New puppy and Anxiety???

[Bigboyuk]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I had been waiting for years to have a dog again and last week I got a cockapoo puppy. She's lovely but I feel like I'm going insane. My anxiety is horrible, I'm unable to concentrate during the day and am barely eating/drinking at night I'm waking up mid panic with full body shakes.

I live with my mum so the routine has been that I get up at 6am and then when my mum comes in later, I go back to bed for a nap which really helps and she's around in case anything goes wrong but tomorrow my mum goes on holiday for a week and I'm beyond myself with worry and panic.

It would be hard enough for me being alone for a week but now I have a 9 week old puppy to look after so I can't just go to bed and sleep it off. I have to be constantly available for her and her routine. I can't take her for walks because she's too young and my friends and family can only visit one or two days a week so it's gonna be me and her 24/7 for 8 days.

I feel myself urging her to grow up and relax so the bonding can begin cos all I can think right now is "why did I do this?" Or perhaps "why didn't I time this better?"

Any advice is welcome.

Hi I do have empathy for you, but so long as you put the work in you will have a lovely companion I have a 11 year old staffy bull terrier had her since she was 8 weeks old and it's a very head strong breed but now have a well behaved obedient loyal loving dog

You can start bonding straight away with your pup Sure it cant go out yet for walks and socialisation with other dogs till it's a had it's vaccinations! Did you get it from a breeder? You should have a booklet on training tips and a vet record of what vacs the puppy has had.

I am not going to lie and say it's going to be plain sailing, but the journey starts now.

Toilet training very important you start now rather than later.
if you have a back yard or garden (secure) you are good to go.
People make the mistake oh it's only 8 weeks old surely they cant be taught anything at that age not the case puppies are extremely quick to learn

Puppies will need frequent trips out side to pee and poop, (at this age) warning signs are sniffing around circling round so after drinking water or eating every 10 mins (and so they can used to it) open the back door let her out and watch her as soon as she squats to go simply introduce a command word like do pee pee and the association with the command word will over time be locked in her mind also when she does go out side and does what is natural please praise,praise and praise again this is a positive for the dog and will encourage her as she will know what I have done is good sure you may get a few accidents in the house don't scold or tell her off just pick her up and take her outside to continue finishing off It's all about being positive as dogs are sensitive to any changes in your voice.

Other good tips are to introduce your pup to new noises like music, hoovers etc doors banging as early as possible so she will get used to and not fearful of new noises introduce treats can be dog treats, extra play time or anything that make the puppy happy this goes with any training and never ever forget the verbal praise and making a fuss stroking her always praise in a happy tone of voice too Where is she sleeping at the mo? Also to add check out www.dogbreeds.com too. Just found a direct link for the cockapoo breed: www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/cockapoo this will give you a excellent insight to the breeds history and it's traits and training needs too HTH and good luck Cheers

[spamvicious]

Hi I do have empathy for you, but so long as you put the work in you will have a lovely companion I have a 11 year old staffy bull terrier had her since she was 8 weeks old and it's a very head strong breed but now have a well behaved obedient loyal loving dog

You can start bonding straight away with your pup Sure it cant go out yet for walks and socialisation with other dogs till it's a had it's vaccinations! Did you get it from a breeder? You should have a booklet on training tips and a vet record of what vacs the puppy has had.

I am not going to lie and say it's going to be plain sailing, but the journey starts now.

Toilet training very important you start now rather than later.
if you have a back yard or garden (secure) you are good to go.
People make the mistake oh it's only 8 weeks old surely they cant be taught anything at that age not the case puppies are extremely quick to learn

Puppies will need frequent trips out side to pee and poop, (at this age) warning signs are sniffing around circling round so after drinking water or eating every 10 mins (and so they can used to it) open the back door let her out and watch her as soon as she squats to go simply introduce a command word like do pee pee and the association with the command word will over time be locked in her mind also when she does go out side and does what is natural please praise,praise and praise again this is a positive for the dog and will encourage her as she will know what I have done is good sure you may get a few accidents in the house don't scold or tell her off just pick her up and take her outside to continue finishing off It's all about being positive as dogs are sensitive to any changes in your voice.

