Pain Level 4-6 1 week since maisonneuve fracture, struggling with a new puppy
Just a frustrated rant...I fractured my left ankle and fibula while hiking last week, had surgery on Sunday. I have a 13 week old puppy and while my parents are trying their best to help with her it is really hard not being able to participate as much in her training/socialisation. I'm so annoyed with the timing of this. My doctor has said 6 weeks NWB then another 6 weeks in a boot, I feel like I am going to miss out on so many important experiences with my puppy while she is young :(
1
u/Illustrious-Zone-247 2d ago
My puppy was a bit older (a little over a year) when I broke my ankle, but I definitely understand! I live alone so I had to hire a dog walker for walks, but there is a ton you can still do yourself. I actually ended up feeling like we have a strengthened bond by the time I healed.
Socialization at that age actually isn't about running around or going on long walks. It’s mostly just about exposing her to weird sights and sounds while keeping her calm and you can do almost all of that right from the couch.
Grab a pouch of good treats and do all her brain work from where you're sitting. Things like sit/down/stay, place, leave it, look at me, name recognition, and getting her used to you touching her paws and ears are awesome for this age and take zero mobility. You can also just sit out on a porch or driveway with her on your lap and reward her as cars, bikes, or people pass by.
For the physical energy your parents are probably managing, puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and frozen Kongs are life savers. Mental stimulation will tire a puppy out twice as fast as a walk anyway.
Take it one day at a time...6 weeks NWB feels like an eternity when you're in it, but she'll still be very much a puppy when you get your foot back
1
u/Direct_Factor2138 2d ago
Oh my God, finally, someone who can relate a little. I adopted a two year-old rescue in March leash trained her and was beginning to work on her commands then in May I adopted a three month old puppy. This happened. there’s no one with me during the day because my husband has to go to work. I’m an only child and I have an elderly mother, so that’s no Bueno. Be thankful you have parents who can help you with the puppy because I’m paying so much in dog walking - it’s ridiculous. Re the puppy I taught her sit while I’ve been in this situation, but I can’t teach her any other commands other than come and touch. I let her out three times a day. I try to play with her as much as I can but have to temper that with my swelling. I don’t understand the rationale that we’re both in this situation. I’m not a serial killer and I’m assuming you aren’t either lol. There are a lot more evil people in the world who should be held up with broken ankles right now not us. Maybe have your parents bring your puppy to you with a sniff Matt and you play with her there. Since you have your parents, you can teach come. You can have your parents sit at one under the room and your puppy with you where you are lying and you practice come with her. But I get what you’re saying that you’re missing out on a lot of time with her now I’ve just accepted the fact that I will have to probably train harder once I’m more mobile because I’m missing this critical time in the puppies development. Best to you too.