New puppy, major anxiety - what to do?

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About three days ago I adopted a new puppy. I've wanted a puppy for as long as I can remember and I've been living on my own for about two years and with my boyfriend for the past year. Growing up I had a cat in my family home who I loved like she was my kid (I grew up with her). My boyfriend currently has a 7 year old dog that lives with us as well. My boyfriend and I had been talking about the idea of getting a puppy for awhile now and we finally did it.

All of a sudden I am getting major anxiety. I completely understand the the responsibility that comes with a new pet and I truly felt like I was prepared but now I am having second thoughts. I've never been someone who had any kind of major anxiety. Sure, I'm not immune to it in stressful situations but never has it gotten to this extent. I can't sleep for more than an hour or two at a time, partially due to the puppy waking up and crying/howling and partially to the fact that I'm sick over the situation. I've been so upset to the point where I've started getting physically sick. In addition, I've had little to no appetite.

On top of everything I've mentioned, my father recently had a very tough to take in diagnosis with his health. This came after I had put a 1/2 of the total cost, non-refundable deposit on the puppy. Long story short, I'm not sure what the future holds as I live a little over an hour away from my parents and work full time but it may call for a decent amount of traveling.

Needless to say, I'm seeking true and honest advise. The puppy is the cutest little guy and I don't want to give him up but I feel as though I'm at my wits end. The stress of all things combined is taking its toll. Luckily I was off of work for the first two days of having the puppy and going into the weekend. Now I am getting even more anxiety over the fact that my work may suffer from the way I am feeling and the lack of sleep.

Sincerly,
What do I do?

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@USER123456,

Stay calm, relax. The puppy will love you as much as you love it.

It's understandable that you are feeling anxious due to this new responsibility and with concern about your father; but, you also have the support and help of your boyfriend and as you said, he too was into the idea of getting this puppy. When things are hectic and you must spend more time traveling back and forth to be with your father, it will be comforting to know he is there to make sure the puppy is being fed, walked, brushed and looked after until you can get home.

Transitions, changes can be a little rough at first; however, in almost no time you will likely adjust.

My thoughts are with you as your father goes through his medical matters.

...and he sure to eat and take care of yourself as well. The puppy, your parents and boyfriend don't want you getting sick or run down!

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What breed is it?

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@Agent1741,

He is a Labrador Retriever.

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@USER123456,

Hopefully he is about 8 weeks old?? Try to remember he is only an infant and will be a baby for a while. Where does he sleep? Are you crate training?

1 Reply

@glitterbag,

He is 7 weeks,I felt that he was given to us a little early, however the breeder stated that he was ready at 6 1/2.

Also, in regards to the situation with my boyfriend I feel I should clarify that although he was on board with the idea of getting a puppy (he thought it would be a good companion for his dog). We determined that for the most part it would be my dog and he would help out when needed.

He does do his best to help but it's usually for short periods of time. AdditIonally, he doesn't always know how to react to my anxiety issues. Do not get me wrong, I'm thankful for everything he does but at the same time I do not want to have to put almost full responsibility on him depending on my situation.

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@USER123456,

He currently sleeps in our living area and I usually stay on the couch to comfort him if it is needed. He has a crate but if we put him in the whole night and leave him he will cry the majority of the night.

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@USER123456,

Well the breeder was wrong and hustled you a little. But that's not the end of the world, it just means the puppy will need you to be patient. I would like to help you with this but its getting a little for me.......I will be available in about 8 or 9 hours, I just need to get some sleep. Puppies are babies, and they need patience and calm demeanor and discipline. Screaming at the puppy won't do any good....puppies get bored and really need a routine.

Lets talk later today, you will be facing some challenges and the puppy deserves a good home. You can provide that, I'll help you. If it does get to the point where you can't care for the puppy , don't neglect it, there are rescue groups that will help the puppy.

You don't need to fret tonight, we can talk later.

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@USER123456,

USER123456 wrote:

He currently sleeps in our living area and I usually stay on the couch to comfort him if it is needed. He has a crate but if we put him in the whole night and leave him he will cry the majority of the night.

Yeah, they cry up a storm for a few days....it's nerve racking but they settle after around four days. I'll talk more tomorrow,,,need to get some sleep. Keep the puppy in the crate during the night and stay close to comfort him...he's a baby...babies will grow up quickly...it just doesn't feel that way for the first two weeks.

1 Reply

@glitterbag,

I'm sure glad someone with experience is working with this topic.

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@roger,

Well, I love the doggies......I even use a picture of Ruby as my avatar.

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@glitterbag,

I'm so glad you know what you're doing. Smile

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@USER123456,

They are a great breed, very loyal!

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@USER123456,

Did the breeder give you certification of the puppy's shot and deworming? Even if the breeder gave you the certifications, you still need to make an appt. for the vet to check out your puppy. I hope you have a vet in your area that's not affiliated with those huge nationwide chains...private practice vets are usually more affordable and much less likely to order unnecessary tests or overcharge on medications. We have been very fortunate with out local vet and he's taken very good care of three cats (until cat heaven) two beloved springer spaniels and three vizslas. We only have Ruby right now.

Where do you live, are you near Maryland? I ask because I may be able to find a support group near you that you can reach quickly if you have questions. I'm more than happy to help out with the new puppy, I just am not always online and would like you to have a network of folks who can also support you and the puppy.

You can always send me a PM if you have a question you don't want to post in public.

If it helps, I have to tell you that listening to howling puppies is close to torture...especially when you are sleep deprived and anxious for quiet rest....but it doesn't last very long....just stay consistent with the crate training......at least until he is potty trained.

I really just want to help, so if I tell you something you already know please don't think I'm treating you like a dope...I'm just not sure what kind of help you need so I'm trying to cover all bases.

Did the breeder tell you what food to buy and how often to feed the puppy? He needs three small meals a day for awhile, and I have to check with some folks because I've forgotten exactly how long you keep them on three before you only feed them twice a day. I really recommend feeding the dog twice a day, because larger beds like labs can develop bloat if they eat too much at one time.

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@USER123456,

A couple of things I just thought of,,,,,don't leave the puppy and the adult dog alone (unsupervised), if someone can't be home please keep puppy in crate. The older dog will adjust, it just takes awhile. The older dog has been king or queen of the castle for awhile...she needs time to acclimate to the puppy but they can become great companions.

Also, keep the dogs separate when they are fed. At least for awhile.

Has the older dog been spayed or neutered? Is the older dog a small, medium or large dog?

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OK, what do you need help with right now?

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My first puppy was too young as well. What worked for me was placing an old fashioned wind up clock next to the crate he sleeps in. It replaced the rhythm of Momma’s heart beat and soothed him to sleep at night. That was 30 years ago, but surely they still make them. If you can’t find that, a metronome might work.

New puppy, major anxiety - what to do?

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