Hi,
I love my spoo puppy, Pasta - but let me tell you raising a puppy is a lot of work. I had visions of a calm, obedient dog who would/could go with me everywhere and would curl up on the couch and watch TV with me at night. I'm hoping to get some reassurance from those who have gone through the puppy stage that the dream is still possible!
He's 5 months old and hyperactive with dominant tendencies! I've learned that he's not to go on the furniture, make him give us our space, not walk in front, etc, etc. Never thought there would be so much involved! I find that a lot of the time I'm so worried about "being the pack leader" that I'm afraid to give him too much love or affection because I might do something "wrong". There's so much training and correction involved that I'm waiting for the enjoyment to start. Am I the only one that feels this way??
I want to (and do) bring him to the parks with us (and my 4 year old) but he is such a handful that I find myself dreading it sometimes - it's exhausting. I feel we are making progress, though. He did puppy kindergarten and does sit, stay, and heel pretty well. We just signed up for private basic obedience lessons. I really want to have a nice dog that I can just relax and enjoy. I want him to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. All the neighbors think he is crazy (hyper) and say "you have your hands full with that one." I want to show them wrong! (And it's a little embarrasing.)
I do feel that we are on the right track and doing everything we can but like I said, I guess I'm just looking for reassurance from those that have been there, that things will get better/easier. Thanks for listening!