In tears with exhaustion - that's me today since I got up this morning! I'm worried I haven't the energy, but I suppose I'll just need to get on with it. I'm hoping I'll feel better once he's had his 2nd vaccines and we can at least leave the garden! I think I've got cabin fever to be honest.
He's been less naughty today - so that's helped. It just feels like an uphill struggle, but I need to see the bigger picture. We'll continue to be firm and spend the good times cuddling him! He's a really people puppy, so he'll sit for ages while I pet him. He's snoozing away just now.
I'm just so glad I'm not the only person who's been tearful with a new puppy! Thanks for all your help and advice and epic videos!!
Thanks Madz - such a struggle today. He pooped in the house for the first time all week and we've been SO careful about his toileting. Ho hum. I will try harder to be positive - I just so hope it will be all worth it!xxx
The first month with a pup are by far the hardest. Up till now they've had the company of their litter mates and so have the stimulation of them to keep them mentally and physically tired. Mum has also done the discipline. Now he's on his own, the 'play fighting' and nipping that he has done till now, he's transferred to his 'new' litter mates, only they don't have fur and don't like his idea of fun.
So you need to keep him mentally challenged. Get a feed ball, put some of his food in it, rather than straight into his bowl. Having to work at getting his food is good fun.
If it's any help, I've had ME for the past 3 years, and i do understand that when your health isn't brilliant it is harder to try and keep perspective over your new addition. When we got Kenzie, the routine we had was very regimented. Every time we went to do something [feed, play brush] we let her out for a loo stop and when she went there was the 'clean girl' phrase. Once we'd done activities, out she went again. Sometimes she just had a wander and a sniff...but if she did her business, again 'clean girl'. Then she would be popped to her bed for about an hour.
This hour i'd sleep/rest....ready to start again. There are days that i don't have the energy to walk her, but we have a big garden and her favorite game is ball. 20 mins of throwing her football leaves her paws up.
Remember...you've only had him a week...one accident in that time is brilliant, so pat yourself on the back for that. Don't beat yourself up over it.
you're doing well. remember he was bred to work sheep and thats what hes doing all in play of course. You've been given some good advice to deal with it and it will get easier as long as you are consistant
It is a lot for a young pup to take in and deal with, so hes bound to have ocassional accidents.
you're doing the right things though so stick with it
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Hi there. I may be adding to an old (ish) thread but I'm catching up after time away in the 'van
We have no experience of collies but do have a rather large puppy! When we lost our 1st dog earlier this year we knew we'd get another to keep our cocker spaniel bitch company.
Bonzo (our newest addition) is 3/4 Boxer, 1/4 staffy. And I had my moments when I thought he was too much but they do grow out of it! He went through a stage of nipping/biting - not maliciously but playing and would nip my arms, hands and fingers (puppy teeth are suprisingly sharp and do hurt). We tried a very stern NO! and also used a correcter spray which did help a bit.
Eventually he calmed down on his own and he's now 6 months old. We've found that if he doesn't get enough exercise, that's when he becomes bored and gets up to things he shouldn't.
The last few days have been great as we've been away in our 'van (his very first time) and he's had nice long walks in the forest which has meant he's settled in the evening.
They are great companions and ours never fail to cheer me up when I've had a rubbish day or feeling down. They have their own little quirks and characters. I know it's hard work in the beginning but it's not for long.
He'll give you so much love back
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Topic: New puppy
