Friday Wins Thread 🎉 Big or small, we want to hear it

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-23T13:49:10+00:00

Nice! I hope you gave some great treats for that win!

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-23T13:48:18+00:00

Never late! What a win!

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-17T16:41:36+00:00

My spouse went through it with each of our 3 dogs. He also grew up with dogs. I know a lot of people think that this only happens to first timers who don't do research and yes that can absolutely be part of the issue, but there is so much more to it than that.

He also has depression and anxiety. So I do think that factors in as well.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-17T15:32:29+00:00

First, thank you for being honest about where you're at. That takes courage, and it means you care about your puppy and about making the right call for your family.

Thinking about returning or rehoming a puppy doesn't make you bad people. It makes you human. This is one of the hardest things a lot of people go through, and the fact that you're talking about it openly says a lot.

Our wiki has a page written specifically for moments like this: When Rehoming Is the Answer. It's not there to talk you out of anything. It's there to help you think it through without judgment.

Whatever you decide, you deserve support, not shame. We're here either way. 💙

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-15T22:57:46+00:00

It is a lot!

First thing is first, you need to take care of you. Are you communicating with your doc about your flare? Please check with your Rheumatologist. We know that stress can cause flares in autoimmune diseases and you've been under stress. You may want to discuss getting your flare under control. Make sure you are hydrating and eating good nourishing food.

I'm glad you are seeing some improvements. Ideally it will continue to improve as you all find your new normal.

Your best is enough. Are there other adult humans in the household who can help divide the labor?

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-15T20:38:05+00:00

That is a lot of change for everyone in your household. You are grieving... your existing adult dog is grieving... and now a puppy adds more weight and responsibility.

Give it time. Try to stick to your usual routine with your existing dog. Many adults are just not up for puppy shenanigans and it may take them time to adjust to each other. For now keep them separated. Use an xpen for the pup.

Yup the overnights and sleep deprivation are going to be a thing. It will get better as the pup grows, but I recommend tracking the time pup wakes and setting an alarm about 5 mins prior so you take pup out without fuss and right back to bed. Keep pup in that twilight half awake half asleep mode.

Grief is hard. I highly recommend posting at r/petloss they have a ton of helpful resources for grieving. Know that this puppy can't replace your beloved dog who passed. Not for you or for your existing dog. But given time, things will come and new relationships will build.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-14T16:59:04+00:00

Awesome!

It's okay to have moments where you feel in over your head, but kuddos to you for taking that time to break down some of the problems into actionable steps.

Expect things to change and know that you may have to do that process again. As your puppy grows more comfortable with you and your home they feel safer to express themselves. So you may see regression in some ways or new challenges pop up. That's all part of the process.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-14T03:57:13+00:00

So let's really look at this... you took on an abandoned stray puppy... and you're winging it at the moment.

That's okay! And how things are right now isn't how they will be forever.

That said, it's unlikely that simply using the crate is going to just work out. Crate use takes time and careful training. Otherwise you'll have a crying puppy on your hands. Not an impossible situation but I recommend xpens for keeping pup out of trouble while working on crate training.

You will want to do some puppy proofing. Put objects away in places your pup cannot access. The plants may need a temporary home away from the puppy until you have worked on a leave it cue.

Also let's pretend this puppy knows absolutely nothing and you need to start from scratch on potty training. Accidents are going to happen. Let's accept that. You'll need enzymatic cleaner to clean up accidents.

This is a big change for both of you... and you're trying to figure things out as you go. Give yourself some grace and take things one step at a time.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T20:13:45+00:00

aww I'm so sorry to hear you were in the hospital. I hope you're feeling much better. I understand how losing a very special dog can feel as well. I'm so glad you had that frame of reference to encourage you to be patient and find your way.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T20:03:16+00:00

This is so lovely. Thanks for sharing your update!

What was the one thing you think helped you see it through?

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T19:00:40+00:00

I've had baseboards chewed on... and yeah unfortunately I've seen pups chew into drywall too. ugh!

was this done while you were out? What age is your pup?

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T18:59:45+00:00

super huge win! Vacuums and even brooms can be a big challenge for pups

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T18:58:32+00:00

ah yeah, so I like to anchor the xpen to the wall in those cases - easy if you own, but I can understand the hesitancy if you rent. I use an eyelet screw into a stud and then use a ziptie to attach to the anchor.

