u/ChaosFractal27

I've had my springer spaniel pup Loki for 3 months now, he was picked up at 8 weeks, and he's now a happy 5 month old. Here's what I've learned as a 1st time puppy parent, and I hope it helps others.

• No plan survives contact with the enemy puppy. I had such a solid plan in place, crate training, puppy classes, play pen etc. The night crating lasted 3 days before he persuaded me to cuddle in bed. He wouldn't settle in his play pen but as soon as I moved his bed next to my desk he learned to self settle pretty much immediately.
• Whatever you think they will eat, it's more. Puppys, especially active breeds are a black hole for food. I'm constantly amazed at the size of meals I weigh out for him and he still wakes up looking skinny because he's growing so fast.
• Have a sacrifice. This may be a spaniel thing, but he loves dragging things around in his mouth, like towels, cloths and pillows. I picked an old towel and now I use this as 'his' towel that he's allowed to carry while I'm doing housework so my washing and dusters stay unmolested.
• You will be bitten and clawed. It's unavoidable, he doesn't know what is and isn't to play with, it's your job to teach him. And this means you'll need plenty of antiseptic spray and wound dressings.
• They're heavier than they look, he's gone from 3-11kg in the last few months, but even when he was tiny, his headbutts hurt, and his paws feel like lead when he's climbing all over you.
• Don't be afraid to look stupid. I might look silly sitting in the dirty making silly noises and wafting a toy, but it keeps his focus on me and that's great for training.
• The first month is the hardest. Until they're fully vaxxed and you can take them out, you'll feel very isolated, even more so if you're a solo pet parent. You will be able to go out eventually, and it'll be worth it watching them discover the world.
• You will get angry, depressed and regret getting them at least once. There's no shame in it, when you're awake at 3am cleaning diarheaa off your bedroom floor while a tiny whirlwind nips at your slippers, you'll wonder why you're putting yourself through it.
• It's their first time living, remember that. He's not being naughty on purpose, he's not doing it to piss you off, he's only been on this earth for a few short weeks and months, all he wants to do it play and discover.
• It's worth it in the end. While my pup has just hit adolescence and has lost all his recall and lead discipline, I can already see what a good dog he's going to be once the training locks in. And the way he looks at me with love makes me forgive every mistake and accident.

Hope this helps someone who is struggling.