Did we make a mistake getting a puppy?

[GordonBrunoPugMom]

How's your exp with Furbo? I've read some iffy reviews so we're looking at other options too. For vacations, one option is to leave him with a friend who has other dogs. Should we make them meet first to make sure they're not aggressive? I've read stories where other breeds don't get along and the puggy can get an eye injury or something.

I had the original furbo and just bought the updated vs . I like it because it works with a variety of treats and has no service fee. Yes always introduce new pets around your pug carefully . Eye injury can happen anytime with pug and other breeds. I suggest to have a vet and eye specialist and dentist picked out and in your address book. You may want to look into insurance.


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[GordonBrunoPugMom]

Reading the last few posts makes me realize that I guess I don’t know a life without dogs anymore. I had dogs all my adult live my 1st Shepard mix who was the smartest dog I ever knew and trained without me knowing what to do . Then the show dogs Dalmatians and as my live changed the wire hair Dachshunds. Now I got pugs and they are a very different breed and unique just by being pugs. I guess I have no clue anymore what it means not to have a dog or 2 in my family. My kid will be going off to college next year and I am OK with it but thinking if I could sending my pug boys away .....


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[Zoas]

Hi everyone

I want to give an update. My wife was feeling anxious and depressed after being home alone with the puppy so I took the day off to be with her. We simulated a work day. Left at 9ish, got home around 1pm or so, and came back around 5. Then we played with him and he passed out. First day of 0 barking or whining at night and no accidents. Is it ok to leave the crate door open when he sleeps at night? Crate is connected to a pen.

Also what cna we do to get him to stop sleeping in his litter box....



We're still having doubts but we're going to give it a few weeks and see how everything goes.

Is the following ok for the puppy?

Monday: Someone is home all day and will be dropped off at night at my mom's
Tuesday: Puppy will be at my mom's and brought back home at night. My mom is in and out but at least our pup will get some interaction, more so than if he were alone at home
Wednesday: Pup will be home 9-12:30...i'll be there at 12:30 for 20 mins, and then head back. Someone will be home at 4:30.
Thursday: Pup will be home from 9-1:30. Brother will be there 1:30 to 2:00pm or so. Then he will be alone from 2-4:30.
Friday: Pup will be home 9-12:30...i'll be there at 12:30 for 20 mins, and then head back. Someone will be home at 6.
Saturday: Someone is home all day
Sunday: Someone is home all day

Might not be ideal but it's the best we can do right now. We are also exploring day care through Rover. Day care businesses have rules about vaccinations and neutering so that is not an opton until our puppy is old enough. But Rover folks don't have this requirement. Is it advisable to leave our pup with a Rover home thoughout working hours

[Mom to Lucy]

The schedule doesn't sound too bad!
The more they get used to a schedule and routine, the better they do.
You can leave the crate door open at night, since it's connected to a pen. I have no advice about the litter box... does he sleep in it when there's waste in it?

[ODemPugz]

Your post touched my heart! You're doing fine! This will all pass and you will find yourselves and your own routine as time passes. Try not to overthink. Everyone's schedules are different. I have two girls who are both litter box trained. I live in a town house but never, ever, let them out without supervision. Both arrived at my home, crate trained. Breeders and ppl with several pups have a higher tolerance for whining...it's what they do. I relented and let them sleep with me. Not saying that that's the way to go. I can only remember 2 accidents in my bed and have since replaced that mattress two times over. My girls have learned my schedule over time. No accidents ever unless they're sick. While I truly understand your hesitation, the best thing I ever did was to hire a dog walker/sitter. She comes twice a day and it has greatly lessened my anxiety regarding their time alone while I work. They don't need to go out to poo/pee but the walks are also about exercise and socialization. Sounds to me that it's a case of confidence and a little healthy fear. You will get through this and be so happy that you did! Bless and take care.


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[jennkaotic]

Getting a puppy is a big change in your life BUT from this point forward everyday will get better (oh you might have a few days that are bad but overall the whole thing will be an upward climb). Primarily because the little puggle will grow everyday. If you can hack it today... then you are good! In a few weeks you will look back on this time and be amazed. I adopted 2 boys in June and they are now 7months old. I miss those early days. Being able to pick them up one handed. In a few months you will look back on these days with nostalgia not stress.

I haven't had to raise a city pup but will second the minimize outside contact until shots are complete. It's hard because their best socialization times are in the MIDDLE of shots but PARVO is a deadly disease that really can't be risked. Carrying them and being tough with strangers wanting to pet them is your best bet.

[andeande]

I just read this whole thread, how is everything going?

[Zoas]

Here is a long update. There's a lot of good that has happened and some negative feelings that are persisting.

Our puppy is now 5 months old. He's quite famous in our neighborhood because he'll run up to anyone and everyone to get attention. We'll walk him and a random stranger will ask us, "Is this <pug name>?" and we have no idea how that person knows who our pug is haha. He's so cute that word gets around. Other dog owners say he seems very well socialized since he doesn't show any signs of fear or anxiety even with the newest people or dogs.

