[gracielove]

Originally Posted by deonk1

Thanks everyone, I need to try and get to the dollar store and get a shower curtain (don't have a car). I feel bad for the poor guy, cause he's had so much going on, but I'm starting to lose my patience with him. I brought up the xpen, as I'm also trying to counter the barking issue that's arose, I'm hoping that I can fix one issue, then the other. I just can't deal with both problems at once.

I've discovered today I'm not alone though, it seems like everyone is so overwhelmed from school they just don't want to do trivial little things, like cook dinner or deal with broken things that need to be returned, etc. So I guess everyone is going through a mind-numbing phase.

I've also started watching closely for when he does go potty, I've planted treats near his two potties, so that if he goes I can praise him immediately. I'm going to talk to the few friends who wanna walk him, and see if we can hammer out a walking schedule for him so I know when others wanna play with him. luckily when my best friend here comes over she plays soccer with him, which helps reduce his energy level, and the new guy I'm dating loves him, so he plays tug too with him. I feel bad pawning off my dog on others, lol. But at least there are people who find it relaxing to walk him, when I'm exhausted and find it a chore. I did however just enjoy the hour I spent outside with him, so it will all eventually settle down.

Oh my, that was giant mind-dump. I need a nap, lol.

When my kids were in grade school I went through a divorce and went back to college. That was challenging enough. Dealing with kids and their homework and trying to do mine as well was well beyond my limit but it had to be done. During my last semester the kids found someone with a littler of Shih Tzu puppies. Of course they wanted one. Divorced mom's like me seem to live with guilt so I got them a puppy. Like I didn't have enough to deal with! It was difficult and of course the kids forgot their promises to take care of him within a week or two. I almost decided to re home him when he was about 9 months old. I was frustrated that the kids were not helping and the puppy was not getting trained as he should. I finally decided that it would be irresponsible to get rid of him and made him my dog in my own mind. It took a few more months to get him trained but once we settled in a new home and regular work schedule he turned out to be a great pet. It is madness to try to take on too many tasks while going to school. I imagine law school is going to be even more stressful. I hope you can get your little guy adjusted to the new home. Besides the new area he is going to be spending a lot of hours alone. That is very difficult for an active healthy dog.