@gym_class_hero As someone in law school with a 6 month old puppy, it's a lot. I feel awful crating him and leaving, even though he handles it well. I also very frequently have the days where I prioritize him and his needs and think I've gotten him happy and satisfied and will have time for myself and my work. Then he enters his witching hour again and I try very hard not to rip my own hair out.
First, I really recommend trying to remind yourself about what you love about her. I never had the puppy blues, but I have had many days where I missed life before him. But right when I'm going to lose it, he'll run up and snuggle into my lap. Or lay on his back and smile at me looking adorable. Or, quite literally the best part of my day, come charging out of his crate in the morning over the moon at getting to see me. Focus on the cute stuff to remind yourself why she's worth it.
Dogs can live very happy and fulfilled lives in an apartment, and they can do the same with an owner in school. Don't let anyone else make you feel bad for not being able to provide a big backyard, millions of dog owners can't. It also takes time to settle into a schedule. It took over a month in our new place, but my little guy is finally getting somewhat less annoying as he adjusts.
My pup also chews things he shouldn't when he's bored. He knows to use his toys, but when I'm not able to play and he's not in the mood to nap, he'll go looking for something new, generally my clothes, and it drives me nuts. I try to keep other things around for those times though. I have a good stash of chews for him and it's a huge relief to toss one and know I'll get thirty minutes of uninterrupted work time.
I also give him cardboard and ration my boxes so when he's off the walls and I don't have time to play, I can toss him a box and let him have a ball shreddding it. Huge mess, but it's worth it for him to be happy and me to be sane. I also got an interactive ball toy that moves and rotates when the dog touches it, it's been a great new way to distract him.
Overall for behavior and training, find out what she responds to best and take her back to basics. Treats helped, but ignoring my guy was the best way to modulate his behavior because he's so social. I trained him out of biting by saying ouch, and removing my appendage from his mouth and ignoring him before redirecting to a treat and praising was very effective. Find what works for your puppy.
Your girl is at an age where regression can happen. Take her back to basics and focus on training again. Don't let her out the door if she's not on a leash. If she yanks you out, stop and make her wait, etc. I am dreading my guys regression because he finally seems to have turned a corner and I can breathe and trust him more, despite what this post may indicate. I can't imagine my life without him now, and he brings me more joy than he does stress.
If you truly feel you can't give her a good life, then rehoming is nothing to be ashamed of, but please take some time to think about it. Give yourself some grace on your bad days, and try to treasure the good ones. I hope things gets better!
