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!
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!!
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
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.
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
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!
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