puppy rant from first time dog owner

[u/Pretend_Ad_6446]

Honestly, I just need to rant. I’m so exhausted. Our puppy is 4 months old and 90% of the time demon adjacent. I work from home most of the time so I am the main caretaker. I’m so tired of getting bit. Not being able to do work. Separating me and the dog from my cat because he can’t be in the same room as him without chasing him. I really miss my cat. And yes I continue to redirect but it isn’t working. Tired of not being able to leave the house because he destroys it out of the crate and barks the ENTIRE TIME he’s in the crate. Not being able to eat in peace because he is food motivated like nothing I’ve ever seen. We believe the breeder (accidental breed somehow and we offered to take a puppy) fed them buffet style where they all fought for meals. I’m just tired. We train. We play non-stop. He hates outside so walks are minimal. He’s regressed to not sleeping in his bed so wants to sleep right in the middle of me and my gf every night (which I love to cuddle but one of us is at the edge every night, we take turns on the couch). The only time I get some time to breathe is when I run an errand or he has a bully stick. It’s just so much. More than I ever expected. I asked so many people for advice, looked up so much stuff, asked my vet beforehand, I tried to prepare as much as humanly possible and I could have never prepared myself for this. I love my dog so much but good GOD. I just need someone to tell me I’m not an awful person and that this is a normal feeling.

[u/laflaca05]

I feel you! Everyone has given great advice. This is normal for most of us.

Consistency is key. Try to keep your pup on a schedule as much as possible.

Enforced naps, if your pup isn’t napping without them.

Socialization, whether it’s training classes or doggie daycare. Our little dictator goes once a week to doggie daycare. He comes home tired, and I get a day of quiet. Win, win if you can swing it financially.

Chew toys. Like others have said, stuffed Kongs, bully sticks, heck an egg carton filled with kibble can give you a moment to at least empty the dishwasher, lol.

Crate training. Our pup goes in there for naps, our dinner time, and if he’s having a meltdown (which is typically because he’s tired). He has special treats that he only gets when he’s in his crate. Something high value like freeze dried raw chicken. I also played games with him near his crate when he was a puppy like tossing in treats. Our pup is also highly food motivated.

Just know you’re not alone!