Is it okay to sometimes hate your puppy?

I know-I know, how bad does that sound? Hate a cute little puppy?  But how? Why? 

Well folks, I'm here to tell you that it *can* happen during the first few weeks you have them and you shouldn't feel bad about it! I wanted to write this post so that you don't give up on your dog right away and also you feel a little better if you suddenly you find yourself loathing your new bundle of "joy".  I was reminded to write this because a guy in my puppy class came in the other week with that look on his face. You know the one: of total, utter defeat and exasperation.  I knew it all to well.  I had felt like that when I first brought Indie home (see my post about the horror that was our first night here). 

What can cause us to feel this way?

Part of what causes us to feel moments where we "hate" our puppies when we first bring the puppy home is because a) you're very tired from having to wake up in the middle of the night to take them out to potty plus deal with all the sudden messes they make in the house, b) you're still figuring each other out and bonding, and c) they can be a lot to handle as they bite and lick INCESSANTLY during this time.  So what happens? You will have moments where you hate them.  Maybe even where you wish you never got them.

It's okay.

This even happens to parents.

You know you still love 'em, but in that moment, God help you....you are ready to quit.  

This happened to me too!

If it makes you feel any better I was ready to give Indie back after the second day.  I cried on the phone to the my mom: "I don't think I do this!!!" I felt awful.  Anyways, it was mostly because of the reasons I listed above, but mainly I was tired.  I was SO tired.  But, after getting some helpful tips from my breeder and my future dog trainer....things got easier.  That's why I have this blog, so you will see my mistakes and also I can share the things I learned that helped me!  

Today I would do it all over again-- get a puppy again, I mean.  I have learned about what puppies are like and capable of.  I have learned how to deal with it.  To get to the point I am at today where I love my awesome puppy has not been all roses.  It has taken a lot of patience, perseverance, obsessive research, and also puppy class, where you can commiserate with other people dealing with the same things while your crazy puppies tire each other out (LOL!).  

Hang in there new puppy parents!  

Forgive your puppy's mistakes and don't forget to forgive your mistakes too! 

We all make mistakes, We are not perfect, 
it makes us better people :)

Much love,

Indie-Roo and Mom