Not easy raising a puppy! - Page 1

Just brought my 7 week old GSD puppy home a few days ago and it is NOT as easy as it looks! The second day he seemed potty trained and now he doesn't. He cries in his crate and gets us up to take him out to potty 3 times during the night. He literally takes up ALL of my time. I love it when he naps because then *I* can go potty! But, on the good side, he walks great on a leash after only 2 days! But, he's really needy! Is it just me or is this hard for everyone? Thanks for any input!! Melissa

i think he`s doing pretty good if you ask me. he wakes you up during the night to go potty. and only 3 times. your lucky. he`s only 7 weeks old. he`s doing great. in another 2 weeks, he`ll be potty-trained. they are no different than children. again, he`s 7 weeks old. you have to spend time with them. wait till he starts teething!!!.

Thanks, hdracing! I guess all I needed was to vent :)

Sounds like a pretty typical 7-week old puppy to me! We pick up the water dish an hour before bedtime. We still at times get woken up by somebody that has to go out. Wait until the chew monster starts. :) Puppy teeth are very sharp for quite a while.

welcome to motherhood :)

This is not shocking at all. I'm not an expert but I've raised 3 pups, all from that age. Essentially all puppies for a while will be sad in their crates, restless including crying, and want to go out potties frequently - they have to. Get yourself a good pair of slip-on leather slippers with thick well-treaded soles and put them by the door to run out at night (just happened my aunt gave me such for Xmas before my last pups - they're still great for emergencies when you're in your PJs). Be prepared for up to 4 weeks or so of sleepless nights, both from crying and potties. My last dog was ridiculously easy - from the 1st night (she was about 9 wks), she never cried and slept THE WHOLE NIGHT. That was just plain lucky. Don't know why, but she was an oddball (is, in many ways). My other pups kept me up alot, especially with potty training.

LOL! My 3 month old pup just brought another bunny in the house. I thought it was dead but when I made her drop it, the poor thing scampered under my desk and hid behind the computer. Now Bella is laying next to my desk chair snoring after her big hunting expedition.

Also, he is completely uninterested in other people. He doesn't get excited when kids or adults want to pet him.. he just stands between my feet and stares at them. We go to the park every day and he still just wants to be with me. This will probably end when he is more secure? He's still a little scared. He barks like a BIG dog though when he sees other dogs.. I think he has no use for them. But, it is embarassing! I was so mad today at a woman that said I was cruel when she asked about the green in his ear (from his tattoo). Of course, people circumsize their boys every day and that is a LOT more painful. When my puppy got his tattoo he didn't make even one sound. His pain tolerance is very high.

Melissa, your puppy sounds very typical for his age. It will take him a while to accept strangers, and it appears that he is bonding with you. Bob-O

You may want to finish all his vaccines before taking him to the park and exposing him to doggie diseases. Just my opinion.......