new puppy blues

[joanne_l]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum but thought I would sign up as I'm in need of some help. I have had my 9 and 1/2 week old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for 2 weeks and I'm sad to admit that I dont feel I am coping well at all. I live alone in my apartment and am struggling to deal with all the usual puppy behaviours. The most problematic is the constant whining when Im not in the room or leaving the house for short periods, even when I'm going upstairs to use the bathroom. I have read that i am doing all the right things but I'm struggling more with this constant dependency which makes me feel guilty and frustrated. I also find him unruly at some times in the day and cannot get him to stop launching at me when im on the sofa or sat on the floor trying to play.

I am crate training him which he is doing well with at night times (it is in the kitchen) but I work from home and so he needs to be in there at some points in the day too. This causes more stress as Im constantly clock watching so he's not in there too long, but it's proving really hard as he just wants to be out all the time which isnt possible. I have this overwhelming feeling of being trapped in my house, as well as feeling like im walking on eggshells all the time and it's severly getting me down. He is able to go out in a couple of weeks which Im hoping will settle him a bit more and Ive signed up to puppy training classes in January too.

I have never had a dog before, have always wanted one and dont want to give up. But I find my routine is thrown out, Im not eating or sleeping and generally am feeling so anxious about being trapped in my house because of him. I have been considering whether or not I am capable of this and seem to need the support of my family and friends most days to get me through.

I know it may come across as a bit dramatic but I do feel like he rules my life and I cant go about my daily regime in any way, shape or form.

If anyone has any advice or words of encourgement at all, I would be so grateful as it is affecting me quite a lot and I want to get through this.

Thank you.

[Kirsty]

I honestly think you need to chill some. It sounds like you are doing everything right and the very fact that you are posting on here shows that you care loads and he is in a wonderful home with you.

He needs to fit in with your lifestyle, so if he needs to be in his crate for a while during the day, so be it. He's absolutely fine with that and needs to get used to it. Yes, he will fuss about it at times: my current puppy is now 16wks, has been with us for 7wks and still fusses in her crate sometimes. We ignore her and she settles and it's getting easier. Just leave him to howl and he'll learn it doesn't get him anywhere. Go bak to him when he's quiet and give him a huge fuss. He has you around all day, he is doing so much better than a huge number of other puppies.

The noise and general bounciness is standard puppy behaviour and he will calm down eventually. What are you feeding him on? That can sometimes have a big effect.

And you can go out and leave him for a few hours! Don't feel trapped in your house: he's a dog, not a baby. I know you want to do right by him, but honestly he will be absolutely fine for a little while - leave him with toys, something to chew on and maybe a radio for company. He needs to get used to being left now in fact or you ould make life difficult for yourself later.

You are doing great from what you've said. Please try and relax and just enjoy the puppy months because they go so fast. Chat to some friends with dogs - and all the best with him. It does get easier!

[IvyLady]

Hey,

I totally agree with the advice above.

How are you getting along now? Have things improved any?