year and a couple months now and has calmed down to an extent and has such a fun personality! The puppy stage legit almost broke me and made me rethink my ability to do anything ever, but I’m glad I took everyone’s advice just to be patient.

Thanks all!

Just came on here to tell y’all who are in the “early puppy blues” stage or the “witchy teenager” stage that it does indeed get so so much better. I was in your position a year ago. Now, believe it or not, my not so little boy has been sleeping out of his crate and staying free in the house when I’m at work / school for several hours for over two months straight now without destroying anything, getting into anything or even me having to worry about any of that. Shoes on the floor, my bag out, cables, towels, blinds, carpet, pillows, all the stuff he’d destroy in 5 seconds before, no issue. I trust him 100% now. And I love him to death. Incredible how things changed. Y’all hang in there! They just need time, training and patience:)

That’s it. I just want to scream it. I love him so much. He’s sleeping and I miss him.

I can’t believe he will be 14 weeks old this week. Feels like yesterday I was picking him up at 8 weeks. I love him so much. He gives me routine. He gives me purpose. It’s so much fun watching him grow and learn every day. I was so nervous before getting him as it’s my first ever dog and I saw so many posts about puppy blues and I was scared I was biting off more than I could chew, but it’s been nothing but happiness and love (and lots of biting and peeing!). But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. He’s everything I needed and I think I needed him more than he needed me.

Unless you are genuinely drowning!

I picked up my now 11 and a half month German Shepherd girl at exactly 16 weeks. I'll be honest in that I didn't do much thinking of consideration. I've always wanted a big, fluffy dog. I was in a position where I had money and space so I went out and bought the second puppy I found.

I had major puppy blues for 3 months or so afterwards. My sex life went to 0. My spare time went to 0. My disposable income went to 0. My stress levels went to 100. I persevered and after the 3 month mark things improved. She was calmer at home. She learned her place around other dogs while on walks.

I've had sofa cushions ripped open. I've replaced my TV remote control twice. I've lost two pairs of trainers. I've cleaned sick out from my car a dozen times. I've spent hundreds trying to find treats, toys and food she consistently enjoys. I've put lots of money, time and effort in to finding out what she needs.

Now at 11 and a half months old her personality is really starting to shine. 80% of time time I spend with her now is genuinely a pleasure. We're still working on the other 20% but compared to 7 months ago, even 3 months ago, what a difference.

So, if you've just taken on a new puppy, keep going with the training. Keep going with the discipline. Keep going with the positive reinforcement. It will pay dividends later.

I could really use some support and validation.

I miss my boy so, so much.

I can’t even look at photos or videos of him right now without breaking into tears. I can barely even talk about him.

I know most of my posts on here were complaining about him… but, he is really an amazing dog. In the right environment, with the right owner. I could not provide that to him, and my heart is broken over it.

I have a confession. I had a feeling in my gut since the moment I laid eyes on him in person that this wasn’t going to work. That feeling in my gut pretty much never went away the whole time I had him. He was advertised online as a shepherd mix (and he looked like it in photos too). I travelled very far to meet him. When I saw him in person, he looked so much like my friend’s dog as a puppy.. who was a particularly wild husky. I grew up with calm shelties and shepherds, I didn’t even realize dogs could be so crazy until I met my friend’s dog. I immediately feared that I was signing myself up for the same thing. However, he was SO sweet and so calm in the busy pet store that I met him in. I fell in love. The first few weeks were bliss compared to what followed (funny, since most people claim the opposite when they get a puppy). He was such a calm, intelligent, good boy who was so eager to please.

As he grew and his senses developed more, he became very easily over aroused, over alert, and hyper fixated on other dogs. He could only rarely settle outside of his crate (if left uncovered, he didn’t settle at all). I know a lot of this is normal for a young dog, however… he would pant and pace, ears pulled back, clearly anxious. It looked like the canine version of a panic attack. He started resource guarding high value chews. He’d throw tantrums on walks (attack the leash, or whatever was closest to him). He would growl at other dogs, and even pinned a puppy down once when they approached him. But why? I could never figure it out. I set him up right. I tried everything. More exercise, less exercise, more mental stimulation, less mental stimulation… I set up doggy play dates for him, we went to training classes, I gave him jobs to do. I hired multiple trainers to help me help him. I just wanted us to be happy together so badly.

Eventually I had to accept none of this was working, and we went to the vet to rule out health issues. Clean bill of health. We went to a vet behaviourist. They diagnosed anxiety (no shit), and suggested a training plan which we were already doing per our trainer’s advice, and medication. We tried a couple medications and they made him so much worse. I was done experimenting on him in this way.

