My eight month old Chocolate Lab pup Oakley is a ton of work. Don't let his cuteness fool you. This is what it's really like to raise a puppy.

1. Sleepless nights in the beginning

The poor guy was taken from his litter and he really wanted his mama so he cried all night and woke up super early.

2. The dining room rug is his bathroom

We aren't too sure why he is taking so long to understand the concept of going to the bathroom outside. Maybe it's because we aren't the greatest at disciplining him. Hopefully, it'll improve or else i'm leaving him outside the for the rest of his life! Kidding. Not really.

3. Say goodbye to your favorite underwear, socks, and bras.

Turns out Oak has a thing for undergarments. I’m forcing his jaw open with my hands and pulling something out of his mouth at least once a day.

4. His fear of being alone

Oak hates being alone, and if you leave the room, he's sure to follow. When one of us leaves, he'll sit by the front door and cry. Its really heartbreaking though; it's comforting to know he doesn't have the guts to run away. He's so needy that if you sit on the couch, he'll be right on top of you, literally. Also, if you're not petting him he'll keep pawing you to get your attention.

5. Razor sharp teeth!

Story time- on my 18th birthday Oakley accidentally bit me in the mouth and it was so deep that I had to get stitches on my lip! There's no scar and you can't tell now but it was pretty gross when it was healing. But I was never once mad at Oak. Although, we did have to fill out paperwork about him and the incident (for the record, in case he bites someone else, which he will not) I know he didn't mean it and that it was a complete accident. Those teeth in the beginning are like little razors!

Don't get me wrong, I love Oak to death. As much as he wrecks havoc in my home, he is good for a tons of things.

For example, there's always a cute, happy face to greet me. No matter how long he's locked away in the crate for, no matter how long we're not home for, Oak is sure to be wagging his tail and wiggling his excited little body. He doesn't hold grudges or get mad at us for keeping him outside or in the cage! Have you looked at that picture?! He is so, so cute. Oakley is full of so much love and happiness, it's usually so hard to yell at him (clearly we don't do much of that). He is still a baby so a lot of things are still new to him. I can't wait for a snowstorm because I know he’ll love it. I truly believe that animals lessen depression and anxiety all because of Oakley and my other dogs, Mako, Cooper and Henry. It's amazing what they can teach you and I feel bad for people who don't have a happy pup running around.