Hi! So I brought my Standard Poodle, Coco, home with me on June 8, 2020. Man, what a ride and trail of tears it’s been. Speaking of tears, I’m currently drowning in them writing this post. So as I mentioned, I brought Coco home with me about two months ago. I had heard puppies were a lot of work but nothing would prepare me for the blues that wash over me regularly.
I’ve gotten books, read blogs, watched videos, spoken to professionals, and done everything under the sun to prepare for my new fur baby. He’s had medical insurance since before he even came home! Having had a dog when I was in high school that never quite “got it” I.e. potty training, obedience, etc. I was determined to do everything right to ensure Coco and I had the best experience now that I’m a lot older, financially prepared, and willing to take on the commitment. This included potty breaks every 30 minutes for his first month home. I lost about 10 pounds and countless hours of sleep in the process. I’m working from home so I give him potty breaks, plenty of exercise, and quiet for his naps. I make sure he has enough toys so he’s never bored. Okay, so we’re a few days away from his two month mark at home - and his 4 months of age. Rule of thumb is, they can hold it an hour for every month but I’m so paranoid I still take him outside every two hours. In the span of 3 days, he’s had Five accidents. I take him out first time in the morning. Right after breakfast. Every two hours and every time he wakes up from a nap. My brand new carpet is ruined. I just may mop the sheen off my hardwood floors and my home is beginning to smell like a kennel. To make matters worse, I’ve done literally everything by the book to no avail. I no longer have a social life, I’ve passed up on work and personal projects to ensure there’s always someone home - for what? It seems like I’m sacrificing so much and seeing no results. I’m seriously considering rehoming because the moments of joy are so far apart. Is this normal? Am I overreacting?
I’ve gotten books, read blogs, watched videos, spoken to professionals, and done everything under the sun to prepare for my new fur baby. He’s had medical insurance since before he even came home! Having had a dog when I was in high school that never quite “got it” I.e. potty training, obedience, etc. I was determined to do everything right to ensure Coco and I had the best experience now that I’m a lot older, financially prepared, and willing to take on the commitment. This included potty breaks every 30 minutes for his first month home. I lost about 10 pounds and countless hours of sleep in the process. I’m working from home so I give him potty breaks, plenty of exercise, and quiet for his naps. I make sure he has enough toys so he’s never bored. Okay, so we’re a few days away from his two month mark at home - and his 4 months of age. Rule of thumb is, they can hold it an hour for every month but I’m so paranoid I still take him outside every two hours. In the span of 3 days, he’s had Five accidents. I take him out first time in the morning. Right after breakfast. Every two hours and every time he wakes up from a nap. My brand new carpet is ruined. I just may mop the sheen off my hardwood floors and my home is beginning to smell like a kennel. To make matters worse, I’ve done literally everything by the book to no avail. I no longer have a social life, I’ve passed up on work and personal projects to ensure there’s always someone home - for what? It seems like I’m sacrificing so much and seeing no results. I’m seriously considering rehoming because the moments of joy are so far apart. Is this normal? Am I overreacting?