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Getting a puppy or new dog is supposed to be an exciting, incredible time. But it’s a lot like having a newborn child. Puppies, and many rescue dogs too, can be needy, destructive, tiring and insistent. So it’s no surprise that most new owners experience “The Puppy Blues” - when the reality of living with a puppy or new dog makes them feel overwhelmed, anxious or regretful.There’s no shame in feeling this way. In fact, it’s more common than you would think.
In this guide, we break down how you can be kind to both yourself and your dogthrough this time, and make your way out of the puppy blues to a brighter future instead.
Tell anyone around you about getting a new puppy or rescue dog, and most will coo affectionately and be green with envy. There’s no doubt that welcoming a dog into your life is a magical thing.
However, not unlike first time parents, new pet parents often have a rose-tinted view of how life with the new arrival will be. Instead of cuddles, face licks and fun in the dog park, the reality is often sleepless nights, potty accidents and the huge pressure that comes with caring for another life. No amount of research or reading can prepare us for the true realities of a new addition to the family, and once the excitement wears off the blues can set in. So it makes sense that, in the same way some parents experience postpartum depression, “post puppy depression”is a phrase that’s growing traction in the pet parent community.
Tell anyone around you about getting a new puppy or rescue dog, and most will coo affectionately and be green with envy. There’s no doubt that welcoming a dog into your life is a magical thing.
However, not unlike first time parents, new pet parents often have a rose-tinted view of how life with the new arrival will be. Instead of cuddles, face licks and fun in the dog park, the reality is often sleepless nights, potty accidents and the huge pressure that comes with caring for another life. No amount of research or reading can prepare us for the true realities of a new addition to the family, and once the excitement wears off the blues can set in. So it makes sense that, in the same way some parents experience postpartum depression, “post puppy depression”is a phrase that’s growing traction in the pet parent community.
It’s important to remember that these feelings are entirely normal, especially for those with a natural inclination for depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
Wobbles are all a natural part of new pet parenting,and it doesn’t make you a bad person, or a bad owner! Indeed, it’s important to recognize that it isn’t necessarily your puppy or rescue dog putting this pressure on you; you are putting this pressure on yourself. And that is because you care about your dog’s wellbeing and are taking their care very seriously. That is a good thing, so remember that.
It’s important to remember that these feelings are entirely normal, especially for those with a natural inclination for depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
Wobbles are all a natural part of new pet parenting,and it doesn’t make you a bad person, or a bad owner! Indeed, it’s important to recognize that it isn’t necessarily your puppy or rescue dog putting this pressure on you; you are putting this pressure on yourself. And that is because you care about your dog’s wellbeing and are taking their care very seriously. That is a good thing, so remember that.
Here are some tips for helping yourself transitionthrough the blues with your puppy or new dog.
You will be tired. You will be frustrated. You will have teary moments. You will wonder if your dog is even trainable. Allowing yourself to feel all the common emotions that come with a new pet will help you to release them, so they don’t build up inside you.
Realistically assessif anyone involved in training is giving conflicting signals. Keep going,even on the days your dog seems to have forgotten everything you’ve taught them. Praise the good,no matter how small. Remember that all of this will decrease over time. Naughty behaviors will come to an end. They become easier, promise!
Here are some tips for helping yourself transitionthrough the blues with your puppy or new dog.
You will be tired. You will be frustrated. You will have teary moments. You will wonder if your dog is even trainable. Allowing yourself to feel all the common emotions that come with a new pet will help you to release them, so they don’t build up inside you.
Realistically assessif anyone involved in training is giving conflicting signals. Keep going,even on the days your dog seems to have forgotten everything you’ve taught them. Praise the good,no matter how small. Remember that all of this will decrease over time. Naughty behaviors will come to an end. They become easier, promise!
What’s as good as keeping going? Taking a break. Try to factor some you-time into those first few months. Whether it’s through crate training, investing in a playpen, adding some daycare into your routine or asking a trusted friend to take your pup for a while.
Do this not only for yourself, but for your puppy. And do not feel bad for taking it. The ability to reset, refresh and feel yourself again will benefit both you and your dog no end,so try and make it a priority.
If you have a partner who you’re raising your new dog with, be sure that the workload is even. Take turns sleeping on the floor if your puppy is unsure, or take turns watching over them in the daytime. Giving yourself mini-breaks and a bit of mental clarity is a great way to feel yourself again.If possible, enlisting someone to help you care for the puppy or new dog, if you are raising them by yourself, is a great way to make sure you don’t get burnt out.
