Severe puppy blues since he arrived

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Hi everyone!

I'm new to the forum and, not knowing what to do anymore, I'm turning to you hoping to find some answers.

So, on Saturday morning, my partner and I visited a puppy show and we came home with a 2-month-old fluffball, a Golden Retriever.

After talking to the breeder about our concerns regarding keeping a dog of this breed in a flat, she assured us it wouldn't be an issue at all.

So we bought everything he'd need for his well-being: a fabric crate for the living room with a bed and a big cushion inside, bowls, toys, lead, collar, etc. Basically, the works.

Since Sunday, we've already managed to teach him that he needs to go outside to do his business (we have a tiny private garden). He still has the odd little accident at night, but nothing serious.

He's really struggling with the lead and collar (he sulks and just freezes, but he's slowly starting to get used to it).

But since he arrived, I feel like I've made a massive mistake in adopting him. I don't feel right at all, even though I love animals.

Thoughts like taking him back to the breeder or rehoming him keep crossing my mind, despite myself. And I feel so guilty about it.

Maybe it's because of how much our lives have been turned upside down.

My partner hasn't been back to her driving theory classes yet; she's going to try going for an hour and leaving him alone, but I can already imagine the chaos.

The idea of joining a gym doesn't seem possible anymore either. I feel like we have no time for ourselves.

At night and in the morning, he howls and cries when we leave him in the living room to sleep. I tried giving him a hot water bottle to remind him of the warmth of his littermates, but nothing works.

When I finally go to see him after 15 minutes (at 1 am... the neighbours must be fuming), he’s so happy and rushes to my feet, staying glued to me or following me everywhere if I move.

It breaks my heart to put him back in his crate and tell him to stay, only to hear him crying as soon as the door is shut.

I’d love to take him into bed with us to comfort him, but I know if I give in, his training will be ruined.

I find it hard to be firm with him, to say "no" when he’s being hyper even if he’s being naughty. I feel bad afterwards because, in the end, he just melts my heart.

But I just feel terrible...

This Saturday morning, we're taking him to a puppy training class, hoping to learn a lot.

What should I do? Can you give me some advice, please?

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  • Célineo
    Célineo Icon representing the flag French
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    This question has no purpose or basis, and you’ll likely just start lecturing us about legitimacy again (which would be completely daft, by the way). And besides, you haven’t answered the simple questions we asked you either...
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Go ahead then, see for yourself, my dear...

    LOOOOOOOOOL

    Just because I wouldn't answer your twisted, insidious question?

    I'm not playing your games.

    Oh really? So providing information is just showing off, is it?

    That's news to me!

    What would actually be "vile" is being on a public forum, knowing certain things, and not informing the people reading about these more than shady practices.

    Putting people down? No, just hitting back with actual arguments.

    As for your opinion that I don't bring much to the table, coming from you that's a compliment (lol).

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    As you say, Leati, the main thing is that the message has got through to some people ;)

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I don’t think Dellys has any reason to doubt herself. She hasn’t said anything wrong on this forum; she was just doing her part by informing the other members. This thread might have helped talk a few people out of buying from a pet shop. I think the person who really needs to take a long, hard look at themselves here is definitely Mavie. Seriously, you claim to have a life, but getting all worked up on a forum isn't going to make us believe you actually have one. And for your information, just in case you were going to tell me "You’re on here 24/7" – well, yes, I am. I’m on holiday, it’s freezing so I’ve got no desire to go out, so I just take my dogs for a walk and spend the rest of the day on the forum. I don't see what the problem is. You should stop talking just for the sake of it. And Mavie, be honest for once; when you mention "her mates," be specific about who you’re talking about, even though I know I’m one of them. It’s easy to mouth off, but clearly it’s not so easy to be upfront about it. You sound like a child: "You don't have to use my words." How exactly is she using YOUR words? For one thing, you’re not the only person here who speaks like that, and for another, they aren’t YOUR words, they’re just words that anyone can use if they want to.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    As for you, Claire .................................................

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Well no, Axelote, you aren't an outside observer since you're actually getting involved.

    I’m talking about the people who never post on the forum but message me privately.

    Don't worry about me; my ego wasn't bruised at all by your remarks.

    When I said a puppy can't control its bladder or sphincters, I wasn't being aggressive—I was just being logical.

    It’s common sense.

    A baby, no matter what it is, has to grow up to develop those automatic reflexes.

    Where’s the aggression in that?

    And I’ll say it again since you clearly didn't get the point: it’s normal for a thread to go off-topic sometimes.

    If you don't like that principle, then don't post.

    So, if I have something to say on a subject that’s drifted, I’m going to say it.

    Yes, I used the term "breeder", and what’s the problem with that? That’s what they are, though in this case, I meant it in the worst sense of the word.

    Whether you like it or not, I’m not going to mince my words with certain people, including you.

    I reserve that for the people I actually like.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m looking at this from an outsider’s perspective, which is why I offered some constructive criticism—though it clearly seems to have bruised your ego.

    I don’t have an axe to grind here; you’re just speculating.

    I was simply pointing out how aggressively you come across when giving advice.

    When we read things like, "@Ptitefleur, you said: 'But peeing and pooing is normal at that age, what did you expect... You’re already cracking after just four days...'"

    I feel the same!

    It’s like asking a 9-month-old human baby to have full bladder and bowel control!!!!!!!!!"

    It’s just judgmental and kicking someone when they’re down. There’s nothing constructive about it; reading between the lines, it’s basically just saying, "Yeah, you're an idiot, and I’m going to rub your nose in it."

    Besides, you’ve completely missed the point. If I’ve understood correctly, it wasn’t even about the pup’s toilet habits, but about the fact they could hear him crying and felt terrible trying to force themselves not to go and comfort him.

    "The breeder could easily be telling you a load of rubbish.

    And just because they’re affectionate with the animal doesn't mean they’re reputable.

    There are plenty of 'actors' in the breeding world.

    Breeders who say 'I love him, he’s my baby' but ultimately don't care where he ends up as long as they get the sale."

    In your first post, you definitely used the word "breeder"...

    If you toned down your delivery a bit, you’d actually get more people on board with the cause you’re championing.

    And don’t pile onto people who are already struggling, either.

    It’s just common courtesy.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You don’t have to keep repeating my words (venom). You’re the real snake here!!!

    If I were stalking your profile, I’d be on this forum 24/7, just like you. I actually have a life, which clearly isn't the case for you...

    “To be able to attack you better” – LOL!!! Read back what you’ve written and take a long hard look at yourself... though you’re obviously incapable of that, given how small-minded you are.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Mavie (you really should get a life, by the way—it might stop you from constantly spewing venom and stirring up drama...), I don’t think you realise how ridiculous you’re being.

    It’s as if you’re stalking my username just so you can have a go at me.

    Go on, run along and leave us in peace.

    By the way, haven't you had your chamomile tea yet?

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You’ve clearly misread me, @Axelote. You’re obviously biased. Don’t you worry, people watching from the sidelines (who never actually post on the forum) message me privately – and I promise you that’s the truth – so there’s no issue on that front. So, yes, I’m clearly providing information; some people take it on board and let me know. Where exactly do you see me condemning these "furballs", as you put it? And for the record (I’ll say it for the umpteenth time!), I never once condemned @Kel-Moriant for getting their puppy in those circumstances, as they weren't aware of the practices of puppy dealers – you’ll notice I didn’t use the word "breeder", which is a term for serious people. I was simply informing them. So, from that perspective, it’s obvious I have nothing to second-guess myself about. And I’m not trying to be a Good Samaritan (as you’re using it pejoratively), I’m just trying to offer good advice.
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