I am Stressed...(sort of long)

[Bruce Lanthier]

I walk my dogs at least 4 times for at least a total of 2 miles regardless of weather conditions. And, while I have been mad at the rain I have never been mad at my dogs because it is raining. I have walked them when I have been as sick as a........dog LOL and still did not get mad at them. Your problem is not the weather or the dog, it is that you have a dog you really do not want.

[Miabella]

Our motto is that there is no such as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.

But, Boiler, I think that this isn't so much about weather as it is about your lifestyle. And it sounds like an active, young dog is not your cuppa tea. So please bring her back ASAP so she'll get another chance.

[hmeadq]

We got Doc at 4 months. He was hyper and I was overwhelmed.

The first and best thing we did was start in classes within days of getting him. That showed me that it was ME more then a puppy being a puppy.

I would make sure that he is not crated excessively. The more time you can have him out the better she will behave.

If she had a bad experience wih other dogs the more reason to get her into classes. Make sure she leaves your yard at least every couple days.

Are you willing to invest 75-150 dollars every 6-8 weeks and a couple hours a week to keep her in training for at least a year. That is what you both need. Training will help you bond, if you want to make the commimitment.

You can choose to make her a part of your family. But it is work. The fun really starts when the work is done. Maybe an older dog is better for you where someone else has gone through the zommies already. But even that dog will still need to be walked everyday. We have a book that says at least a mile a day. We don't do that when we are having an ice storm or 18 inches of snow, but otherwise yes, and even on those days we go out and play.

[Jango]

I got Jango at 8wks in the middle of December!!!!! Wouldn't have traded it for the world. There was something about a little puff ball playing in the snow. Yes a puppy is a lot of work. If you don't like bad weather well....... Jango could care less what it is like outside. Rain, mud, sleet. Doesn't matter to him. What I did notice is that he can judge when it's even to bad for him. That is when he runs out, goes potty, and then runs back in. It's funny to watch. When I take him out and he starts doing his dog stuff, zoomies, game of fetch, chasing snowballs, etc. I forget how cold it is and actually enjoy it. If you can't do that, it won't matter what season you get him/her. No one on here will sugarcoat things for you. They tell you like it is and for good reason. If you bit off more than you can chew, rehome the dog. I know how you feel. I wasn't sure what I got into but after a lot of work/training and yes trial and error. We are on the way to great things. Good luck with your decision.

[fruitandnutz]

Right now you are in a difficult place and my heart goes out to you. Regarding Sydney, only you know what you need to do next. A lot of people have offered-up their experiences, sympathy, advice etc., and I expect you can feel the extraordinary passion and support behind these replies.

We all make mistakes, but it’s a genuinely strong person who goes about fixing theirs. From what you’ve written so far, I have no doubt you love your puppy - you wouldn’t be on here otherwise! However, now is the time to be brutally honest with yourself and IF you don’t think you’re ready for this pup, then please take Sydney back now. She’s a little puppy who deserves a fair chance in life with someone who can immediately give her the time and effort she’ll need to reach her full potential. You owe her that.

Perhaps some winter reading on this site (there are loads of books around too) and other stuff on the Net, re. Rotties and other dogs/cats etc, might give you a better idea of what it is you’re looking for and what timing might work best for you. I’ve never had a cat, but dogs (like kids) take time, some people think the return is worth it, others don’t get dogs. Whatever you decide, I wish you well. In the meantime, please do what is right for Sydney.

[miccmill]

My husband took a Rottweiler/something? puppy off the streets 2+yrs. ago and brought her home. We had discussed getting a puppy but had only talked about it a couple of times . I'm used to doing a LOT of planning for an event like that and the last dog I had came from a breeder that took us under their wing for over a year before we were granted a puppy.

We decided to sleep on it (or not sleep as the case was that first night) and decided the next morning we would not take her to the Humane Society but that she would be "our" dog.

She came with a host of behavioral issues I'd never seen before.
We went to the vet two days later, started classes the next week and haven't looked back. We'll be going to classes until they tell us she's too old. (Does that ever happen?)

