Don't know if I can do this!

943 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by MissMutt, Mar 15, 2009

tinypoodleand2cats

Discussion Starter · Mar 14, 2009

Hi There,
My brother's toy poodle had 4 pups recently and though I kept saying no to owning a pup, after 8 weeks of my brother asking and seeing how cute the pups were (and how much my daughter wanted one), I caved in and said yes to the last of the litter needing a home.
It's been a week since the pup came to our house and I am having major second thoughts which I feel terrible about! I knew it was going to be a lot of work but the reality of it seems even more crazy than I anticipated. I have 2 young kids (ages 7 and 4), 2 needy cats who are not getting the attention they are accustomed to, and this pup who I am constantly watching since I am trying to housetrain him. My younger child, though he likes the pup, seem upset since the pup is more apt to nip and bite him. SO, my house feels completely like a zoo.
I know it's only been a week and it'll probably get better but I am wondering if I am right for this in the first place! I am not enjoying this chaos and wonder if I ever will... I know, I sound really awful and I have been feeling terrible for feeling this way!!!
Plus, I just found a tick on the pup which makes me really scared since I am afraid of him bringing ticks and fleas to the house that can affect my kids and cats! Am I putting my kids and cats in harm's way? We already took the pup for his first check and he has had Revolution but how effective is it to control fleas/tick for the whole household?
As you can tell, I've never had a dog and am quite confused. I look at the pup and he is so cute and trusting - he really needs to be in a home where he will truly be loved. I take good care of him but I feel too stretched to enjoy it all and can't help but feel like I am exposing my family to potential harm with ticks and fleas. We have open space outside with deer and other animals so the cocern is high for ticks and fleas...
Should I start looking for a better home for our pup or am I being irrational? Thanks in advance for your help and for reading this long email.

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MissMutt

· #2 · Mar 15, 2009

It sounds like you have your hands full. My best advice would be to worry about what YOU want. Don't worry about your brother wanting you to have one of his pups. Don't make yourself feel guilty if you can't care for a puppy right now.

Having a puppy gets better with time, but remember that along with housetraining there are other things you should be doing as well to ensure your pup grows up to have a sound temperament. Once he's finished with his shots I highly recommend a puppy class especially since he's already playing rough with your son.

I have never used Revolution, I use Frontline. I assume it works. It doesn't really REPEL bugs, but kills them upon contact. You may also want to look into natural repellants (some food additives or home made sprays) that you can use in conjunction with the Revolution.

Out of curiosity, did you brother plan this litter? If he's having trouble finding homes for his puppies, that might be a problem. Breeders tend to have significant interest in their litters before the pups even hit the ground.

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MissMutt

· #7 · Mar 15, 2009

tinypoodleand2cats said:
Thank you so much for your reply MissMutt and for the photos! Your dog and cat are adorable and looks like they comingle very well. Seeing your large dog with your cat makes our tiny pup/cat issue look quite miniscule!

Haha, that's my signature image, it shows up in all my posts. The last picture of my cat and dog together was actually taken on the first day that they met. LOTS of members have cats and dogs living together, I think it is the least of the issues you'll have with your pup. Just be sure to keep them separate to ensure their safety when no one is there to watch.

My brother loves his dog and wanted another one so before having her fixed, breeded her with his friend's toy poodle. He has given all the pups away free but still it is hard (heart reanching really) to find good homes for pups and will get his dog spayed very soon.

I do hope he does spay his dog, because while companion animals make wonderful pets and have great temperaments, they aren't always the best for breeding. Besides, he might have more trouble finding homes if he allows his dog to have another litter.

As for me, I still don't know what to do.
My husband says give this more time.
I guess I am afraid that if I do, I will hurt the pup's chances of finding a new home. Don't most people prefer 8 week old pups?
But since I don't know anyone who is looking for a pup, I guess my job is to do all I can to potty train him and get him socialized so that he has the best chance in life...

If you are devoted to getting through the hardest part - the puppy stages - you and your pup will be just fine. Socializing is a big thing, especially with a breed so small that may be intimidated by large dogs and such. Try to have him play with as many people as possible - men (!!!), women, children, older people, etc. Once he is ready a puppy socialization class would really be great for him.

If you do all of this - the potty training, socialization, maybe some beginner obedience - you will have yourself a great little companion. Even if things don't work out, taking those measures would ensure that he'll get a good home. But I have faith in you, and as long as you're able to put up with the ups and downs of puppy ownership, you should be okay. I agree with your husband, give it time.

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