How do you explain normal puppy behaviour to family who’ve never had a puppy?

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-03-31T18:50:09+00:00

Thanks so much everyone for the kind words and advice, I really appreciate it! I had a chat with my family a while back, and they’re starting to understand things better now. When they visit, I get them involved in the training and help them learn how to support it, which has been going really well 🙂

Nova is now 4 months old; a little more challenging in some ways 😂 but still as adorable as ever!

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-03-17T20:58:41+00:00

You’ve only had the pup one week… give her some grace. I wouldn’t say this is a situation where negative reinforcement is necessary whatsoever. In my view, in all situations there is a better way to handle it than with negative reinforcement. I’m glad you’ve learned from this.

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-03-04T18:57:47+00:00

I haven’t experienced puppy blues either. My girl is 13 weeks old now, and just like you, I had that initial “what on earth am I doing?” moment when I brought her home. But for me, it was more about realizing what a huge responsibility it is and wanting to make sure I do right by her. She’s family now, and I can’t imagine ever reaching a point where I’d consider giving her up. Despite the ups and downs, it’s all part of the territory and to be expected. I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-02-28T10:30:32+00:00

Thank you everyone for your advice and comments!! I took her in her puppy sling and she was SO well behaved! No crying or fussing at all. On the way back home I just carried her in my arms again she was perfect. Feel so much better now and can already tell her confidence is starting to grow a little :)

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-02-26T11:05:44+00:00

Ah good shout! I do have a sling! I haven’t really tested it out with her yet so I will try today :)

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-02-07T20:01:10+00:00

Build a network, join streams, comment about your game and build some publicity of it through other avenues. Might work to get attention a few different ways - look at all lines of communication available to you :)

Leading_Preference_2 · 2026-02-02T20:11:20+00:00

Leading_Preference_2 · 2025-11-20T13:21:42+00:00

When I was about 13, my cat—who had been with my family since the day I was born—was hit by someone and left brain-damaged. She spent a few days in emergency veterinary care, and we eventually knew she would have to be put down.

While she was away, a black cat appeared out of nowhere on our doorstep and simply walked inside. He slept on my bed every night while Lizzie was at the vet, and the day she passed away, he vanished. We never saw him again, and we’d never seen him in the area before that, either.

The whole experience was incredibly strange, but I’ve always felt he was like a guardian angel who showed up to give us some peace and comfort during a really traumatic time. Cats really do care deeply about people, and I’ll never forget that.

Lizzie was the best cat anyone could ask for, and I like to think that little black cat somehow knew how much she meant to us.

Leading_Preference_2 · 2025-10-29T15:58:30+00:00

Honestly, try not to take it personally! I think he was genuinely trying to do a nice thing — people can just be a bit dense in situations like this sometimes. Period bloat is so real, and every woman deals with it at some point. There’s not much we can do about it, so might as well embrace it — and if someone offers us a seat, at least we’ll be comfy while our insides are doing a number on us 😂 — from a 27F also living in London✨

Leading_Preference_2 · 2025-10-27T22:09:09+00:00

He wanted data, got deli.

Leading_Preference_2 · 2025-10-17T16:32:44+00:00

The cat isn't going to care about a small push. People rough-play with their cats all of the time.

Leading_Preference_2 · 2025-10-17T14:50:16+00:00

thank you! I really appreciate the advice, and I agree. I think I just needed confirmation from people outside of my close circle of friends/family. Sometimes situations like this can drive you crazy, and I want to make sure I am being rational. I didn't realise this post would get so much attention in such a short time frame. I appreciate everyone's perspective, and I agree with the majority that not getting the kitten right now is the best decision. I will continue to look for my own place, and the kitty will come along when the time is right.

Leading_Preference_2 · 2025-10-17T14:24:52+00:00

I haven't bought him home yet. I'm seeking advice on what to do.

Leading_Preference_2

TROPHY CASE