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First time dog owner here :)

6K views 23 replies 8 participants last post by  Molly120213 
#1 ·
Hello! I'm a first time dog owner, and thought getting a small dog that is OK in an apartment, who is smart and doesn't shed, loves kids (I don't have any, but I want them), and who is a good dog for first time owners would be a good idea... I feel I'm not quite cut out for this dog mommy thing. My Winston is absolutely adorable, and I've only had him a week, but I'm ripping my hair out! He destroys everything he can get his teeth on and chews and eats paper and cardboard, as well as his own poo... I work part-time so have to leave him alone for a few hours a day, and I'm scared to come home to see what he's been up to... (He is in his play pen, but has already chewed himself a new door...)

Sorry for the long post!
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum! Have you tried leaving him with something like a filled kong to occupy him while you are gone? Also be sure to give him plenty of opportunities to burn off that excess energy when you are home. Make sure you confine him at times when you are home too. You want him to be comfortable in his space so he can relax there and not try to chew his way out everytime you leave. Good luck with your new little guy!
 
#3 ·
A metal exercise pen, though not as attractive, is often a better choice for puppies if they will be left alone in it without a supervising human close by to correct the inclination to chew on the pen. Puppies are a lot of work. If you put in that work, training them to have good house manners and good basic obedience skills, they will reward you with many years of companionship. Even those of us who have raised many puppies over many years often have a "what was I thinking moment or two" when raising a new puppy! Find a good training club or trainer. Make sure they train using positive methods as Havanese have very soft temperaments and harsh training methods will cause them to shut down. Some major aids in puppy raising are confinement unless you can closely supervise, much socialization with calm friendly people and dogs, lots of playtime to expend energy and short training sessions throughout the day (5 minutes or so at a time-always ending on a success). Only you will know if you are willing to give your puppy what he needs to grow into a well behaved companion. Those of us who have done certainly feel that it is. If you really think you don't want to then get in touch with the breeder so your puppy can be placed in a new home before difficult behaviors are ingrained and very hard to change. There is a ton of information on this forum that might help.
 
#4 ·
Thank you so much you guys! I leave around lunch time, so to keep him busy I put his lunch in his treat toys so he has to work to get it out, that way he's busy when I'm gone. Having said that he still wrecks his pen etc. He hasn't managed to get out recently, but I'm sure he's trying. Lol. I don't know how to expel his energy, since he hates his lead, and has to start his vaccines again, so he can't go outside. I can get him to run a bit in the flat, but he tires of that pretty quickly. I'm looking for a puppy school so that when he's had is vacs he can go. Hopefully it all works out.

He inhales is food and is constantly looking for more, but from other threads here, I take it that's normal... Is eating poo normal too? :sick:
 
#5 ·
Eating poo is a dome puppies do and some puppies don't much or at all. Our Leo never did. Rexy did some but when he is fed raw (Primal Freeze-dried beef now) he doesn't bother it. Cleaning up after he goes is best practice but not an option when you aren't home.
How old is your puppy? If he has had at least 2 puppy vaccines participating in a puppy class should be fine. I also erred on the side of socialization as the weeks socialization is so important pass very quickly.
 
#6 ·
Welcome! As stated above, as long as he has had 2 sets if vaccinations, puppy kindergarten should be ok. He should absolutely be taking trips outside at this point though, even if he has had just one set of vaccines. Use common sense (don't bring him places where dogs tend to congregate, avoid pet stores, etc), but getting him outside and on a lead is super important to both his socialization and to getting his wiggles out.
 
#7 ·
Welcome! Puppies have a way of destroying everything in their path. 😊 It just takes time and patience. I just want to recommend the Richell ex-pen. The size is adjustable and it has a plastic tray to protect carpets or hardwood floors. It is very sturdy so he won't escape while your at work. Scout and Truffles loved their ex-pens and I used them for a few years. I just recently moved them upstairs. My two have never been interested in their poo, but Scout likes deer poo! 😟
Water Plant Wood Tree Chair
 
#8 ·
Sounds like another Teddy! lol.

Probably boredom!
Best tip I ever got on this was get him absolutely exhausted before you leave!
Take him jogging or for a walk in the morning then leave him in a "safe" area with a squeeky toy, a kong or nylabone. He'll probably sleep through most of the day and spend the rest chewing his toys.

If you have someone who can walk him (in addition to his morning walk), that would help even more!
We also leave Teddy with access to look out of the window (took a few days of training). now he sits on the sofa and watches the road the whole day rather than eats my sofa (or looks for new ways to get into my shoe cupboard for a shoe to chew on!).

For eating poo, I gave Teddy pineapple a few times and he's never eaten his poo again!
 
#9 ·
This is actually good practice for you if you think you want human kids... They are a LOT. More trouble for a LOT longer time than a puppy!!! Hang in there. Remember that the more work you put into raising the puppy now, the nicer companion dog you will have for tye next 15+ years!

