Five ways to tell you’re a puppy owner

So I’m a month into being a proud puppy owner now, and despite always having family dogs while growing up, this is my first time owning a dog of my own. It’s hard work at times looking after a puppy with two toddlers in tow, but I don’t regret getting him for a minute. He’s been exactly the valuable addition to our family that I hoped he would be.

But there have definitely been some tell tale signs that he’s moved in…

 

1. Holes in everything

From shoes to toys, furniture to watering cans, anything and everything has teeny tiny teeth marks in it. In fairness to Woody, I’ve heard some puppy owner horror stories of designer shoes being wrecked and houses being destroyed, so I’ll take the tiny holes and hope it doesn’t get too much worse.

2. Poo bags everywhere

Every coat and trouser pocket is home to at least one poo bag. When I was getting changed for bed during the hot spell, one fell out of my bra. There were no pockets in my dress that day, so it was needs must.

3. Lost a bit of your sense of style

I’ve recently bought, and even worn, a treat bag. It’s effectively a bum bag that offers an open top so that you can easily access treats when training your dog. I never thought I’d wear a bum bag again after the ’80s. I’m told every puppy owner worth their salt owns one, however.

4. Your neighbours have all seen you in your dressing gown

Toilet training requires us to go into the garden with Woody for every trip. I’m often found quietly but excitedly whispering ‘quickly’ (his queue word) at 5.30am in my dressing gown.

5. You’re being ignored by yet another being

Not a day goes by when I don’t ask (usually nobody in particular) why nobody in my house listens to me. Woody rarely listens either, unless aforementioned gorgeous bum bag is on my hip filled with Frankfurter. Then I have his full attention. If only it were that easy with the kids.

Do you have a puppy or a dog? What are the tell tale signs in your home?