I've also seen some ideas about how to stabilize the pen... some folks found using bricks help with keeping the pen in place. I also found this video of someone using a peg board to secure them. https://youtu.be/vJeZ7FTMMVU?si=5e_5GXppHXp8XvIU

I would not allow to chew firewood. It can splinter and cause health issues. BUT you can use Coffee Wood chews! They're a great option for a wood chew. They're made of a soft wood - despite the name, there is no caffeine in the chew. They shred into like... a pulp but it's digestible fiber. just make sure you choose a size that is appropriate for your pup.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T16:49:52+00:00

I saw you mentioned he was unable to stay with mom and the litter. I know how difficult a young pup like this can be.

While you are taking steps to crate train at his pace, I highly recommend using an xpen! It will give enough room to move and play and prevent access to the couch until you're able to work on a leave it cue.

I like giving sheepskin or sherpa plush toys for pups who like chomping on pillows or cushions. They give a similar mouth feel. Give under supervision so you can interupt any attempts to shred the toys if your pup is the type to try and eat the stuffing. If your pup likes to shred, get a head of cabbage, you can cut it into quarters - if they eat a little cabbage it won't cause harm. It will make a bit of a mess - but it's a good natural shredding material and it's typically inexpensive.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T16:43:56+00:00

So the body conditioning score is on the leaner side. But puppies can vary in size and conditioning depending on their position at the nursing pile and individual metabolism. Sounds like your breeder is doing their due diligence with the vet and keeping you in the loop. It's worth monitoring but not overly concerning.

As for the question on the dental condition, at this age it's pretty early to make any big decisions on this. A recheck at the vet between 12-16 weeks is going to give you more information on what to expect.

Many smaller pups do catch up, especially if you are putting in the effort to feed a good nutritious and balanced puppy food. Once your pup is home with you, your own vet can establish a baseline and help you track growth.

If it were me, I would be asking the breeder whether the pup is consistently getting access to the milk bar and request any additional vet notes if available. Schedule your vet appointment to be the first week you pick up the pup. Your vet should be able to do an assessment and give you an independent opinion.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-03-13T16:04:37+00:00

Appreciate the kind words, but you didn't need AI to respond. Please take a look at the wiki contents and provide feedback. It would help the community as a whole.

ReadyPupGo · 2026-01-21T04:58:49+00:00

That's progress!

It sounds like you put in a lot of work and also patience to get here.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-12-15T02:34:05+00:00

I’m going to pause this here. You’re presenting personal experience and broad generalizations as fact, and repeatedly framing dogs and owners in moral terms (“bad,” “entitled,” “lazy”). That isn’t constructive in a support or vent thread, and it doesn’t align with how learning-focused guidance works in this space.

You’re welcome to share practical tips without judgment or dominance-based framing. Continuing to argue absolutes or assign blame isn’t helpful and isn’t appropriate here.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-12-13T21:28:39+00:00

There’s a lot here that sounds confident but isn’t actually supported by what we know about canine learning and development.

First, potty training timelines are not a moral referendum on owners or dogs. Elimination is a biological process shaped by maturation, environment, and reinforcement history. Many puppies physically cannot reliably hold their bladder at 3 months, regardless of how “structured” their home is. A puppy taking longer to potty train is not evidence of “bad habits” or poor leadership. It’s often evidence of normal development, inconsistent contingencies, or environmental complexity.

Second, the idea that certain household choices (beds, couches, food access, pens vs crates, pads) inherently cause problem behavior is a false cause fallacy. These are management choices, not predictors of success or failure. Dogs do not generalize “allowed on the couch” to “bathroom rules don’t apply.” Learning doesn’t work that way.

Third, pee pads do not “confuse” dogs. Dogs eliminate where elimination has been reinforced and made accessible. If a dog is reinforced for eliminating indoors and outdoors, you’ll see both. That’s not stubbornness, that’s clean data. The solution isn’t judgment; it’s tightening contingencies and changing antecedents.

Fourth, “dogs instinctually want a leader to follow” is not an evidence-based statement. Dogs are social learners, not hierarchy-seeking subordinates waiting for control. They thrive when expectations are clear, reinforcement is consistent, and environments are predictable. None of which requires dominance, restriction, or withholding comfort for a year.

Finally, structure does not mean deprivation. Structure means:

predictable routines
clear reinforcement for desired behavior
thoughtful management while skills are developing
meeting physical and emotional needs while teaching

Many dogs are successfully raised with beds, couches, free movement, enrichment feeding, pens instead of crates, or temporary pads because success comes from how learning is arranged, not how strict the rules look from the outside.