Other good tips are to introduce your pup to new noises like music, hoovers etc doors banging as early as possible so she will get used to and not fearful of new noises introduce treats can be dog treats, extra play time or anything that make the puppy happy this goes with any training and never ever forget the verbal praise and making a fuss stroking her always praise in a happy tone of voice too Where is she sleeping at the mo? Also to add check out www.dogbreeds.com too. Just found a direct link for the cockapoo breed: www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/cockapoo this will give you a excellent insight to the breeds history and it's traits and training needs too HTH and good luck Cheers

I've had to ask my auntie (who also has a puppy) to take my puppy for a couple of days as I can't cope. I've completely shut down, I can't eat or drink and I've lost half a stone in 4 days. I haven't had an episode this bad in 3 years. I have some lorazepam from a while ago that I've taken but I'm not even sure if its in date or not as it hasn't helped much. My mum doesn't come back from another week so not sure what to do. I can't look after myself right now let alone a puppy as well.

[Bigboyuk]

I've had to ask my auntie (who also has a puppy) to take my puppy for a couple of days as I can't cope. I've completely shut down, I can't eat or drink and I've lost half a stone in 4 days. I haven't had an episode this bad in 3 years. I have some lorazepam from a while ago that I've taken but I'm not even sure if its in date or not as it hasn't helped much. My mum doesn't come back from another week so not sure what to do. I can't look after myself right now let alone a puppy as well.

Hi Iam sorry to hear this hun. at least you have a couple of days puppy free and it will give the puppy much needed social skills with another puppy too sorry to hear about your weight loss that's a big amount to lose just in a few days hope you while puppy is away you can get some food down you and re adjust really feel for you. I too would be willing to give you hand with your puppy, but guess you live many miles away from me! I know it will get easier though I promise Come on chin up hun and keep us updated!! Cheers

[spamvicious]

Hi Iam sorry to hear this hun. at least you have a couple of days puppy free and it will give the puppy much needed social skills with another puppy too sorry to hear about your weight loss that's a big amount to lose just in a few days hope you while puppy is away you can get some food down you and re adjust really feel for you. I too would be willing to give you hand with your puppy, but guess you live many miles away from me! I know it will get easier though I promise Come on chin up hun and keep us updated!! Cheers

Thank you! Star is coming back tomorrow so I'm already feeling anxious about that. I'm projecting totally onto Star so that when I put her in the crate at night I'm paranoid that she's hating it and is desperate for a the toilet so I'm waking up in the morning shaking and rushing to get her to the toilet. Or I think she's suffering and unhappy in general or something's gonna go wrong. Also we have a tiny living room and as much as we've tried to clear things there's stuff hidden behind cushions so I'm convinced she's gonna get into something or chew something and get ill. Also with the toilet training you need to watch them like a hawk and the obsessive part of me is convinced she's not progressing when she has accidents.

anyway this is a pic of her
http://imgur.com/a/EOSeH

[Bigboyuk]

Thank you! Star is coming back tomorrow so I'm already feeling anxious about that. I'm projecting totally onto Star so that when I put her in the crate at night I'm paranoid that she's hating it and is desperate for a the toilet so I'm waking up in the morning shaking and rushing to get her to the toilet. Or I think she's suffering and unhappy in general or something's gonna go wrong. Also we have a tiny living room and as much as we've tried to clear things there's stuff hidden behind cushions so I'm convinced she's gonna get into something or chew something and get ill. Also with the toilet training you need to watch them like a hawk and the obsessive part of me is convinced she's not progressing when she has accidents.

anyway this is a pic of her
http://imgur.com/a/EOSeH

Have you been in contact with your aunty and asked how she has been doing? And she is only a baby still so accidents will happen, just have to learn from these mistakes. Her bladder is only small so will need regular trips to go but as she gets older it will be longer and longer before she needs to go it wont last for ever Not a great lover of crating but it can help them. There is so many things to teach a puppy (right from wrong ) I taught my dog for a early age 'Leave it' its what I call a life saver command you can practice this at home eg: get a pair of socks put them down let her investigate but before she actually picks them up call her back and a do a trade with her when she hasn't touched something you asked her to leave and she comes to you when called give a tasty treat and praise her to. And as with any training Consistancy and Repetition are the 'keys' to success every time it will also help you bond with her! Oh what a cutie, she is beautiful You can see the lab in her for sure Cheers

[spamvicious]