The difference is,I think, we decided we would do whatever it took to help her be a good dog and have a happy life and we "felt" like doing it. The rewards for that didn't start coming in for a long time. She was (is) a ton of work and our only family project at this time.

Through all that we never talked about being without her so I think you may have answered your own question. If you feel it and that feeling hasn't abated and continues to come up you should consider having her rehomed to someone ready to take on raising a dog.

[anni's.mom]

what did you THINK you were getting into? did you not realize that dogs need to go outside on a regular basis? did you not realize that, since they're dogs, they're curious and they explore the world with their mouths? did you think you were getting a hair-covered, 4-legged human being who would instinctively know the difference between dog toys and your thing?

if you're whining already about having to walk the dog in the cold, your honeymoon is over. return the dog to where ever you got it and get yourself a cat.

[Judi W]

While this pup has been being an experiment for Boiler to find out whether he is willing to discomfort himself, it has not been where it could be seen and adopted by someone who will want her. That perfect home might very well have been totally missed. There is nothing to be applauded in those actions of using a little pup for self-discovery. There are counciling groups for that. The fact that she was in a shelter makes it even more shameful. You can tell all of the lovely stories you want, but that does not excuse the OP of removing a dog from where it might get a good home, dinking around with the "idea" of being a dog owner and then whining about the fact that responsibilities come with it. That pup should be returned promptly, not experimented with further and shame if it is not done.

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

I hope you do decide to return the dog. I don't think this sounds like a good match for you. Maybe you could have a dog, but a more mature dog, more sedate, older, trained, and not a Rottie. Rotties take extra work, more so than other breeds I have had. Although my schipperke was quite a handful for a 10 lb dog. My boy at 1.6 months old still acts like a puppy, and he goes through phases, testing rules, etc. I think you should at least express your concerns to the shelter you adopted from, maybe they have a better match for you, or you could volunteer and learn more about dog care in the process of helping out.

[Sargeant_C]

Believe me, I am not blaming the dog. I blame myself more than anything, she has not done anything wrong. She is a puppy and I understand what her needs are, I thought I was ready, thats why I am talking with you guys about this. I just wasnt sure if how I am feeling is normal. I guess its not.

So do you know what you are going to do with this puppy. Due to the fact she is young there is hope she will be adopted out soon, if you get her back soon enough. Or are you going to find it a new home, one who will keep her forever?

[kristins1877]

If you are overwhelmed now, what will you do in 6 months with a 100 pound dog in the house? I got Trooper in February at 5 weeks old. We live in Buffalo...need I say more? There was 2 1/2 feet of snow on the ground the day he came home and we had a blast all winter playing with snow balls, skidding on ice, etc. I HATE the winter but it doesn't stop me from playing with him outside. He needs to go to the bathroom in the winter too. Yes, there are days that I don't want to go out. On those days he runs out in the fenced yard, does his business and comes in-then we play inside. Other days we race around in the snow. Thats what having a dog involves----ANY DOG--not just a Rotty. Overwhelmed at puppy phase? Let's see, Gypsy chewed my couch and kitchen set when she was 4 years old. When they gey sick, they occasionally mess in the house. A dog is CONSTANT WORK--not just during puppy phase. Reading and research cannot prepare you for a dog. If you are not wholehartedly willing to devote everything to this dog, give her back. She deserves all of the love and attention that you don't feel you can give. Don't cheat her (or someone who wants her) of that.

[rottnkidd]

I think enough has been said, and perhaps the OP won't be returning. I'm only responding because I feel the need to express myself!
Sometimes these posts are hard to digest. I often wonder if those that start threads such as this one are truly serious, or looking for flame thrower's!
Regardless, I, like so many others here, am dedicated to my dog since Day 1.
I've never been too tired or too cold to get out with my girl, and enjoy the beauty of nature, anytime of the year!
What better remedy for cabin fever then a brisk hike? I don't care if it's hot and humid, or raining or snowing, we're out every single day. And I'm thankful I can share my woodsy and off-the-beaten path adventures with my wonderful girl!
My hope is that this young pup was returned from where it came, and will find a home where it will be loved and respected for a lifetime, unconditionally.
kathy