When I decided to get a puppy, I did not realise just how far out of my comfort zone I was about to step!

My experiences of puppies were one we had when I was 12, and my friends’ dogs.

But how hard could it be?

The discomfort started when I googled preparing for a new puppy… the lists were endless! And then the lists started contradicting each other.

With less than 2 weeks’ notice of her arrival, and retail being online only, I had to shop virtually. And hope for fast delivery!

A week before Daisy arrived, I was completely overwhelmed. I had so much information and advice my brain was swimming. And my stress levels sky rocketed. I could not make a decision and stick to it.

So, I reached out to a friend who fosters dogs and puppies. We went through each decision together and I made a plan. No crate, sleeping in the bathroom, not getting up to her during the night.

I felt immediately better.

There were some laughs as the many deliveries arrived – an 18kg bag of puppy food is a lot in case you were wondering! And nearly everything was delivered before she was.

Then she arrived. A bundle of delight. I was immediately in love, and the feeling seemed mutual.

The first 24 hours were hard. She climbed out of her play pen within the first hours. I dropped it when moving it and scared her, she hid in the corner behind a chair, and my heart hurt. She didn’t wee on the grass despite how long I stood there with her saying ‘toilet’ in many different tones of voice. You can’t praise her for doing the right thing if she doesn’t do it!

Then there was socialisation – in lockdown and before her second vaccination. I read how critical the 8 – 12 week window was for introducing other people and dogs. But how could I manage it?

I will be honest, the morning after she arrived, I went for a walk, alone, and cried. I felt like I was doing everything wrong.

But Daisy loves cuddles, and some of her many toys.

And then she wee’d on the grass and was so happy when I praised her that she did it again. And again.

Some friends that I walked with brought over vaccinated dogs to interact. A neighbour let me introduce her to her kids.

Then came her first night without an ‘accident’ to clean up come morning.

And her pure joy as she ran towards me after chasing around the yard.

Her falling asleep snuggled against me.

And I realised that together we were learning. About what worked and didn’t work for us.

And that was ok.