What’s as good as keeping going? Taking a break. Try to factor some you-time into those first few months. Whether it’s through crate training, investing in a playpen, adding some daycare into your routine or asking a trusted friend to take your pup for a while.
Do this not only for yourself, but for your puppy. And do not feel bad for taking it. The ability to reset, refresh and feel yourself again will benefit both you and your dog no end,so try and make it a priority.
If you have a partner who you’re raising your new dog with, be sure that the workload is even. Take turns sleeping on the floor if your puppy is unsure, or take turns watching over them in the daytime. Giving yourself mini-breaks and a bit of mental clarity is a great way to feel yourself again.If possible, enlisting someone to help you care for the puppy or new dog, if you are raising them by yourself, is a great way to make sure you don’t get burnt out.
A solid routine is one of the best ways to navigate your puppy’s neediness. A routine focused around the right level of exercise, at least two nap times, feeding at regular times and moments of quiet will help your puppy learn that they can feel safe and secure without needing to be attached to your leg 24/7. They’ll start to become accustomed to what’s expected of them and when you are available for extra fuss.
Trying to function on little sleep is never ideal. And while puppies will often need attention in the night, the truth is no harm will come to an older puppy that is left to self-soothe a little.You don’t need to sleep next to them for months, and neither will they be spoiled rotten if they spend their first few nights in your bed.
A solid routine is one of the best ways to navigate your puppy’s neediness. A routine focused around the right level of exercise, at least two nap times, feeding at regular times and moments of quiet will help your puppy learn that they can feel safe and secure without needing to be attached to your leg 24/7. They’ll start to become accustomed to what’s expected of them and when you are available for extra fuss.
Trying to function on little sleep is never ideal. And while puppies will often need attention in the night, the truth is no harm will come to an older puppy that is left to self-soothe a little.You don’t need to sleep next to them for months, and neither will they be spoiled rotten if they spend their first few nights in your bed.
If you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and your dog has had adequate attention, one night with a reusable pee pad or some newspaper in their space will do no harm. Because sleep is just as important as potty training is.This way, you can wake refreshed and ready to take on the next week of training with gusto.
If you are really having trouble training your puppy, then there’s nothing wrong in asking for help. A good dog trainer can make all the difference, injecting confidence and fun into your training sessions. If you can, why not join a puppy class? To meet other owners, share your stories of late night stresses and generally decompress.
If you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and your dog has had adequate attention, one night with a reusable pee pad or some newspaper in their space will do no harm. Because sleep is just as important as potty training is.This way, you can wake refreshed and ready to take on the next week of training with gusto.
If you are really having trouble training your puppy, then there’s nothing wrong in asking for help. A good dog trainer can make all the difference, injecting confidence and fun into your training sessions. If you can, why not join a puppy class? To meet other owners, share your stories of late night stresses and generally decompress.
Every tiny milestone, every good day, every learning point - celebrate!Your hard work is paying off and you deserve to recognize that.
Thanks to the wonders of the internet, there are now countless forums and Reddit threads where new puppy or rescue owners can find solidarity, support and a reassuring read. Knowing you aren’t alone and that this is a natural part of the process of being a pet parent can help to soothe your worries.
Don’t be afraid to open up to your loved ones, or even your vet. They will no doubt understand how you are feeling and offer a helping hand. Sometimes, just sharing a problem can help you reduce its size and its truthfulness in your head. By speaking out, you can create a support network for yourself, who’ll be understanding of cancelled plans or puppy-sitting requests.
Every tiny milestone, every good day, every learning point - celebrate!Your hard work is paying off and you deserve to recognize that.
Thanks to the wonders of the internet, there are now countless forums and Reddit threads where new puppy or rescue owners can find solidarity, support and a reassuring read. Knowing you aren’t alone and that this is a natural part of the process of being a pet parent can help to soothe your worries.
Don’t be afraid to open up to your loved ones, or even your vet. They will no doubt understand how you are feeling and offer a helping hand. Sometimes, just sharing a problem can help you reduce its size and its truthfulness in your head. By speaking out, you can create a support network for yourself, who’ll be understanding of cancelled plans or puppy-sitting requests.
If you are feeling the puppy blues, know now that you are not alone. Use the tips above to help get some respite and move through this period to the wonderful life ahead for you and your pup. So many owners look back on their puppy blues and smile, knowing the wonderful and well-adjusted dog they had ahead of them. So here’s to the future!
If you do feel your new addition is disrupting your mental health, do talk to your doctor. They will be able to guide you to pathways for help if you need it.