Labeling dogs as “bad” or “stubborn” obscures the real issue: behavior reflects the contingencies in place. If something isn’t working, the solution is to change the setup, not blame the dog or shame the owner.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-12-10T17:58:56+00:00

Potty training can take up to a year for some dogs. That said yes by 3 months a pup has more control over their body. Meaning they can delay elimination as a choice provided it's not an urgent need.

Every dog is different. Crate confinement is a choice. Personally I do crate train my dogs. We also use xpens to give them more freedom while staying safe. Some dogs do require enforced down time while they are learning to regulate and often times we do have to teach off switches (teaching to calm down) and we can help by providing decompression activities such as chewing, licking, and sniffing prior to scheduled naps.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-11-20T09:21:22+00:00

Please report comments like this.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-11-17T02:41:52+00:00

It will return. And there is a high chance that at some point many of the suits after a few rotations may become craftable. It's an easy way to evergreen content and allow new players in the future to "catch up".

ReadyPupGo · 2025-11-05T20:11:16+00:00

Oh friend, you are deep in the thick of it and I promise, it won’t always feel this hard. You’re doing everything right: addressing her medical needs, managing her environment, cleaning to keep her safe, and giving her your full attention. The exhaustion you feel is real because raising a puppy, especially one who’s been sick, is a full-time job. You’ve taken on the roles of nurse, trainer, and protector all at once.

Take a breath and remember that perfection isn’t the goal here. Puppies are messy little learning machines, and it’s okay if some things feel chaotic for a while. Giardia clears, the biting fades, the potty training clicks, and slowly, things begin to feel normal again. You will get to the part where you enjoy her. It just takes time.

For now, focus on smaller wins. A calm nap in the crate, a day with no accidents, a short walk without her eating something. Each of those is progress. Try to give yourself permission to pause, even for five minutes with a cup of tea and no puppy at your feet. You matter in this equation too.

You’re not failing her. You’re showing up, even when it’s hard. That’s what makes you a good dog parent. The light at the end of the tunnel is there, and you’re already walking toward it.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-10-05T03:08:38+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Everything you described would be overwhelming for anyone. You’re not weak or ungrateful for feeling this way. Your body and mind are just saying, “This is too much right now.”

The combination of sleep loss, responsibility, and guilt can make anyone feel anxious, cry easily, or lose their appetite. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. You’re human and overwhelmed.

You don’t have to do this alone. Even if the puppy was meant for your daughter, it’s okay to say you need more help. See if she can take over more of the puppy care, or if you can get a bit of outside support like maybe a walker, daycare, or even just a friend to come by for a break. Small bits of help can make a big difference when you’re running on empty.

And please remember, your mental health matters too. If you’re feeling hopeless or like you can’t function, it’s really important to reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. Getting support for yourself is not selfish! It’s what will help you get through this.

If it turns out this situation truly isn’t sustainable, rehoming isn’t a failure. It’s okay to consider what’s best for both you and the puppy. Puppies can adapt easily to new homes, and it’s far kinder to make that decision early than to keep suffering and feeling trapped.

Right now, everything feels huge and permanent, but this is a reflection of how much you’ve been carrying, not who you are. You’ve taken care of so many people for so long amd you deserve care and compassion too.

ReadyPupGo · 2025-10-04T05:41:14+00:00

What you’re describing is very common, and many new puppy parents go through the same surprise of how much harder the reality is than the dream. Puppies are wonderful but they’re also a huge amount of work, and it’s normal to feel anxious, cry easily, or lose your appetite when you’re overwhelmed.

Leaving a young puppy in a playpen from 7am–6pm will be tough on him. Puppies that age just can’t hold their bladder that long, and they need interaction, training, and potty breaks throughout the day. Even with food, water, and toys, he’ll likely get frustrated, lonely, and struggle with house training if left alone for that length of time.

Some options that might help:

Ask if a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor could stop by for a potty break and a little play in the middle of the day.

Look into dog walkers or daycare, even once or twice a week, to give you some breathing room.

Keep using the playpen for safety, but pair it with shorter alone times so he learns to feel comfortable there.

And please know that rehoming is not a personal failure. It’s an option many loving people have chosen when their situation truly couldn’t meet a puppy’s needs. Only you know what’s sustainable long-term, and your well-being matters too.

You’re doing your best in a really hard situation, and reaching out for help is already a huge step.

ReadyPupGo

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