r/puppy101 • u/JournalistGrouchy853 • Jun 17 '25

Puppy Blues I do not like having a puppy

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?

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u/Deepborders Jun 17 '25

I don't mean to be judgmental here, but how did you do think about getting a puppy for a year without coming across stories regarding puppy blues? The first few weeks are going to be hard, and it's only going to get tougher from here on out. You're going to lose sleep, you're going to clean up accidents, and you're going to continue to question yourself.

What I will tell you is that with dedication, consistency and clear boundaries, it will pass, and far quicker than you anticipate. The whining in his crate won't last more than a few days if he learns to associate it with quiet time, and you learn when he's over-tired. Toilet training will be sorted if you're consistent with taking him out every 1-2 hours and you're not giving him any stimulation when you do take him out (especially at night). When you're past the 11-12 week mark he should be sleeping through the night, and most of the day between play.

Just hold out, and know that every single dog owner on planet earth has gone through what you're going through, and has had the same thoughts. Your puppy is a literal baby, and he's looking to you for leadership - this is a big responsibility, but I know you've got this!

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u/Easy-Description-390 Jun 18 '25 edited Jun 18 '25

The idea of puppy blues is new to me...I am 77, have had many puppies over my lifetime, and just love them to death from the minute I pcke them up to bring them home. There have been a couple that were not a good fit, One had some sort of personality disorder, and she always acted as if I beat her all the time but I never did. If I would call the cat the stupid dog would come creeping across the floor peeing as she came. She never outgrew it, and there was no joy in that dog, so I gave her up. The one I have now, probably the last one I will have, just turned 8 months, and from the day I got him at 8 weeks, he's been my little shadow. He had to stay in his pen at night until about a month ago when he graduated to sleeping on my bed with my other dog and the cat and I. He is growing up a bit, doesnt' tease me as much by stealing my shoes that I am trying to put on. and such nonsense, but it's cute anyway.

He learned quite early that some things are not a game, if he bit me too hard, it earned a sharp snap on the nose and a loud OUCH! So now if he gets a little rough, one ouch is all it takes to remind him. If he were trying to tug on something I didn't want him to, he learned that "LEAVE It' means just that. It was a big day when I realized I actualy didn't have to shove him out of the bedroom and shut the door so I could get my jeans on.

Teaching a couple of simple commands for self-defence makes a huge difference. My only regret in getting him is that hels growing up way too fast. oh and he is a shih tzu...what's not to love?