I guess I just need a pep talk

[Moby and Barley's Mom]

I'm not great at pep talks, but your posts always leave me thankful that I am not going through what you are right now. The divorce, and the moving is such a big deal. Theo does some of the same stuff that Barley does. I, personally, find that stealing INFURIATING. I've been able to curb it only by keeping everything out of his reach. Most of what Theo does is for attention, and the stealing is a big show for attention. If I lock him out of a room so I can do something (get dressed, go down to the basement to do laundry) and he cannot get to me, he will jump five feet up to snatch things off the wine rack (wallet, car keys). So now I crate him if I have to do those things. Seems excessive to crate him for a three minute trip downstairs, but it keeps him out of trouble and me happier.
I think that having constant anxiety is not good for either of you. Understandably, you likely are very tense over your situation, and then you add in frustratingly normal puppy behaviors, and worry over doing the right thing and that combined will make you crazy. Try to relax, try to remind yourself that he is a work in progress. You are both a work in progress, as far as the training is concerned. Maybe he pulls on the lead 50% of the day one day, then 40% the next. It's progress. With consistency, he will get better. But trying to train a frustrated puppy when you are anxious and frustrated yourself is too much. Nobody leaves feeling good, just more frustrated.
Maybe you need a safe place to vent, maybe you need relaxation techniques, maybe you need professional training help. I don't know what will help.

OK - I DO NOT feel so bad after reading this! I have been able to take quick showers with Barley in the bedroom. There have been some stolen slippers and socks - but nothing too crazy - yet.... Yes - there are days in which I honestly - should not even try to do much with him due to my own frustration and emotional distress - my mistake often for really pushing through when it might not have been so wise.

Thank you so much!

[beth101509]

I got this for Oliver to play fetch with in the backyard. He loved it so much that I got the football one as well. They squeak too....didn't know that until he attacked it.

https://www.petco.com/product/125655/...l-Dog-Toy.aspx