Somewhere along the lines, I did a DNA test, and although he was very faintly husky/shepherd in his DNA… he was primarily a Greenland dog. You know those sled dogs you’ve probably seen on TV, who free roam the arctic and are fed primarily seal meat? That’s a Greenland dog. Very primitive. Even though I could give him all the exercise he could ever want, the fact is I was forcing this poor baby to live in a city apartment, and although he was as sweet as can be and tried his best, he was not happy about it. My boy had an exceptionally high amount of primitive DNA (1% is considered high - his was nearly 15%). I could not deny his genetics.

Against the advice of my trainer, who said he should not be in a home with other dogs, I referred to his genetic breed history which said he needs another dog in the home and he needs a large yard to run freely in (at least that is the best equivalent for his breed’s needs that he could get in my area). For what it’s worth, I tried to off-leash train him, and while I think I did well with what I was working with, there was absolutely zero things he valued more than other dogs - when he saw one, he was gone, and he wouldn’t come back until I dragged him away… I also tried long lines, and that was hell - he’d hurt us both every time as he would rocket himself to the end of the leash, usually during a tantrum where he ripped up the entire damn forest and acted like a wild animal.. for the whole damn hike…

I found an AMAZING lady who privately fosters northern dogs. She lives on a small, beautiful island, with a husky-proofed acre, and 3 other huskies. She was willing to take him temporarily until we could find him a better home (assuming that this would work better for him. If it didn’t, I’d take him back). IMMEDIATELY, the very next day, he was a different dog. ZERO issues with the other dogs. ZERO anxiety. ZERO resource guarding. SHE EVEN SENT ME PHOTOS OF HIM SLEEPING WITH HER OTHER DOGS, NO CRATE! He cuddled up with the dogs and her every morning and every night. He learned so much from these dogs and this amazing lady during his short time with them. He learned how to be the dog he was always meant to be.

The next move was obvious. His rescue was complete garbage the whole time and only made things worse for me. I chose to privately rehome, which was HARD. Especially emotionally. Not as easy as people make it out to be. I found local groups for northern breeds and got to work. The lady he was with says it usually takes a long time to get interest.. my baby boy got 3 interested parties in less than a week. We vetted them all, and he had a trial run with a lovely couple who have a nice yard and a husky. They immediately fell in love and sent adorable photos of the two dogs playing so nicely together.

I am happy for him, I think. Obviously I feel bad that he had to go through this, but he seems so happy now. But me? I’m a bit of a mess.

I keep looking at photos of us cuddling. Of him flopped over with his sweet little chimicken leg up in the air begging for belly rubs. His puppy photos make me ill with grief. My sweet baby boy. It’s like all the bad he ever did has been forgotten, all the struggles we had… all I can remember are the good times. He is such a special boy. He deserves the best, and I hope I found that for him, because sadly that wasn’t me.

I lacked the confidence he needed to see in an owner. His anxiety might have stemmed a bit from being in a small apartment, forced to be in a busy environment with dogs around who were outside of his pack for every potty break. But, I think my own anxiety fed his too. It was a horrible feedback loop we shared with each other. He was my first ever dog, and one of the last ever breeds I would have chosen. But I loved him so. My first puppy. My last puppy. I don’t think I can ever get another dog again, because they will not be my baby boy. I wish I was more experienced. I wish I could have been stronger. I wish I had more money, or a support system, so I could have provided him the environment he needed. I would have done it all for him, if I could have. But I couldn’t. I tried my damn best.

I will likely make another post down the line, detailing my biggest takeaways, so that maybe it can help support someone in the future… but for now, I’m the one who could really use support. I feel like my world has been shattered. But I know I have to move on so that I don’t let this suffering go to waste. I want to make him proud, even if he will never know what I’m up to… I don’t want this experience to be for nothing. It’s just so hard to pick myself up off the ground right now. I wish so badly for a world where I could have given my boy what he needed to thrive.

P.S. I just want to thank every single person who ever reached out to give me advice and support during this journey. I really couldn’t have made it this far without you, and you helped me set up my puppy for success. This sub was such a wonderful resource during the toughest times.

Edit: Thank you all SO much for your kind words. I have read every single one of your comments and appreciate them all. It really means a lot. Part of why this lasted so long is because my support system in real life just said to keep going, try different things, etc. - almost no one ever said that maybe it’s just not a good match and that it’s okay to find him a more suitable home. There is just so much stigma around rehoming… to the point where I very well might have lost some personal connections over this decision. In so many people’s eyes, you are automatically a monster if you rehome - doesn’t matter if it’s in everyone’s best interest, apparently.

