new dog and finances

Saritaota614 · October 2012

So, DH and I got a new puppy literally 2 weeks before BFP. We kinda feel like his distraction from TTC was the reason we were successful.

He was a stray so We've had to worm him, give him all his puppy shots and soon we will neuter him. Not including all the chew bones he's gone through and endless amounts of dog food. All on top of DH going back to school, so I'm the only income right now. So we are pretty stretched on cash currently... and that's only gonna get worse when baby arrives.

I love this dog with all my heart, but he is very hyper and a biter. I'm so worried that we won't be able to break him of this before the baby arrives.

I think both of us know we should probably just give him to someone who can take better care of him.. but neither of us want to.

DH and I just had a spat bc I corrected him for biting my foot... and then just started saying things like eff it lets just take him to the pound blah blah blah.

It's just really frustrating that I'm actually putting forth effort to attempt to train him and he got upset.

I'm not even sure what I wanted to get out of this... it just feels good to get it off my chest.

musicalsilver · October 2012

I can relate - we got a new puppy about a month and a half before my BFP - she's a complete handful at the moment (she's 5-6 months old now). I just keep reminding myself that she has another 9 months to mature until the baby gets here!

Natdubs · October 2012

We had 3 dogs when I was pregnant with DD. All 3 were rescue dogs (2 dachshunds and a lab/hound mutt). I never in a million years thought I would give up a dog and I very much believe in forever homes. I have always been appalled at those that gave their pets up because of a new baby. The dog was there first. Then, we learned. Our mutt had serious food/treat aggression issues that could not be trained away. She attacked my doxies multiple times and almost injured them. I cried and cried the day my husband took her to the humane society. I can't even imagine what might have happened had a baby/small child gone near her while she ate. Sometimes it's not worth the risk. When it comes to safety, go with your gut.

Bonjuju · October 2012

How old is your puppy and what kind of dog? Usually only takes a few weeks of consistent correction to train them out of biting. Food bills will be high if your puppy is a large breed. Also are you going to have time to take him for walks, train him and socialize him before baby arrives? Make a deal with DH to put in the best effort and reevaluate things after a month.

OttersBite · October 2012

I didn't see you list the age but if the dog actually is just a puppy then you have a lot going for you already. Sometimes you just have to have faith and of course give your dog all the tools to succeed, lots of training, exercise, mental stimulation... It sounds like your dog needs to work on bite inhibition and that can be very easy to teach if you are consistent. Dogs come with behavioral surprises, I can understand your frustration. I adopted a dog a few months ago after my last one passed suddenly from cancer and she has been an enormous challenge. I have an approx. 1 y/o Boxer who was never socialized, lived in a outdoor cage at a puppy mill and was seriously abused.. I have learned A LOT about dog behavior over the past few months and I can tell you that a whole lot of issues can be fixed with time and effort. Keep your chin up. As for the financial aspect, it seems like this should have been figured out before you got the dog.

Saritaota614 · October 2012

I too believe in forever pets.. I never in a million years want to get rid of him!

He is 12-14 weeks best guess from our Vet. They believe he is an Australian Shepherd.

I posted this out of frustration and a need to vent. I knew all of the responsibilities before we took him in. It's just I've never owned a dog who had been more difficult to train.

I know it takes time and I know they need exercise.

We do have a kong, however he does not like it. We invested in a femur bone today and he seems to love it, so we will go from there.

kristye4 · October 2012

We have a 5 year old chorkie, who we got when he was 9 weeks. He was well trained and very obedient. Then when ds was born he completely changed. He has bitten DH numerous times. Once causing stitches. He would growl at ds if he tries to touch him or tries to play with his toys. We then took him to a behavioralist. We went through 8 weeks of training. His attitude changed but he still will show teeth when ds tries to come near him. It is impossible to train a 1 year old to not go near the dog. We have to keep them in separate rooms when ds is up which is not a way for a dog to live. We are in the process of finding him a home where he can be happier. Regardless of how much I feel like he is our oldest child and we live him dearly, the safety of our children is far more important.

Fuzzy21 · October 2012

Puppies bite. At 12 weeks he will bite. That's how they socialize. It doesn't mean he will bite later.

I had two dogs when DS was born, a bulldog and a pit bull. Dogs can adapt very well to pregnancy and babies. I just rescued a stray not to long ago. The shelter was going to put him down because they said he was aggressive. He was not. He was not socialized and tossed to the side. The dog is now loving, sweet and gentle. It just takes time and patience. I believe in forever homes, not homes that work now but maybe not later. I hope you consider giving the pup a chance.

OttersBite · October 2012

Saritaota614:
I too believe in forever pets.. I never in a million years want to get rid of him!
He is 12-14 weeks best guess from our Vet. They believe he is an Australian Shepherd.
I posted this out of frustration and a need to vent. I knew all of the responsibilities before we took him in. It's just I've never owned a dog who had been more difficult to train.
I know it takes time and I know they need exercise.
We do have a kong, however he does not like it. We invested in a femur bone today and he seems to love it, so we will go from there.

Oh wow, your dog is just a baby! At 12-14 weeks old it's his job to drive you nuts! Stick out tongue Take him to a group obedience class for a couple of months so he can socialize and learn some manners. GL!

flcountrygirl · October 2012

CTGirl30:

This rarely goes over well on TB.

So you got a new dog (a puppy nonetheless) while you knew you were TTC, knowing you are tight on finances. Were you not aware that this was a significant time and money commitment and that you might possibly be adding a baby to your family, as well as a pet? I think you need to take some responsibility here and put forth some effort to be accountable to this animal. "Just taking it to the pound" isn't a great answer here, and I know your DH was speaking out of frustration but you must realize that many shelters will euthanize and it's not exactly like there's an abundance of good homes waiting to adopt.

What do you do with a hyper puppy? Excercise. Our dog is older - we adopted her when she was an adult and not a puppy - but all dogs need excercise. Split the daily walks up between you and DH and do one in the morning and one in the evening. Work with a trainer. You have 9 months before you child arrives and therefore you have a good chunk of time for the puppy to mature and grow out of some of the puppy craziness, as well as for you to work with the dog on training and behavior issues.

One of my biggest pet peeves ever is when people take in a dog with no forethought into the commitment it takes to be a responsible pet owner. That includes time, money, and any potential training to ensure your dog is a happy, well-trained member of the family. Please think this through and consider your responsibilities here.

I must agree, completely! Our four-legged child and our DD are only 13 months apart and we were fine, it's up to you and your DH put in the effort. And honestly, if you were TTC you should have already thought this through!

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