My puppy brought back my anxiety

[Paulina21]

Hi

I got a cavalier last February .

Something I’ve wanted for a long time .

My anxiety had almost gone and when I got puppy it came back with revenge , found it so over whelming .

My puppy is now 8 months

Please help as he’s lovely but I full of regrets but couldn’t get rid of him .

It’s been a long few months toilet tearing etc

Why am I feeling like this ..

Just want it to all go away

[AnIslandOfPeace]

I don't really get. The puppy giving you troubles?

[StressedAF72]

I have a dog, cavalier too! I totally get it. Dogs are a big responsibility. So up go the stress levels.

Try to focus on the good bits. Your puppy will get you going in the morning. Walks are exercise - which is know. To reduce stress. You can make new friends when you’re out for walks!

[Paulina21 in reply to StressedAF72]

How old is your cavalier

[StressedAF72 in reply to Paulina21]

He just celebrated his 12th birthday on Aug 7th!! 🎈🎈🎈

[Paulina21 in reply to StressedAF72]

Is he much quieter now he is older boy .

When did the puppy madness stop ?

He’s a good age for cavalier .

[StressedAF72 in reply to Paulina21]

Much quieter! The puppy stuff - like nipping at my hands and having accidents stopped around 1 year, I think. He only barks when he hears other dogs outside, or sees animals on tv, or if it’s thundering outside!!

[Paulina21 in reply to StressedAF72]

Than you for understanding and your advise

[StressedAF72 in reply to Paulina21]

Hi, Paulina. it's been a while! How has it been with the puppy? Has he grown up a bit?

[Paulina21 in reply to StressedAF72]

Hi

Things eventually became easier .

He us now fully grown and everything is so much easier .

Everyone says what a love handsome good dog he is .

Loves to walk and play but sleeps a lot more and very good through the night .

Always lets me know if he needs to go out to toilet .

I eventually managed to enjoy him and rise above the anxiety although it was very hard .

Thankyou for asking 🐾🐾😊🌷

[Paulina21 in reply to StressedAF72]

Also meant to add , how are you coping with life ?

[hypercat54]

Hi I understand this very well as it's always difficult training and getting used to new pets. Dogs must be a nightmare to train and take a lot of your time which is one reason why I have always had cats.

Having said that my current cat is very different from all my others and was the first one I have had to train to go outside and learn to be safe. Even though he was a cute kitten I was relieved when he became an adult.

Don't forget the hardest bit is over now and they don't stay silly puppies forever. They settle down a lot when they are grown and you and s/he will adapt to each other and bond better. Give it time. x

[Paulina21 in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you for understanding and kind advise

[Hidden]

I have a german shepherd pup who is 6 mo old. I too have had second thoughts but love her too much to let her go. Our old shepherd is 10. I forgot how much work a puppy is, lol. Hang in there as it should get better when they outgrow their puppy days.

[Paulina21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing and your advise

[Calm_mama]

Hi Paulina! I'm not at all surprised your anxiety is high!! I totally get it. I got a German Shepherd pup almost 2 years ago and almost lost my mind. My first dog ever. It's an outrageous amount of work to have a high energy dog, let alone a pup. I strongly considered rehoming her a couple of times. I got my girl figured out and under control and things are 1000X better. But it took hours of time, so much energy... a huge commitment. I got a trainer (best $ ever spent) and read "Secrets of a professional dog trainer"- then I did intensive training with both discipline and reward approaches (prong, e-collar and treats) and now she is a truly fabulous dog. Learning the psychology piece was the biggest thing! That's where the trainer really helped me. And he talked me into aversive training methods, which I was opposed to. "It's a gift to her, you'll see..." He was so right. With a dog like her, it was really necessary. She is now blissfully happy, knows what is expected of her, knows the boundaries, knows I am in charge, knows I am completely devoted to her, etc. But getting there is HARD. So kudos to you for even considering taking this on. And if it's too much for you, you CAN rehome. It's OK to do that. That can be a win-win approach, too. I agree with other posters that they settle with maturity. I'm still waiting for the really big settle (haha) but I know it's coming.. Good luck! xoxo

[Paulina21 in reply to Calm_mama]

Thank you so much .

I couldn’t regime him as that would have a devastating effect on me ..

I’m going to deal with situation and hope my little boy turns out all good like yours .

[Paulina21 in reply to Paulina21]

(Meant I couldn’t give him up !)

[dontknow26]

My cavalier is 4 and the sweetest/best behaved baby in the world. And I STILL (just today even) thought about giving him away. I never ever would, but for me personally - my stress threshold is so dang low some days, I can’t take one more thing. The feeling always passes and he actually brings me so much joy and relief in the long run. Hang in there, they are technically a “puppy” till age 2 but mine calmed down sooner. Side note: get your puppy fixed ASAP if you haven’t already, that can make a huge difference. Good luck!

[Paulina21 in reply to dontknow26]

My heart goes out to you 💕

Thank you for your lovely message .

My little boy has very recently had his operation so hoping that helps calm him .

He does have very many good points and melts hearts as so handsome .

Hope you can have a stress free life one day soon xx

[mizzou7016]

do you have a picture of the puppy. I so badly want a pup

w..but right now I cant justify it....wouldn't be fare to the dog with all that I'm working