What to do...

[evanb]

Well I have had my boxer pup now for 10 days. Its beena tough ten days. He is much better and I see he gets better day by day. The problem is not with him, I think he is probably doing great for a 9 week pup. I think its me. I am not sure whay i got myself into

I find myself possibly not ready for a dog. I am single, work all day, and thought I was ready to share my free time with a dog. I am not sure what to do here. I am considering getting rid of him but not sure. He is a 9 week old fawn, he is very cute. I am just not sure if I am ready. Should I wait a little longer and see if I change my feelings or is it best to get rid of him while he is still young

 

[jaimie]

Puppies are a lot of work, perhaps you should've done a little more research before you got him. Most of us here at BW work full time and still take care of our pups. I don't work full time out of the house anymore since I now I have 4 kids. How long have you had the pup? 2 weeks? That is not a lot of time to get used to changing your time for a dog. I think you need to give it more thought and then if you think you cannot possibly take care of a dog. I would call the breeder and see if they will take it back. Of course you are all out of the money you spent but he is back where they can find a responsible home for him.

Taking care of a puppy is a 24/7 job and does take some getting used to. They are a lot of work, but you gain a best friend in the end.

 

[Boxer_21]

Only you can decide whether or not you should give it more time and whether or not you're ready for a puppy. Owning a young puppy can be overwhelming at first, especially if it's your first puppy. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed when I brought Riley home. I was also single, worked full time, and had 3 ferrets (who are also very time demanding) to take care of. While I was a bit overwhelmed, the thought of getting 'rid' of Riley was NEVER an option. I had waited many years for him and I was willing to make whatever sacrifices had to be made in order to raise him.

Young puppies need a lot of interaction, playtime, and of course training. There's not doubt that they are very time consuming and they can be stressful, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Well, at least they did for me.

I agree that you should really sit down and think about this. If you can't give this puppy the best home possible, then maybe you should give him up to someone else who can. The breeder he came from would be the best person to start looking for a new home.

- Mandy

 

[Laila/Cujo]

When we got Laila we were certainly overwhelmed and we have a 4 year old Chihuahua too!!!! Having a puppy is a lot of work but patience and consistency are very important. You should definitely do a lot of thinking and decide what is best for you but as they grow things will get easier. Puppies have a lot of energy and yes they do drive you crazy, but don't let that interefere in your decision to keep him or not. Have you thought about putting your puppy in training to help you? Good Luck with your decision and please let us know. I know it is hard but you will make the right choice for you.

 

[alohaboxer!]

Having a puppy is a whole lot like having a newborn baby. To me it was a tough time, but it is temporary. Cassius is just like one of my skin kids, I would do anything for him.
I think you should definately think this through, and if you come to the conclusion that you just aren't ready, than by all means find that baby a loving home where he will be the center of their universe!! He is still very young, and will probably make the transition pretty smoothly.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

Puppies are very demanding and sometimes the sheer cuteness of them causes us to think we're ready for the. You need to sit down and think if this is what you really want to do. What's best for you, and what's best for the pup? I've been wanting to get a new pup, or possibly even a rescue, but I know that I'm not ready for a pup right now. Herkie will be 5yrs old this year and very demanding himself! Have you considered a doggie daycare a couple times a week? Once he's through with his shots, it would be great fun for him, and wear him out all in the same token. I agree though, if you decide it's too much for you to handle right now, talk to the breeder and see if they can take him back, or help find another good home. Good luck with your decision.

 

[lllore]

Give It Some Time

I would say give it some time. Afteralll, what new mother doesn't wonder what she has gotten herself into after the first 10 sleepless nights????

 

[SC's Mom]

It is so tough especially if you've never had a puppy before. Caesar was my first puppy. We had an adult dog but never had I been through puppyhood. It is life altering. But so worth it. Like everything else in life you have your ups and downs. You just have to decide if you prefer your feet on the ground or do you like the excitement of the rollercoaster?

I remember going to my husband's cousin's house after she came home with her twins. I asked her "oh my God, how do you do it?" Her reply (which I didn't understand at the time) "Having children is the easy part, you want tough raise a puppy. I wouldn't change doing either." Odd statement but looking back, very wise.

 

[Jaime&Louie]

I hear you. I went through almost a post-pardom (sp??) depression after I got him, wondering the same thing. Did I do the right thing, will I give him the life he deserves, etc. I was (and still am) in an apartment without a yard. He about drove me to a nervous breakdown, but I'll tell you this. I wouldn't take back all of the wonderful time I've had with him for anything in the world. He goes where I go, we're a team. We hike, we rollerblade, we camp, we watch DVD's, basically everything together. I'm single, work full time, but I was blessed with this little creature that loves me unconditionally, no matter what mood I'm in, he's always looking into my eyes, and just knows me. I know him too... he's three now, and just becoming an adult, so we're enjoying more and more together as time goes on. Have patience... and just get to know your pup, and you'll see what we all mean. Boxers are like no other animal in this world, they're one of a kind, and they're the best little friends you could ever want. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Elyse]

When we got out second boxer (1 1/2 months ago) we were overwhelmed all over again but that little furry face made out hearts melt. No one will tell you it is easy. It is a lot of work and can even be more difficult than having a baby at times as they run and run and run. Only you can decide if you are ready. Does he make your heart melt, do you look at him and explode with love when he is sleeping in your lap? Don't feel bad if you are not ready. If you are really not ready, you are doing the right thing by giving him (hopefully back to the breeder) to someone who can give him a good home.

Good luck.