Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience for so many people around the world every year, but it can also be unexpectedly challenging. Many new puppy owners can find themselves feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even regretful in the early days of pet parenthood, often wondering, "Was getting a puppy a mistake?"
Raising a puppy requires a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources, and it can be easy to feel unprepared for the reality of meeting their needs. From sleepless nights and potty training mishaps to endless chewing and boundless energy, the demands of puppy care can take a toll on even the most devoted pet owners. That's why in this blog, I'll be answering some of the most common questions related to the puppy blues and other feelings of anxiety after you've brought a new puppy home.
What Are the Puppy Blues?
The "puppy blues" refer to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or general regret that dog owners may experience after bringing a new puppy home. It's similar to buyer's remorse and is often caused by the stress of adjusting to the responsibilities of caring for a young dog.
Puppies are a lot of responsibility, and puppy blues typically stem from underestimating the amount of time, work, and money it takes to care for a puppy. On average, pet owners will spend dozens of hours per week caring for their new puppy, and in the first year of their life, they will spend upwards of $1,000 on care and other expenses. But feeling stressed or regretful at this stage doesn't mean you've done anything wrong or have made a bad decision by bringing a new puppy into your home. It just means you may have to work a little harder to keep your feelings in check and balance, prioritizing your new puppy's well-being as well as your own.
You may have the puppy blues if you feel like…
- Getting a Puppy Was a Mistake
- There's a Lack of Bonding or Attachment to Your New Puppy
- Your Puppy Never Lets You Sleep
- Your Puppy Is Making You Feel Trapped or Restricted with Your Time
- You're Becoming Increasingly Frustrated with Common Puppy Behaviors Like Chewing, Nipping, Barking, or Potty Accidents
If you've ever experienced these feelings with a new puppy, know that you're not alone. A survey of over 800 new puppy owners found that 70% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both related to bringing a puppy into their home.
Is it Normal to Feel Regret After Getting a Puppy?
This is the burning question you're probably here for, and we've got your answer. Yes, it is completely normal to feel some degree of "regret" or "remorse" after bringing a puppy home.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to talking about puppy blues is that it's completely okay to have these feelings and be frustrated with your puppy at times. You won't be the first dog owner to get upset over a chewed-up pair of shoes or a soiled rug, and you certainly won't be the last.
Think about it; you just brought home a new living creature that is going to depend on you for all of its wants and needs, and you're responsible for keeping it happy and healthy for the next 10-15 years. That's a lot of responsibility to take on and realize, all while you're supervising your new dog! Of course, your emotions are going to be heightened for a few weeks while you get used to the behaviors and quirks of your new puppy and your puppy settles into their new life with you.
But rest assured, feeling the effects of the puppy blues doesn't make you a bad dog owner. Puppies are far more challenging to train and live with than social media, film, and television let on, and the adjustment period for everyone in your house will certainly take longer than the few days it takes for your puppy to get acquainted with you.
However, what's not normal is allowing these feelings to negatively impact how you are treating and caring for your puppy. Your feelings of stress, frustration, and anxiety are valid, but as a responsible pet owner, you can't allow them to result in neglect, abuse, or any harm to your puppy.
How Long Do the Puppy Blues Last? Will They Ever End?
While the puppy blues may be a commonly shared experience, they're different for everyone – meaning, there's no set standard for how long they'll last. The time it takes for you to settle in and adapt to life with your puppy can depend on a number of factors, including your puppy's breed, age, activity level, and personality, as well as your own lifestyle and level of patience.
Most commonly, owners have reported puppy blues lasting a few weeks to a few months. The good news is that many pet owners have assured others that the puppy blues tend to resolve on their own as puppies and their owners sync up on a routine and as the puppy begins to mature. Puppies typically calm down as they grow older, usually by 1 to 2 years of age, depending on the breed. Consistency with training and a routine can speed up the adjustment and may even keep puppy blues away in the first place!
If you're struggling, a professional trainer or behaviorist can offer guidance and help you set up a plan to better manage your puppy – and hopefully take a little of that stress out of your life.
Managing the Stress of a New Puppy
The best way to beat the puppy blues is by managing your expectations and your stress. We like to think of puppies as perfect, sweet little angels, but the truth is, they are more than likely to chew on your shoes, have accidents on the floor, and generally get into some mischief, which can be trying and stressful for even the most patient pet owners.
Going into puppy ownership with realistic expectations can do wonders for not just your relationship with your new pet but also for your own sanity. When bringing home a new puppy, remember that challenges and road bumps are completely normal. A few things you can expect when bringing home a new puppy include:
- The Adjustment Period Will Take Time
- Sleep Disruptions Are Normal
- Accidents Will Happen
- Biting and Chewing Are Natural Behaviors
- Training Takes Consistency and Time
- Energy Levels Will Be High
- They Will Require Supervision
- Veterinary Visits and Expenses Are Part of the Commitment
- Bonding Takes Time and Effort
When it comes to managing your stress, be sure to take time for yourself away from your puppy and make sure you and your family – including any other pets – are getting the care and attention they need as well. If there are other people in your household, consider taking turns supervising the puppy to help keep them safe and out of trouble. Alternatively, you can use tools like puppy gates, playpens, and crates to keep your puppy confined to an easier-to-watch area or safely locked away while you take some time for yourself. These tools can help promote independence in your puppy as well and keep separation anxiety from the beginning – and, as a bonus, it's never too early to start crate training!
Other pet owners have shared that getting their puppy set up on a routine helped tremendously with feelings associated with the puppy blues because a structured routine can help with correcting behavior issues, making a schedule that works for everyone, and making sure there's enough time for proper bonding and training.
How to Get Help for the Puppy Blues
The puppy blues may be normal, but, as with anything, if your symptoms of puppy blues or anxieties concerning your puppy continue to progress, it's time to seek some help or support.
If you're really feeling like getting a puppy was a mistake, reach out to a veterinarian, trainer, or even a counselor to talk through your feelings. Sometimes, just speaking to an animal health professional can be validating and eye-opening, letting new puppy owners know that things will get better. In some cases, rehoming might be the right choice, but that should only be considered after exploring all other options.
Additionally, reputable and veterinarian-approved online resources, puppy training classes, and local support groups can help connect you with others who are going through similar experiences and even provide some tips on how to address your puppy's challenging behaviors. Remember, you're not alone, and there's a lot of help out there!
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This information was first seen on Inglemoor Animal Hospital.