Puppy blues

Who doesn’t love puppies? There’s no feeling quite like bringing home a fluffy, new best fur-friend! 

However, the sense of joy at bringing a new puppy home doesn’t always make the challenges of dog ownership any easier. In fact, many first-time pet parents find themselves feeling far from happy during the settling-in period with a new puppy. 

For some puppy parents, once the initial excitement about a new furry family member wears off, they find themselves feeling swamped with feelings of anxiety and stress. Those feelings are known as the 'puppy blues'.

Navigate this article:

• What are the puppy blues?
• Signs you may have the puppy blues.
• What causes puppy blues?
• How long can the puppy blues last?
• Is it normal to feel regret after getting a puppy?
• When do puppies get easier?

What are the puppy blues?

So, what are the ‘puppy blues’? The term ‘puppy blues’ refers to the unexpected negative emotions triggered after bringing home a new puppy. If you’re experiencing the puppy blues, it’s likely you’re feeling anxious, stressed out, and exhausted – perhaps even dealing with regret and frustration, too. 

Sometimes, the reality of having to take responsibility for a new canine companion can be overwhelming. Cute pictures and picking puppy names aside, integrating a new dog into your existing lifestyle can be tricky for lots of pet parents.

From feeling as though you aren’t a good owner, to convincing yourself that you and your pup don’t have a strong emotional bond, the puppy blues can affect anyone. Even those who have had dogs all their life might experience the puppy blues at some point.

Signs you may have the puppy blues

How do you know if you have puppy blues? If you’ve recently brought home a young dog and you’re unsure whether you might be suffering from puppy blues, here are some signs to look out for:

• Feeling sad or hopeless.
• Feeling anxious or stressed.
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of your depth.
• Feeling frustrated or irritable.
• Feeling regretful or guilty. 

What causes puppy blues?

The cause of puppy blues can vary from owner to owner. 

Here are a few of the most common reasons new pet parents may experience puppy blues, along with some potential solutions to dealing with puppy blues:

Behavioural problems

Training a puppy takes a lot of work and can’t be achieved overnight. Owning an unruly young dog can be extremely draining, and if they refuse to respond to your training efforts, it might also feel quite disheartening.

If your puppy isn’t listening to you, it’s worth visiting puppy training classes or asking for help from a vet who can connect you with a professional dog trainer.

To support your puppy with the basics, visit our dog training guides – where you’ll discover lots of actionable advice that’ll help both you and your pup enjoy training sessions.

Change in routine

Puppies need a lot of love and attention. Many first-time pet parents have to give up activities they once enjoyed, to avoid leaving their puppy alone for too long (which can lead to separation anxiety). It’s understandable that big changes to your routine could disrupt your lifestyle and cause you to miss the freedom you had before bringing your puppy home.

One of the ways you can adjust to this new chapter of your life, as a puppy parent, is to accept your feelings are valid. Then, try to talk to others about how you’re feeling, because they should be able to offer valuable advice on making the most of spending time with your puppy. 

Several people you could reach out to about the puppy blues include:

• Vets and vet nurses.
• Canine behaviourists and trainers. 
• Experienced dog owners.
• Professional dog walkers.
• Mental health professionals (your GP, qualified therapists, etc.).

Rose-tinted glasses

Expectations often clash with reality – which is especially true of pet parenting. Even if you thought you were prepared for the challenges a puppy brings, the reality of taking care of them might not be as straightforward as you first thought.

While discussing any concerns with your vet is a great first step towards regaining perspective, it’s also important to bond with your new best fur-iend. Here are just a few ideas to help you find joy on your journey of puppy parenting:

• Teach them a new trick.
• Introduce them to mental stimulation games.
• Take them on adventures (once your vet says it’s safe to do so and your pup has had their vaccinations, of course).

Financial obligations

Once you’ve ticked off every item on your dog owner checklist, seeing the financial strain of becoming a pet parent could leave you feeling stressed. Between buying high-quality food and a comfortable basket, to paying for puppy insurance and all the necessary preventative vet care costs, having a puppy could impact your bank balance. 

If your financial situation suddenly becomes unstable, perhaps due to unforeseen circumstances or an unexpected expense, there are still steps you can take to keep your puppy happy and healthy:  

• Read our article about saving money on dog food.
• Visit our Pet Affordability Hub.
• Have a go at making your own dog toys.

Issues with sleeping

During the first few weeks in their new home, your puppy is likely to cry throughout the night – which may result in broken sleep for you. On top of basic obedience training, keeping them entertained, vet visits, and toilet training your new puppy, sleepless nights become the norm for many puppy parents.

Chat to your vet for advice on managing your puppy’s sleep schedule in way that suits both you and your canine companion.

For extra hints and tips on supporting your puppy as you both settle into a routine together, check out our ‘No more sleepless nights with a new dog’ article.

How long can the puppy blues last?

As with everything in life, the length of time you experience the puppy blues will depend on your individual circumstances. 

Usually, the first few weeks of puppy ownership are the most challenging, due to unsettled sleeping patterns caused by toilet training and late-night howling sessions. 

Dealing with the puppy blues relies on gaining perspective – for example, the ‘puppy’ phase is a short chapter in the story of your dog’s life. Once the event-filled nights and challenges of puppyhood fade as they mature, you should notice your puppy blues start to ebb away and become less all-consuming.

Important: If you continue to struggle with pet parenting beyond the puppy stage of your dog’s development, please seek help from a professional (such as a vet).

Is it normal to feel regret after getting a puppy?

The short answer is, yes. It’s totally normal to feel a twinge of regret after getting a puppy, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed of it. 

There are plenty of friendly Facebook communities, forums, and interactive training platforms that can help connect you with new owners who are also struggling to bond with their puppies. Swapping stories with others in the same situation as you can help you feel better; plus, getting the right advice could inspire you to try positive activities with your puppy. 

Getting a puppy can be one of the most meaningful yet challenging things a person can do, much like becoming a parent. Just like navigating the major life change of taking care of a newborn, adopting a puppy can present a range of difficulties and challenges. 

Remember: Don’t be too hard on yourself if all the unexpected puddles and broken nights’ sleep start to grate on you - it’s normal to feel that way!

When do puppies get easier?

Puppy parenting does get a lot easier as time goes on – following plenty of patience, perseverance, and making an effort to understand your puppy’s perspective. 

After the first few weeks, your puppy should hopefully start to feel more settled and you’ll both find the ‘pawfect’ balance as you embark on life’s adventures, together.
 
If you’re suffering from puppy blues and feel like a one-man band – please remember that there’s a whole orchestra of new pet parents playing the same tune as you! 

Don’t forget: To access advice about any aspect of caring for your new puppy, you can chat to vet experts at any time, from anywhere, through the Joii Pet Care app.