Regardless, I’m very grateful you all can see how much I loved this dog and how I only want the best for him, even if it’s painful for me to realize that the best for him is not my home. 💙

Exactly 100 days ago I posted in here about my at the time 9 week old mini Aussie. I was sleep deprived, frustrated, and regretting my decision. Now flash forward, my Dunk man is nearly 6 months old and such a joy. His training is going amazing, he’s able to settle in the house, he’s potty trained, he’s great with other dogs and people, he loves his walks, he does great in the car, he’s crate trained, he’s perfection! Now with all this said, it didn’t happen over night and it didn’t happen on its own. It took a few months of consistency, training, and time. But it’s really paying off. I see so many posts in here of people ready to give their puppies up after a few weeks because it’s hard. It IS hard. I was miserable for at LEAST the first 3-4 weeks. But my goodness. He’s my best friend, I take him everywhere and anywhere with me.

Obviously sometimes it really just isn’t the right fit, but more often than not I just see a lot of super overwhelmed posters in here who just want nothing to do with the puppy anymore. I PROMISE YALL. It does really get better. Just a little update for anyone struggling❤️

My puppy Mick who I posted about earlier this week has been home for over 24 hours with no symptoms other than a little constipation from his antibiotics. He responded really well to treatment and came home loving his crate more than ever, which is a strange but happy side effect. Thank you all for your support, it meant everything when I was melting into my floor in a puddle of stressed out tears.

Edit: forgot puppy tax

My dog is 15 months old and I can’t believe how amazingly behaved he is. I can finally say he has mastered all of his training indoors and outdoors. No pulling, non reactive, chilled, etc but the most impressive to me is how he can read me and anticipate what I want from him and also I know exactly what he needs, it’s like we are connected.

I had some difficult months when he was younger but everyday we continued to train and everything has come together so nicely.

He is confident, friendly, gentle and listens to me even in the most distracting environments. The only thing that stresses me out a bit still is that he likes to skip meals but that’s a poodle thing. And I don’t let him off leash due to living in a big city.

That‘s all, I just wanted to share, not to brag(or maybe a little, I’m so proud of him) but to reaffirm that as long as you keep putting the effort in training constantly and fulfilling your puppy needs, everything will come together and it will be so worth it!!

Got my golden retriever 4 1/2 months ago, my first ever dog and a menace to start. Puppy blues got me and my partner hard, sleep deprivation + teething + crate training + BARKING. oh my god.

Well now he’s 6 1/2 months old and he is an angel. I look back at my old posts on this sub and it’s laughable to think all those were issues we had to go through.

He doesn’t pull on his leash (well some circumstances he will, but progress is progress)
He doesn’t bite us anymore unless we’re playing
He loves EVERYONE
He doesn’t demand bark or alert bark
He is potty trained!!!
Soo good in the car

Just want to give some hope for you all in the trenches. I’m scared for adolescence but I’m enjoying the peace for now.

A win is a win??

my small little brother fed her nearly half a brick of cheddar cheese while i was in the shower this morning. she is fine. he has only just now admitted this to me. (i didn’t leave her alone with a seven year old, she was in her crate.) her little puppy self is just quite literally full of cheese. will call my vet in the morning to make sure nothing needs to happen.

she’s not sick! my brother is just… something. i’ll make sure to talk to him about it but i think this is the best possible ending for this situation lol

I know everything seems impossible now, but here are some things that felt “impossible” for me:

My puppy used to never settle outside her crate in a quiet room. She now lounges around all day while I work (given proper exercise of course).

My puppy used to bark incessantly for attention. Now she hardly ever barks for attention.

My puppy used to never let me just sit on the couch and chill. Now she can settle when I want to relax and watch a movie.

My puppy used to be the jumpiest little devil ever. Now she still jumps a little, but it’s soo much better than before. She can meet new people without jumping like crazy on them.

My puppy would bark and try to chase cars, bikes, scooters, etc. it’s been ages since she’s done any of those things.

Walks are lovely, engaging and mostly enjoyable.

I could go on, but my point is that at 9 weeks old your puppy’s brain is sooo small and silly. Things that seem out of reach can be accomplished with dedication, positivity, and understanding. Not saying I don’t have hard days in the midst of adolescence, but the hard days get fewer and fewer. Keep on keeping on!

