The case for two parents

Ok, so I know it's only a dog, and not really a child, so maybe parents isn't the best term... but I'm really understanding why it's not optimal to be a single parent. (I was never considering that as an option, btw.) Training a puppy is a 24/7 job that requires consistency at all times. There is no "down time". With babies you get to lay them down for a nap, and then be by yourself, and take an emotional break from always watching to make sure they're not overstepping the boundaries. With puppies, the minute you stand up to walk out of the room they're napping in, they immediately sense it, and are suddenly wide awake ready for the next adventure or rule to break. This is part of what I mean about the constant watchfulness required during training. So, I'm a little ashamed to say, that my 8 week old puppy is emotionally wearing me out. Good grief! I'm a wimp. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Joseph is at the campus from morning to night with classes and meetings, those are the long days. This past Tuesday night he got home, and asked if I'd taken Winston for a walk yet. No... I was waiting for help. (sound of the Hefty bag commercial in the background "wimpy, wimpy, wimmmpy").
Walking him is not just a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood as one might imagine. Since we are trying very hard to establish pack leadership with him, it is necessary to walk him properly to communicate this, which means that he has to stay beside or behind you, and not racing out in front, or darting off to the side to follow some distraction. To do this, it's necessary to keep a short leash on him, and be vigilant at all times... oh yeah, and the whole time project a calm-assertive energy to him. (really, it's a cinch!) To be honest, I just didn't feel up to it without help that night after spending the whole day one on one with Winston, trying to make sure he didn't pee on anything he wasn't supposed to. Fortunately, I have the best husband in the world who was very willing to help me walk him, and has taken a very equal role in "raising" this puppy, for which I'm very grateful. I was already sure he was going to be a good dad when the time comes, but now I'm even more assured that parenting with him will be a great experience. All of this to say, that I have no idea how single parents cope with the raising of children, along with the usual stresses of life without the help of a partner to provide down time when it's needed. My hats are off to those who can do it, turn out good kids, and still keep their sanity.