One of the most asked questions since we got Teddy is “How does Cuyler like him?”
Cuyler loves him and tells us several times a day how much he loves Teddy and wants him to live with us forever. He also reminds us how brave he is around Teddy and that he is not afraid of him.
We can see a lovely relationship developing.
But. There’s always a but…
We can’t help but notice some big behavioural changes in him since Teddy arrived.
Cuyler was in a wonderful place. School is going amazing.
At home he was content and happy and calm.
Now he has become oppositional again. He is impulsive with his anger. The outbursts have started up again. Tantrums are triggered much quicker and we often don’t know what the trigger is.
He is sneaking food (I found 6 popsicle sticks under his bed).
At home he was content and happy and calm.
Now he has become oppositional again. He is impulsive with his anger. The outbursts have started up again. Tantrums are triggered much quicker and we often don’t know what the trigger is.
He is sneaking food (I found 6 popsicle sticks under his bed).
Normally I would feel like I’m slipping back into autism-crisis mode, however this time the behavioural changes are only at home.
I spoke with his EA and she said things are still going wonderfully at school. Such a relief to hear.
I spoke with his EA and she said things are still going wonderfully at school. Such a relief to hear.
I realized the other day that I am going through the same changes as Cuyler.
My temper is shorter. I’m annoyed with things that I can normally ignore.It’s going to sound CRAZY but I feel a little bit like I did each time I brought a baby home.
My temper is shorter. I’m annoyed with things that I can normally ignore.It’s going to sound CRAZY but I feel a little bit like I did each time I brought a baby home.
A different kind of PPD – post puppy depression.
(I don’t use that term lightly, as I was handed a good hard dose of PPD after Cuyler’s birth)I am overwhelmed at times. I am tired. The adjustment has been more than difficult than I thought it would be.
This adorable little puppy has brought with him major changes in our household. Especially since he’s gone through a house breaking regression. He was doing amazing with eliminating outside. Then something triggered a change and he started to only go inside. GAH.
To avoid the constant soiling of our floor we are now on a strict crate-pee-play/crate-pee-play schedule all day long. It is exhausting. Our eyes have always got to be on the dog to “catch him” if he’s going to mess when he’s out of the crate.
(I don’t use that term lightly, as I was handed a good hard dose of PPD after Cuyler’s birth)I am overwhelmed at times. I am tired. The adjustment has been more than difficult than I thought it would be.
This adorable little puppy has brought with him major changes in our household. Especially since he’s gone through a house breaking regression. He was doing amazing with eliminating outside. Then something triggered a change and he started to only go inside. GAH.
To avoid the constant soiling of our floor we are now on a strict crate-pee-play/crate-pee-play schedule all day long. It is exhausting. Our eyes have always got to be on the dog to “catch him” if he’s going to mess when he’s out of the crate.
Did I mention it’s exhausting? Trying to find a groove with this guy has thrown Cuyler and I both off kilter.
We got a puppy in the coldest, snowiest February we’ve had in years. Our timing wasn’t the greatest.I know we will grow into a new normal with this pup and that all of the hard work right now will be worth it.
The snow will melt, the sun will soon warm the air and things will get easier. That’s what I keep telling myself.
We got a puppy in the coldest, snowiest February we’ve had in years. Our timing wasn’t the greatest.I know we will grow into a new normal with this pup and that all of the hard work right now will be worth it.
The snow will melt, the sun will soon warm the air and things will get easier. That’s what I keep telling myself.
I do think that bringing this pup into our home will be one of the best things we’ve done for Cuyler, therapeutic or otherwise.
(I promise I am not becoming a dog blogger despite the the fact that 3 of my last 4 posts have been about the dog)
yes Kath, I do see small measures of progress.
I think I need to scale back my expectations and remember that he is only 12 weeks old.
Thanks for the words of enouragement!
Jen, I have always identified as “NOT a dog person”
I still look at him in the house and wonder if we are really dog people now…
I guess we are.
Christine, I was right there with you. We got a puppy just before Christmas and he was housebroken when we got him. He came here and promptly regressed. Now in the last few weeks he has been awesome and making no messes whatsoever. So be patient, it’ll happen. And once he’s back on track with the eliminations, it’ll be a lot less stressful and a lot more fun. I promise 🙂
I get it. The ideal of a dog and the reality are wide apart. They are cute, amazing to cuddle and their presence is usually pretty innocent. They are work and like babies, not convenient. Ultimately, worth it but an adjustment time is totally needed. I’d love a dog for M but right now, I feel like a dog would be another relationship I’d feel guilty about it! For now, you do have a new baby. We can’t wait to dog sit him…M is counting the days.
I am not a dog person but that has got to be the cutest dog I have ever seen in my life! Just like with babies, I bet his cuteness helps at least a little bit in dealing with all of the change.
Okay that dog doesn’t even look REAL! he looks stuffed! so cute. I think you’re right Christine – it’s such a massive change…hang in there – you’ll all adjust!