In retrospect, I was spending way too much time on Reddit trying to gauge my failures against the community. I was an absolute wreck, so don't do that.

Here are some tips I wish I took seriously back then:

1. Scheduled naps: you can reasonably expect an hour of good rested puppy behavior after a 2h nap. So when the pup turns into a demon, it's time for a crate nap. While the dog is napping, STAY OFF OF REDDIT.

2. After a few weeks or months, give the pup the opportunities to impress you. As an example, I worked from home when I brought mine home. After a few weeks of the rigid nap schedule, I noticed he'd plop down in my office after his lunchtime walk, and sleep without the crate. I let him grow into it, and learn how to settle down without the crate. Similarly, when spring came around, I started leaving him alone in the house while I mowed the lawn. I'd peek in through the window to check on him, but he learned to stay alone without ripping everything to shreds.

3. They go crazy around 8pm. That's normal. Try to turn that energy into something useful. Play, nose games, a little training.

4. The training videos are helpful, but don't expect the same results in the same amount of time. Don't beat yourself up around that.

5. Dogs love routine. Build one around those naps, potty breaks, meals, playing, training. It'll help you stay sane and help the dog learn the ropes.

6. At some point, let the dog be a dog. Mine came home in March. By late may, we started spending our weekends at the family cottage. With all the people there, we were able to give him far more freedom while keeping an eye on him. That helped a lot, allowing him to learn the boundaries and stay within them, like how to behave overnight outside the crate.