Signed, a former puppy parent that really struggled with a high energy and high drive Aussie puppy, who is now a 20-month old sweetheart with good recall and loose leash walking 🥰

Hi! I know this sub can be a bit stressful sometimes. I read it almost eveyday as I am in the same boat as all of you, and some days are hard! I need to say that my pup is not the most difficult thing, I mean, he never destroyed anything major (a part from some buttons of my nintendo switch control). He is horrible to understand potty training, like, not a clue (its a breed thing, he is an italian greyhound), but I ACCEPT IT, I wont give up though.

I will list below the positive things that happened with me since I have him (he is 5 months), because I think is important also to share good, not only the bad, because there is light at the end!

1- my home is supper clean! since I need to be cleaning after him ALL THE TIME, I feel my home just smells so much better. he pees in the middle of the kitchen and i end up cleaning the floor of my whole apartment. then vacuum, then mopping, all of it.

2- my physical health improved since I need to take him out several times a day, long walks, etc etc. I lost some weight (which i needed to loose) and improvement on blood tests results.

3- less screen time at home!!!! i have NO TIME to scroll on instagram, reels, tik tok anymore, I NEED TO BE AWARE of what my pup is doing, so this for me is great. I feel like i have more time since I spend less time on my phone.

thats about it for now! I think its great! I have half of the amount of socks that i had before though. tomorrow ill buy more 🥸😂

what about you guys?

I posted a thread about two months ago asking for assistance with the "paw" command for my dog and got some great suggestions

The problem now is she never stops "paw." Every other command she does, she offers paw. Strangers on the street get offered paw. The cats get offered paw (they don't accept).

Yall I've made her paw command too powerful 😭

My dog won't drink water unless I pretend to drink it first.

Every time. I have to make fake drinking sounds, then she drinks.

Is my dog weird or does yours do strange things too?

I posted about 2 months back when I was deep i’m the puppy blues in the first 2 weeks of getting my, at the time, 4 month old puppy. At that time I really felt so much regret at my decision, I felt that my life had changed so dramatically and that I would never be able to leave my house again as we were dealing with both reactivity and separation anxiety.

I have to say now that he is truly a dream, with training the reactivity is now just pure excitement to see other dogs (which we are still working on but at least it’s not barking and growling). And he is able to be alone for workdays with someone just popping in for a walk in the middle. And he has genuinely become my best little friend excited to see me every morning and evening.

He is truly a blessing who has filled my life with so much joy and goofiness, i’m chatting more to people in my local area, my friends and family are obsessed with him and he gives me the structure and routine that I needed outside of my job.

All this to say, at the time reading posts I didn’t believe it would get better and I thought my regret was permanent, but puppy blues are real! And they will pass so don’t give up on your little friend just yet.

in my first post i explained our struggles with keeping our 3 month old shepherd lab mix from biting people

we started forcing naps and even in just the 2/3 days we’ve done this the difference has been insane! he’s been super loving and way more receptive to commands, and most importantly he hardly pulls things off tables or bites people anymore (on purpose at least lol)! whenever he does start to get nippy we put him in his cage for a nap and he’s 100x better when he wakes up. we’re still working on making a routine, but just doing the 2 hours awake 2 hours asleep has worked wonders for his behaviour. we were even considering rehoming because his behaviour was so bad before and nothing we did seemed to work but he is such an angel now 🥹🥹🥹 thank you everyone who commented advice

pictures of his new cage set up and me introducing him to my hairdryer

Our pup is now 1 year and 9 months. I remember frantically reading through these posts when we got her at 2 months old and all though her puppyhood. She was insane and really tested my partners and I’s relationship. We even almost broke up, not specifically because of her but because of all the stress she added onto our relationship. We both had puppy blues BAD. I wasn’t even sure if I liked our puppy in the beginning from all the chaos and blues. There was one post I remember reading saying they had a lot of resentment towards their partner because they brought home a puppy and thinking maybe that was my boyfriend who posted that 🤣 anyways, I’m sitting on my couch snuggled up to my pup and she’s blossomed into a WONDERFUL loving good girl. Is she sometimes a little bit of a bad girl? Yes. But I couldn’t imagine life without her. She’s also really helped introduce the idea of what it would be like to have children with my partner. Anyways, good luck to all the puppy parents!!! Don’t give up!

This doesn’t really have a point but damn my puppy is being a little diva lately I just thought this was funny but my puppy was upstairs sleeping and I was downstairs I guess slamming cabinets and he came down, stared at me barked and then headed back upstairs 😂. Sensitive what the hell lol