On another subject, you mentioned needing to get your puppy's shots "again". Why is this? I would be VERY cautious about doing this. Havanese are a vaccine sensitive breed, and over-vaccinating can have life-long health consequences. If you think your puppy my have been previously vaccinated, I would insist that your vet do titers before giving any more vaccines. Then follow Jean Dodd's protocol for vaccinating vaccine sensitive breeds: Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource Blog | 2016 Dodds Vaccination Protocol for Dogs
 
#10 ·
#11 ·
If you want to get your puppy nice and exhausted do some shaping with him - brilliant way to train, and super exhausting! Have a look at a book called "The Thinking Dog" by Gail Tamases Fisher The Thinking Dog: Crossover to Clicker Training (Dogwise Training Manual) - Kindle edition by Gail Tamases Fisher. Crafts, Hobbies & Home Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
brilliant book anyway, but great on shaping.
Yes, yes yes!!! Wearing out the body is exhausting for the human, and they get fitter and fitter, needing more and more exercise to wear them out. Wear out the brain, and they will sleep for hours! (and it's SUPER fun too!!!)
 
#13 ·
Hi Guys, thanks for all your advice!

He needed his vaccs restarted because the brand that they use in England is incompatible with the one they use in Scotland. He had both types today, and will get one more in 4 weeks time. The vet said it was alright to start socialising him and taking him for long walks though, as he has had the 2 sets of shots so his immune system should be fine.

I was wondering if any of you had issues with teeth at all. My vet said that Winston's bite is out and that his bottom 2 canines are growing into the top of his mouth (the roof). He said that he recommends getting them removed so that the adult teeth have a chance to grow in the right place. However this costs 350-400 pounds, and there's no guarantee that the adult teeth will grow correctly. If they don't then I'll need to have a procedure done to fix it, which can cost 4 figures. Frankly, I don't have the money for that... What would you guys suggest?

I am already dealing with 150 pounds for an ear infection I inherited from the breeder, that my insurance won't cover as I'm in the 14 day waiting period. And I know that I can't afford many more surprises like this... I don't want to rehome him due to something as stupid as costs for treatment, so want to know what you guys suggest and how much it cost you if you've had to do this before.

Thanks, and sorry for the long post!
 
#14 ·
Goodness, these fees seem steep? £150 for an ear infection??? I'd really question them by getting a second opinion from another vet, miss izzy. I don't know about Scottish vets (I'm in the UK) but we certainly have some very expensive vets here and you have to look around. I travel outside Oxford where I live to a vet twenty miles away because I don't trust my local vet and don't think their fees are fair or reasonable.
I'd also question a vet who recommends 'long walks' for a puppy; I'm sure others will have more knowledge of exact times, but I never walked mine as puppies for longer than five minutes per month of the dog's life to begin with - so at 3 months they'd get fifteen minutes...etc.
 
#15 ·
My Molly has had two separate procedures done for tooth extraction. She had to have two adult teeth pulled during the last one. Even with all of that she still has one tooth that does not lay correctly, however it is not poking her cheeks or gums. If you have teeth that are poking the roof of your dogs mouth they need to come out. This is a painful situation and I would also think it is a perfect scenario for infection to set in. If you can find a vet that specializes in dental issues that would be ideal. I could not locate one around me and just let my vet handle things. Good luck!
 
#16 ·
Thanks guys :)

Just to clarify the ear infection costs: The first time it was vet fee, 40 pounds for the test to see if it was yeast or bacteria, and the meds. Then one week later it was vet fee and a cleaning solution. So 150 in total.

I go to Vets for Pets in Pets at Home.

The thing about the dental work is that there is only one specialist in Scotland (according to my vet), so he's going to be pricey. How much did you need to pay for your dog's teeth?

Thanks again for all your help guys!
 
#17 · (Edited)
When Molly went in the first time it involved baby teeth and cost about $200 US. The second time involved permanent teeth and cost about $260 US. This included dental xrays, anesthesia, pre-op blood work, extractions and antibiotics. Also wanted to add that Molly does not have a problem with her bite. She has a small mouth and her adult teeth did not all come in properly due to retained baby teeth.
 
#21 ·
Hey guys, just a quick update:

I went and got a second opinion this morning, and the vet basically re-iterated what the first said. Without any prompting. She quoted lower prices, but after looking at my finances, I just can't afford it. 300 pounds to have his baby teeth removed, and then with specialist treatment 2,000+ pounds for his adult teeth. None of it covered by insurance.

I just called the breeder and she said she will take him back, and refund me the money. She said she will keep him, and after a few weeks do the operations that I was recommended.

My heart has broken into a million pieces. I absolutely love this dog, but just can't afford him. His ear infection as well as his teeth are now classed as pre-existing conditions, so now they will never be covered by insurance companies. I just can't afford that kind of medical treatment. I looked at my budget when I got him, and I could afford him, as long as anything that went wrong was covered by insurance. And since none of it is, and I'm already quite a bit out of pocket, I just can't keep him. There is a chance the adult teeth will grow properly, but what do I do if they don't and I can't afford it? It's just better to re-home him now, before he gets too attached to me, and my routine.

This was not a decision I made lightly, and it really hurts. I've cried all weekend. He's asleep on my lap as I type this. I've bonded with him, but it's best for both of us if he is re-homed sooner rather than later.

I'm absolutely devastated :'(
 
#22 ·
Oh, miss izzy, I am absolutely devastated for you. I'm so very, very sorry. You are being incredibly brave to have taken such a decision, and I so admire you for your strength. What a dreadfully sad story. Thinking of you and wishing you well.
With many thoughts and much sympathy,
Lalla
 
#23 ·
I am so very sorry that you have had this happen. I AM happy, however, that the breeder did the honorable thing, however, and will take him back and get him treated. There will be another, healthier, puppy in your future, and it sounds like your breeder will do her best to find this little one a wonderful home. :hug:
 
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