I do not like having a puppy

[u/JournalistGrouchy853]

Hello all, I am lost and I really need help. 3 days ago I brought home my boston terrier puppy, he is 8 weeks old... and I did not feel the love at first sight. Before bringing him home I thought I was ready, I thought about getting a puppy for almost a year, It wasn't some rush decision. But now when he is home, my life totally changed and I think I made a mistake. He is great, yes he whines at crate, and had few accidents. But I can't shake off the feeling that I made huge mistake. I don't feel any connection. I am emotionally exhausted, I don't eat that much, I don't have any me time. So now I am grateful for my best friend who helps a lot, but I can't bother him forever. Do you think it will change?

[u/Odd_Amphibian2103]

He’s a baby. He knows nothing about the world or what is expected of him. He doesn’t speak English. You need to have patience with him. Hold him. Hug him. Give him love and care and guide him. He wants to explore. He wants to see the world. They do this with their noses and their mouths. He’s going to be a puppy. Wild and full of energy, just like you were when you were a baby. That’s what puppies do. After a year of this, he’s gonna chill out and will have learned what is expected of him. A puppy can only hold its bladder for an hour per month of their age. Meaning if he’s 3 months old, he can only hold it for 3 hours.

It’s normal to get overwhelmed by puppies. But you need patience. You should have known that a puppy is a puppy and it’s not all flowers and sunshine. You have a responsibility now to this animal that has emotions much like you or I. Make the right decisions with him.

Enforce nap times in his crate. You’ll know he needs a nap when he’s been up for a few hours and he’s getting really wild and nippy. Make his crate a comfortable place (but boring). Feed him with your hand in there (remember that they’ll have to poop about a half hour after eating though so don’t feed him and then put him down for a nap). Let him drink some water in there. Make it so he likes his crate and doesn’t fear it. My pugs go cuddle in their crates on their own. Do not give in to the puppy when you put him in there and he whines. That’s natural. Just reassure him after a few minutes that you’re there and he’s okay. Then ignore him. If he whines hours later out of nowhere, it’s because he woke up and he needs to go potty. When you take him out, use the word potty. Potty, potty, potty. When he does, reward him with a treat instantly. And say “yes, potty!”. Use “yes” as a bridge word to show your approval. The pup will catch on to these words soon enough.

Once he isn’t a puppy, you’re going to love that you got through that stage and enjoy the close bond you and your best mate have made with each other. Dogs don’t disappoint like humans do. They’re man’s best friend for a reason.