Our anxiety and doubts have subsided a lot. I think the initial pressure of caring for this helpless little innocent creature was more overwhelming than we anticipated. We wanted to be perfect and raise our pug by the books. We were seeing people walking their puppy every hour, working from home every day so their dog isn't bored or lonely, playing with their dogs every other hour, etc. However, we realized we can only do our best.

He is adorable and is a very good dog. He was initially trained to go on a pad since he wasn't fully vaccinated when we first brought him home. Over time, we transitioned him to go outside. He now understands that if a pad is out, he can go indoors. If not, he needs to go outdoors. People told us this wasn't possible because he'll be confused but we are making progress. Pretty smart. He does have accidents though and we expect him too. He knows some basic commands like sit and wait. But in reality, he'll listen if he's in the mood. He's not doing well in a crate though. He'll sleep in it with the door opened but during the day time he hates going in there probably because he'd rather be by us. He'll bark for a long time and we give up since we live in an apartment. He is however sleeping through the night the past 2 weeks. Before that he got up at 4, 5, 6, 7 AM.

Seeing him develop is interesting. For example, he has been the submissive one at the parks, mainly because of his size. During his last visit, he started fighting, biting, growling back as he developed some confidence. He also seems to favor females over males, maybe because my wife is more intolerant of him barking and whining and always gives into him haha. Just observing these things is very intriguing.

We still have days where we wish we never got a puppy. Each day consists of waking up, walking and feeding him, letting him sit on our laps until we go to work, coming home from work, walking and feeding him, letting him sit on our lap, and we'll take him to the park if we can. Our entire day revolves around him, and we do miss our freedom. He truly is a velcro dog and there are moments where we'd like to watch tv or eat without him trying to scratch or bite us. We also recognize that this is a phase.

The thing that is really affecting us is actually not him but our neighborhood. We live in a big city and we are really wanting to move to a home with a yard. When we go out, there is always some drugged up person who wants to touch our dog. I may sound like a shallow bad person but if you talk to imaginary people, smell like booze and I can see that you're high, I don't want you petting our dog. Plus the place our pug pees and poops is pretty gross. Other dogs go in the same spot and don't clean up. It's a popular place for dogs to pee and poop because most of the street is concrete except this spot. People throw their trash there too so we are constantly pulling trash out of our dog's mouth. Last night while walking him, a rat hiding in a trash bag got scaredand ran out of the bag and brushed him in the moment (no biting). Then our dog started licking something and I think it was vomit. Then I saw a man piss in EXACT spot our dog pees. Like what the hell is wrong with people? It's not hard to clean up. Also the man that pissed on the street works in the restaurant he pissed in front of so he probably does this regularly. Knowing that our dog was walking on his piss and then bringing that into the house is nasty. We need to pick a new place and train him to go there now. I was bathing him at 12am last night because of the rat, urine, and vomit. He probably has no idea and could care less about the ground he is walking on but we are aware and feel bad for putting him in this city environment. We also don't want that nastiness being dragged into our house. We're contemplating making him an indoor dog and just bringing him to the nearby dog park 1-2 a week. Really wishing we moved to the suburbs now with our own lawn where no one can walk on.

In summary, things are getting better and he is a great dog. We still have days where we regret our decision though. The biggest issue we have now is not him or us but our nasty neighborhood.

Thanks for listening to our progress as well as the rant lol

[Rugbysmom]

Thanks for the great update! These little guys ARE very smart & are pretty adaptable, too.....Any of the annoying puppy behaviors will be outgrown in time with patient & consistant training. I hope you will be able to move into the house you are dreaming of soon! Sounds like you are getting ready to make that move!

[GordonBrunoPugMom]

Hey there.
Perhaps on a day off you scout the area for a better pee spot. They do offer indoor toilets and porch potties. I use a porch potty .
I totally understand not having strangers pet my dog . Not to add to your fear but popular dogs like pugs are also susceptible to be grabbed and stolen .
So if moving is not an issue at this time you might have to look for other options .
I for example go to pet stores and places I know I can take my dogs to ( mostly on hot days ). I used to go to play dates with other nice dogs. If there are friends who need a pug fix , invite them. Walking is not the only way to keep your dogs mind sharp . Puppy class and training is a great way . Games are great especially some your pup will use his mind . Rotate toys keeps them entertained too. It will get easier your pup will learn not to pick up everything , not to approach strangers and calm down a lot more .Your pup feels comfortable and secure with you and now it’s time for teaching him the rules of his environment.
I also wanted to mention the dog park behavior may not be confidence. I can not tell without observing the behavior. You said he was timid and shy . His behavior might come from anxiety from being bullied . Watch that behavior if possible take a video so we can see and give you advice .


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