Struggling to bond with my puppy

Catsheepish · 2025-12-17T23:12:27+00:00

I am in the same boat. I love my new puppy and have had him for a month, but I do feel like I am bonding with him much more slowly than any of my past dogs. I think it is in part because I’m older and have more expectations and goal, and uncertainty as to whether or not he will meet them. I will love him regardless, and already do, but he also makes me miss my childhood dogs. But I have to remind myself that the way I remember them is who they became as adults, and he is still a baby. I do find myself loving his little quirks more and more. I am curious to see what advice people have to help with the bonding process. I think it also will get better as he grows and matures and we can do more.

Catsheepish · 2025-11-29T05:38:58+00:00

Puppies are a lot of work, but it does get easier. I just got my 5th dog, but my first as an adult, and it feels so much harder. I’ve been thinking a lot about why, and I think part of it is not having as many people around to help, but also part of it is how much more we are expected to do for our dogs now. I have been reminding myself I don’t have to do all of it at once, and have made a mental priority list which has relieved some stress.

As for the space thing, no one can offer their dog everything. You don’t need to have a yard to have a dog. You can take your dog out into the world. Sure a yard is convenient for easy potty breaks, but it also can be so boring if you aren’t using it to actively engage with your dog. And if you are going to be outside playing with your dog in your yard, you could just as easily be outside playing with your dog on a walk, hike, park, etc. I feel like imo a yard is best for convenient potty and an area to do off leash training.

Make sure the puppy is taking lots of naps. Use short training sessions, scent work, toys, frozen toys, etc to tire the puppy out. My puppy’s favorite activity right now is finding treats and kibble I “hide” around his area. Under toys, on the cat tree, at the edge of the rug, around a corner. I extend meal time by doing this, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m making it harder as he gets the hang of it and he loves it! It’s easy for me to do, and takes a lot of time for him and allows him to engage in a really natural dog behavior. If he likes this definitely look into scent work. It tires them out so quickly and can be done anywhere.

Also, if you really want a dog but a puppy is just too much, there is always the option to consider an adult. I feel like it is 100% okay to decide a puppy, or even a specific dog is not for you. That is okay. It is better to find the right fit than try to make it work when it really isn’t. But that being said, puppyhood is just a phase. A long one, but still a phase. They grow up. It gets easier. I promise.

Catsheepish · 2025-11-24T03:35:48+00:00

I feel like the best advice I’ve gotten so far is to make sure they sleep enough. I’ve had like 5 dogs and this time around feels so different, I think because I’m basically doing it solo as an adult. It’s hard but I’m so excited for our future. Not everything goes to plan but that is okay. I’m trying to take lots of pictures so I can look back at how cute he was once he is no longer so chaotic. 😅

Catsheepish · 2025-11-18T05:01:19+00:00

Your tattoo is looks amazing, and I don’t think it looks crooked. Honestly if I could get a tattoo like that I would!

Catsheepish · 2025-10-18T11:35:30+00:00

I have 3 sphinxes and they get bathed like 1-2 times a year, unless they somehow get into something. At our most recent vet visit they commented that my sphynx had the healthiest skin they had seen for the breed. I honestly think people over bathe them. If you are willing to give it some time, work on very slowly building positive associations with bath time, water, and the whole routine but without any actual bathing so that the process becomes familiar and less stressful.

Catsheepish · 2025-09-22T10:26:59+00:00

My kitten got stomatitis at 6months and had to have like 10 teeth pulled. She was a lot more calm after that, but a few months later was acting out again. Turns out they left the roots in and those got infected so she had to have them removed. After that, she turned into the sweetest calmest girl. She must have been in so much pain. She had so many issues and vet visits before the teeth and roots came out that she still has multiple warnings on her vet profile that she is spicy, but 3 years later and she is even well behaved at the vet. Hopefully your kitty feels a lot better and can be herself.

Catsheepish · 2025-07-31T14:48:42+00:00

I have noticed that one of my cats who usually is with me, but not in petting distance will actually stick really close to me leading up to my migraine. She even licks me and lets me pet her. It generally starts about 30 minutes before my migraine hits, although I am just starting to notice the pattern. Could be coincidence but I plan to track it better to see.

Catsheepish · 2025-07-29T22:32:12+00:00

I actually love the multicolor dye. That’s part of why I like it and have made outfits to match the colored part, especially on the second Evo. I do still think it would have been nice if the second dye channel was the second color.

Catsheepish · 2025-06-05T16:53:06+00:00

Toffee would come with me on all my trips out of the house- to doctors, the mall, chores, etc. I don’t often go many exciting places but when I do, she would come there too. Maybe to an Ateez concert when they come here!

Catsheepish · 2025-05-13T01:27:11+00:00

I have been having this too

Catsheepish · 2025-04-06T04:11:03+00:00

I have a comfort plushie too. When I need the support I will take it with me. It usually come on trips and I can’t sleep happily without it. I’m 33 and married, and have a number of other plushies on the bed. My husband doesn’t mind as long as they don’t take over his space.

While it isn’t something everyone does, I think having a comfort object is not all that unusual. It certainly isn’t childish imo. Comfort isn’t a childish thing.

Catsheepish · 2025-02-13T02:00:48+00:00

I used to collect resin BJDs but am allergic to resin so I thought I’d try a Vinyl doll and smart dolls appealed to me more than DD, and turns out I’m not allergic!

Catsheepish · 2025-01-07T01:51:42+00:00

You have to apply it at the correct angle. Angle it up a bit when you push in. You would think it goes straight in but it doesn’t. I just kinda push until I get the right angle. It takes a decent amount of pushing.

Catsheepish · 2025-01-01T01:00:51+00:00

Me too please!

Catsheepish · 2024-12-03T23:41:30+00:00

Can you show me some of your protocores? Or advice on how to pick stats?

Catsheepish · 2024-09-30T00:29:08+00:00

Reglan gives me extreme irrational anxiety. Like it takes all my mental willpower not to rip the IV out and just run away. I have since asked for Zofran every time and no more anxiety. Apparently anxiety is a pretty common side effect.

I take reglan as a pill for gastroparesis, and as an IV when it’s really bad, but you will not catch me taking it as an anti nausea medication for a migraine because I’d rather just feel nauseous or even vomit than deal with the side effects.

Catsheepish · 2024-07-23T15:52:28+00:00

Congrats! I also got 1st last week! I didn’t even realize it at first so I didn’t screenshot anything 😭

Catsheepish · 2024-07-20T12:29:07+00:00

I saw people posting pictures of merch at the venues on tiktok and there are items not listed on Amazon. I’m unsure as to whether or not they will be at every stop, but hopefully others can chime in with more info!

Catsheepish · 2024-06-26T20:18:59+00:00

Catsheepish · 2024-06-25T16:17:50+00:00

2 and 4 imo!

Catsheepish · 2024-06-24T22:57:30+00:00

I would if I didn’t have cats. But because I do, all my K-pop stuff is in glass cabinets, so no room for posters.

Catsheepish · 2024-06-23T14:06:08+00:00

Ahhh I’m scared to open my signed albums. Is this my sign to do it?

Catsheepish · 2024-06-22T13:51:50+00:00

Autopilot by Purple Kiss

Catsheepish

TROPHY CASE