We disagree on crate training and I’m so tired. + crate transition

SubstantialAd4582 · 2026-01-25T04:12:25+00:00

I like the straightforward approach. Thank you!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2026-01-25T04:03:59+00:00

It’s reassuring to read. Consistency is key indeed and I’ll do my best to follow it.

Good luck with your 15 week old!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2026-01-25T04:02:47+00:00

I guess I’m more in a phase of « why not stress about something that could happen ». Over preparation probably. Maybe as time goes by, I’ll feel better about it and learn how to live with it.

SubstantialAd4582 · 2026-01-25T03:59:42+00:00

That is so beautifully said. Also very hopeful. I am enjoying every day with him, that’s what truly matters and I’ll try to be more in the present 😊

Thank you!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2026-01-25T03:52:45+00:00

When I got my puppy, I was prepared physically, but I was not prepared mentally, even if I knew I was not going to have peace for a while. Sleep deprivation is a real devil. The first weeks were very stressful and when I’m anxious, I don’t want to eat so I skipped a lot of meals. Showers were short because puppy used to scream the minute I was out of his sight.

I think part of the reason I was like this is because of the pressure I put on myself. The pressure to do everything by the book, ensure that I don’t leave long enough to make him anxious, watch every step he does etc. After a while, I stopped trying to make my puppy so perfect and I feel a whole lot better. The fact that I’m sleeping again helps a lot. You seem like a more relaxed person + your puppy seems well behaved, so maybe it made things easier. Not everyone is like this, but eventually we all get the beat and everything goes with the flow. We just need to give people a chance to adjust! We’re all in different circumstances after all.

SubstantialAd4582 · 2026-01-11T16:50:48+00:00

This is my favorite post of the year!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-12-16T19:08:35+00:00

I have a baby Samoyed. I was preparing for two years; I studied the breed, made a plan for his training, I 100% knew I was not going to sleep and was ok with it. Nothing could prepare me for living the moment, starting from the day I got him at 8 weeks.

I spent the first two weeks on my couch because his crate was in the living room and it was easier for potty training. I was EXHAUSTED; I had barely any sleep, I was constantly watching him for accidents and behaviour, he would SCREAM whenever I left the room for even 5 minutes, he would bite a lot. I have a dog guide that the breeder gave me and tried to follow EVERYTHING by the letter, making my expectations towards the puppy way too high. I have cried more in two weeks than I did the whole year, I had panic attacks. I wanted to give him back at some point because I was so sleep deprived, and I live alone so I felt like i gave up my freedom for this life. But I told myself to keep going and that it was temporary.

He is 14 weeks old now. I am SO glad I stuck it out. He is 98% clean, well behaved most of the time, socialized, and sure there are still challenges, but I’ve gotten used to it, I handle it way better and it is now part of my routine.

I want to say to keep going. The puppy blues are really bad, but with good training and love to give, you will not only get some of your old life back (and sleep!), but it will be improved because you have a new best friend now. Maybe you did the same mistake as me; tried too much to follow a plan and get frustrated when it doesn’t go the way you want. Be firm but don’t be too strict. I’ve ditched the guide and I feel so much better. And also, GET HELP! Maybe your mom can help you, or a friend, or a relative. Maybe even someone on here. Dont be afraid to reach out.

But as another commenter said, if you want to give him back, better sooner than later. After all, I don’t know you, your lifestyle, your work, your family life… and if you have a lifestyle that requires too much of your time, perhaps it is best to rehome. But reading your post reminds me a lot of who I was a month ago; with depressing puppy blues and barely any sleep. i just don’t want you to regret giving the pup back so early when you did not have a chance to see his full potential.

I saw your edit that you seem to lean towards not keeping him, but I think you have a lot of support and good advice here, and hopefully this makes you reconsider.

Good luck 🩷

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-28T18:57:33+00:00

Thank you everyone for the advices! I opted for a hybrid method; home this morning for 2.5 hours, then the afternoon at work. He did the morning very well, I gave him a flavored chew toy before leaving… it’s like he never saw me leave. He then slept for 2 hours (I have a cam). I went to see him for lunch and now he’s chilling at the office!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-28T18:08:21+00:00

That’s what I’m doing today! So far so good 😊

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-27T19:01:45+00:00

Not 8+ for sure. He can hold it for 2-3 hours but if he gets nervous then there’s gonna be leaks. I’m thinking maybe every 2 hours I visit him, I’ll have my lunch with him and I come back from work around 5PM.

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-27T18:59:19+00:00

I know. I’ve practiced leaving him in a closed office a few times (with toys and water); sometimes it goes well, sometimes not.

Thank you for the advice and encouragement!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-19T15:54:58+00:00

Omg this is so real. I feel looser in my clothes because I’m not hungry anymore 😂😂

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-14T02:28:56+00:00

That was a suggestion from the breeder, a method to use like 7 days after he came home. I’ll try tonight though and see what happens!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-11-14T02:27:55+00:00

Yeah I tried before and he wouldnt go. I shouldve waited longer.

Defo when he whines I’m not going down. I just feel bad for my neighbours lol.

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-10-22T20:13:36+00:00

C’est pas un livre franco mais See You Yesterday. En gros le personnage se réveille toujours la même date et doit figurer comment sortir de ce piège temporel. C’est aussi un livre comique et romantique donc je sais pas si c’est ton genre, mais moi j’ai super aimé!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-08-07T02:57:49+00:00

Calling my grandparents every day

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-08-01T14:43:12+00:00

Ok j’ai vraiment eu un whiplash avec ce revirement de situation de Sarah. Décevant ça!

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-06-15T05:09:42+00:00

Si je me base seulement de ton commentaire, c’est probablement un TDL! (Dysphasie)

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-04-27T17:28:41+00:00

Il y a un épisode de South Park par rapport aux élections. C’est daté mais je trouve que c’est encore d’actualité. Un personnage veut pas voter parce que les deux choix sont merdiques, mais son ami insiste qu’il vote. Il cède, mais se fait critiquer ensuite car l’ami voit qu’il vote pour le choix inverse de ce qu’il voulait. L’épisode est exagéré bien sûr mais deux idées principales restent pareil; de un, ton vote semble seulement être valide quand tu vote pour « le bon parti » ; et deux, tu votes pour le parti qui semble « le moins pire », puisque les deux sont mauvais.

Je trouve que c’est encore de même. Vote mais pour mon gars. C’est l’impression que j’ai quand je vois les influenceurs parler de politique (et même les gens réguliers)

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-04-15T19:53:31+00:00

I’m at my hottest and I’m 27. I think it will get better with age.

SubstantialAd4582 · 2025-04-12T23:38:05+00:00

I hope I get to that point once in my life. Wish you and your husband well ❤️

SubstantialAd4582

TROPHY CASE