Have you been in contact with your aunty and asked how she has been doing? And she is only a baby still so accidents will happen, just have to learn from these mistakes. Her bladder is only small so will need regular trips to go but as she gets older it will be longer and longer before she needs to go it wont last for ever Not a great lover of crating but it can help them. There is so many things to teach a puppy (right from wrong ) I taught my dog for a early age 'Leave it' its what I call a life saver command you can practice this at home eg: get a pair of socks put them down let her investigate but before she actually picks them up call her back and a do a trade with her when she hasn't touched something you asked her to leave and she comes to you when called give a tasty treat and praise her to. And as with any training Consistancy and Repetition are the 'keys' to success every time it will also help you bond with her! Oh what a cutie, she is beautiful You can see the lab in her for sure Cheers

Thanks for all your advice. She doesn't have any lab in her, she's a show cocker spaniel x miniature poodle. I have never done crating before but now I've started it I don't want to stop. I'm only gonna do it till she's old enough to be trusted not to wreck the house lol so hopefully when she's 6 months plus.

[Bigboyuk]

Thanks for all your advice. She doesn't have any lab in her, she's a show cocker spaniel x miniature poodle. I have never done crating before but now I've started it I don't want to stop. I'm only gonna do it till she's old enough to be trusted not to wreck the house lol so hopefully when she's 6 months plus.

Opps I am sorry But she is adorable though Yes with crating it's not a punishment area but her den Is she accepting the crate ok ? Yes it's not meant to a permanent place for her so that's good So you are ready for the challenge with her! Looking forward to hearing more about her progress too Thanks

[MyNameIsTerry]

Thank you! Star is coming back tomorrow so I'm already feeling anxious about that. I'm projecting totally onto Star so that when I put her in the crate at night I'm paranoid that she's hating it and is desperate for a the toilet so I'm waking up in the morning shaking and rushing to get her to the toilet. Or I think she's suffering and unhappy in general or something's gonna go wrong. Also we have a tiny living room and as much as we've tried to clear things there's stuff hidden behind cushions so I'm convinced she's gonna get into something or chew something and get ill. Also with the toilet training you need to watch them like a hawk and the obsessive part of me is convinced she's not progressing when she has accidents.

anyway this is a pic of her
http://imgur.com/a/EOSeH

What a beautiful pup! I couldn't resist that face.

When we had our dog my parents had the same concerns over toilet training. The only difference here is that it is affecting you far more because of your anxiety, te concerns are valid ones.

You will probably see the same in yourself when you question whether she needs something or is hungry. This is a rhythm that you will relax into as you get to know your dog's behaviour better.

[Pipkin]

I feel for you! Honestly! It's an awful feeling to commit to a pet and then think that you can't cope. Trust me, it will work out fine. Just stuck with it, find a routine that suits you and you'll soon love your dog and wonder how you coped before.

I felt exactly the same but I got through it. If I can, so can you.

Good luck and pm me if you need some extra support.

Pip xx

[LondonCityChap]

Hi All,

Been having waves of what I can only call crippling anxiety.

Got a puppy about 5 weeks ago, and the first couple of weeks whilst tiring, were fine. However as the weeks have gone on, I keep getting stuck in loops of fear about his future, am I doing the right thing, how will I ever get out in the evenings again..etc

I have already got him setup and going to day care.... I work from home (for at least the next month), but needed some time out in the day, and thought good he gets to meet lots of other dogs, and used to daycare if I need to go back to commuting. I think that's also what is getting to me, in that I cant see a routine for him beyond a couple of weeks...

Have a flatmate too, and whilst he is great, the invasion of the apartment, and feeling like he cant relax at home now either is a worry.

I am somewhat a worrier, but wouldn't class myself as depressed or anything like that. However the last couple of weeks, I have had a constant knot in my stomach, no appetite, and I'd be lying if I hadn't thought how much of a mistake this was.

Having wanted a dog for years, when I got this contract, that was working from home for a few months, it seemed like the ideal time. Sending him back to the breeder isn't an option (it is, but I cant give up)... however if I am truely honest with myself, taking the easy way out and bailing is what I would love to do.

The puppy himself, is pretty amazing, doing amazingly well with training and everything. Booked in with a professional trainer for a few hours at the weekend to also set my expectations and get some confirmation of things...

I've read countless forums/posts..etc about the puppy blues and how it will pass... I know it will... however currently I really cant see the light... I know it's there, I just cant see it.