just got a puppy..Mistake????

[A1A1]

I just got a puppy today for my 6 year old daughter and myself. I am worried that I may have made a mistake. I am a very busy person whose schedule changes often. I want to settle down more, and spend more time at home with my daughter. The dog is small, and is very sweet. She is very calm when held, and plays nicely with my daugher when it is play time. I am aware that this is a life-long commitment. Did I make a mistake? I have a cat who is wonderful. She is a little standoffish, but very wonderful. We love her alot.

 

[chell]

I hope she isn't too much for you! Hopefully you won't have any problems house breaking and training her! Here's a little pixie dust for you!

 

[A1A1]

I keep looking over at her, and she is just looking at me. She is so sweet. I think I am going to really enjoy her. I am pretty lonely, even with my daughter. I guess I need another friend.

 

[WilmaBud]

I'm sure you'll do fine with your new puppy. I'm glad you're looking at it as a lifelong committment. For sure, you should crate train your puppy, so you don't have to worry about her being destructive when you're out. Also, make sure she gets plenty of exercise. I remember being kind of nervous when we got our first puppy, Wilma, but it didn't take long to adjust to the responsibility and JOY that she brought into our lives (she's 13 now, by the way ).

 

[Betsyt82]

Yes crate training is the only way to go!! Our Annie is a great dog that we spent alot of time in training. We did not go to a puppy training school..........just spent a lot of time at home going over the commands. We gave her lots of praise with intermitten(sp) treats. Also get the dog lots of chew toys and play things. They are great to have and encourages excersize too. Annie knows the command not your toy and never bothers with any toy that is not hers!!

 

[A1A1]

Thank goodness she didn't make a sound during the night. I am hoping that wasn't just a fluke. I need my sleep, that's for sure.

 

[JoNo]

If I may ask, what kind of dog is it? Some dogs crave attention & some can be ok without too much attention... For example my Weimeraner is a HUGE attemtion freak... If I leave her for 10 minutes she sometimes gets depressed. On the other hand, I also have a golden retriver/collie mix at my parents house that seems to be ok with no one around for a while.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I'm in the same puppy boat as you, A1A1. Mine is 14 or 15 weeks old now...I lost count. LOL! Puppies are a lot of work, but they bring so much joy. It gets easier as they get older.

 

[gshoemate]

We just got out puppy a week ago tomorrow. He is 15 weeks old and is lab/german shepard mix. He is working out really good. He's already housebroken. We didn't put him in a crate but what ended up working great was that we have a one year old so alot of the house is gated off. The puppy sleeps in the kitchen, which is gated so he can't roam the house at night. The only time he barks is when he has to go out. Give it some time for all of you to get used to it, it is a big change for the puppy to. Good luck and have fun with your new addition.

 

[KaterBell]

Best of luck with the new puppy -- please don't be afraid to ask for advice - there are a lot of good websites with advice for new doggy owners!!

Dogs are a lot of work - please remember that, be patient and kind, and your dog will love you unconditionally. Enjoy your new baby.

 

[fklhou]

Have fun. We just placed 8 puppies and are still getting the cutiest pictures and e-mails from their new owners. Have fun. My middle child has really learned a great deal with our dogs. She even helped delivered a breach puppy at the last litter.

 

[KathyTX]

Just make sure you always have a large inventory of paper towels and carpet cleaner on hand!!!

It sounds like you're mentally prepared for all the work that puppies bring.

I have my 12 year old lab sitting at my feet right now, giving me the most adoring look. She adopted us when she was a tiny 6 week old. The first year or two took a lot of energy and a lot of spot cleaner to survive, but the fun and the affection have always made the trouble worthwhile.

Just be patient with the baby, try to "puppy-proof" the house as much as you can, and may you and your new addition enjoy a long and loving partnership!

 

[browneyes]

We got a puppy in March, he's 4 months old now. He's so sweet, but hyper. My kids (and I) are learning a puppy is a lot of work, but well worth the effort we put forth.

If your puppy is a chewer like mine is, buy her some rawhide bones to chew on. That entertains my puppy for hours. My puppy is small (he's a Pomeranian, so he won't ever be that big), and I found some rawhide bones that are the perfect size for his tiny mouth.

Good luck with your puppy, what is her name? Does your cat try to mother her?

 

[A1A1]

Update on puppy -- Missy

Thanks for the replies. She is a member of the family now. We are working on housebreaking. I think I need to continue to let her out more often. She had an accident tonight. Thank goodness for tile floors. I used to let her out every hour, and that worked out well. Now she just wants to play outside and run around, so I find that I am letting her out less. Tired of chasing her around to go back inside.

She is adorable, though, and dd6 loves her so much.

 

[catsrule]

No, you will fall in love with that little face.