Living with a dog is a lot different than living with a person. When you live with another human, your rent is generally cheaper. With a dog your rent is more, and you spend more money on repairs and other costs. Your roommate will never (usually) chew holes in your blinds. All dogs are different, but most dogs want to be with you all the time. They only have you, and they expect a lot from you. I am still learning how to deal with this feeling of being too responsible for something. Cleo is a very needy and high intensity dog, and honestly some times I could say I don't like her. The last few days, however, I have been dealing a lot better and learning a lot about myself. Here are some things that I've been doing.1. Telling myself everything will be ok. I know this sounds simple but it is really important. Nothing is terrible and the world will not end no matter what happens with Cleo and myself.
2. Curbing my temper. I try not to direct harsh words or even LOOKS in Cleo's direction unless she really did something bad. I found that for a while I was just cursing at her because I could, and assumed it didn't affect her.
3. When she starts fussing at night, instead of waking out and yelling at her, I calmly talk to her and tell her it will be ok or ignore her. I can ignore much louder noises than just her.
4. Force myself to pay attention to her in a good way at least once an hour, this keeps her from being too clingy.
5. Let her wander the house. Sometimes I want her to be in my sight all the time because I don't trust her, but she has never gotten into anything on the other side of the apartment while I have been home and awake, so I should let her do her doggy thing.
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