When you think about bringing home a puppy, you’re probably full of excitement! A new puppy is a joyous time, but after the excitement wanes, you may be feeling some other unexpected emotions. Puppies require a lot of work and attention so you may feel some exhaustion and maybe even feel a bit regretful. These emotions, sometimes called the puppy blues, are completely normal and you shouldn’t feel guilty for feeling this way. So, what are the puppy blues? Here’s what you should know:

What Are Puppy Blues?

Puppy blues are the feelings of regret, depression, or even guilt that new (or even experienced) puppy owners can feel after bringing home a puppy. Bringing home a puppy is typically seen as a joyful event. However, not everyone is quick to share about the reality of life with a new puppy. Training a puppy requires a lot of time, patience, and effort. It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed.

You may begin to regret your decision to bring home this bundle of energy and may even struggle with how to build a bond with your dog. Puppies have so much energy and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start with training. You also have to deal with possible crying through the night, potty accidents, and destruction. This can be frustrating and it’s normal to wonder if you made the right decision.

The most important thing to remember if you have puppy blues is that there’s nothing wrong with you. The good news is that this phase doesn’t last forever and there are ways to help you cope with, and even enjoy, puppy life!

9 Ways to Deal With Puppy Blues

Not everyone experiences the puppy blues, but they’re common. If you’re thinking of bringing home a puppy or are currently experiencing the puppy blues, here are some ways to help ease some of these feelings:

1. Study Up!

Much like human baby parents, you might find you feel like you’re not ready to be new parents to a puppy. If you’ve never had a dog before, how can you really know exactly what to expect? How do you help your puppy sleep through the night or pick up on potty training? The only way is to experience it, but doing some research is also very helpful!

Make sure you take a proper amount of time to learn about the breed. This will at least give you somewhat of an idea of what you can expect and will help you prepare. There are plenty of online resources to check out that offer advice on training and even on how to puppy-proof your home. Reading up on these sources will help alleviate some anxiety and stress and hopefully make the transition just a bit easier!

Read up on crate training before bringing your puppy home. Crating can help your dog feel safe and give them a space of their own. Once adjusted, crates often become a dog’s safe when they feel overwhelmed or anxious.

Puppies need stimulation and exercise. Walks and hide and seek are just a few activities perfect for puppies that can offer stimulation and help you bond with your new dog. Being familiar with proper activities can give you something to fall back on when you’re not sure what to do with your dog.

2. Remember, This Isn’t Forever

Puppies do grow up and mature! The puppy phase won’t last forever, so it’s important to keep that perspective. Keep in mind that a lot of the issues that cause the puppy blues will change.

As your dog grows up, there will be less sleep deprivation due to anxious puppies and potty training at night. Your puppy will soon be able to sleep longer, allowing you to get some much-needed rest!

Your frustration with a puppy being destructive as they learn boundaries during the training period is normal and it will pass. Proper training does take time and requires patience! Getting a puppy into training classes is a way to learn better training methods and get support and is a major benefit of puppy training classes.

3. Ask For Support

Raising a puppy is hard work. There’s no shame in asking for help. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to your vet. They can offer some advice, might have some personalized recommendations for dog training books, and can even point you to training classes. Utilizing these resources can help you get your footing and also find camaraderie with other new puppy parents.

Don’t be afraid to get an experienced dog walker or sitter to help out if you’re in a position to do so. Not only does this give you a break, but it’s a good way to socialize a puppy. This is an important skill for any dog and will help them grow into a well-rounded adult.

4. Begin Training As Soon As Possible

While it might be tempting to let your puppy adjust to their new home before starting training, it’s more beneficial to start as early as you can. This early start can make a big difference in how quickly your puppy picks up on training and it can keep bad habits from setting in.

Beginning training early sets your puppy up for success and learning proper dog behavior. Establishing boundaries and expectations early allows your puppy to learn what’s allowed and what isn’t appropriate. These boundaries may make life much easier for both of you, which can ease those puppy blues! Besides, training is a great way to build a bond with your dog.

If you feel overwhelmed with training, consider puppy training classes in tandem with training at home. Not only does it offer you external support from an expert trainer and other puppy parents, but it also helps you and your dog develop confidence around others.

5. Create and Stick to a Routine

Creating a good daily routine for your dog gives you some control and helps your puppy learn the typical schedule of their day. This consistency goes a long way in helping your new dog feel safe and comfortable in a new home. A regular schedule of eating, playtime, naptime, bedtime, and potty breaks helps your dog anticipate when needs will be met, which can reduce bad behavior.

6. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Before bringing your dog home, puppy-proof your home! Puppies have a natural curiosity, which can often mean they may tend to cause some trouble here and there. They may steal objects, get into things, like the trash, or chew up anything they can find.

Be sure to take an inventory of your home before bringing home your new puppy. Look for things like electrical cords or household cleaners and either hide these items or secure them to prevent chewing or other accidents. Doing this keeps your puppy safe and relieves some of your constant worrying about what your puppy might get into.

7. Manage Your Expectations

Realistic expectations are vital in helping with puppy blues. Both you and your new puppy are adjusting to this new life and patience goes a long way. Have some compassion for this new stage of your puppy’s life. This big transition from living with their mother and siblings can be stressful and scary.

Puppies will exhibit typical puppy behaviors like occasional accidents, biting, or chewing. This can be frustrating, but it is part of their development. Knowing about the first six months with your puppy and the various development stages for dogs can help you anticipate certain behaviors and give you a headstart on dealing with them.

8. Setting Small and Realistic Goals

Another way to help with the puppy blues is to set small but attainable training goals. Expecting perfection immediately only hurts you and your puppy. Start small with one of the basic commands every dog should know and enjoy your puppy’s progress, even if it’s slow.

Mentally prepare yourself for the occasional setback, which is just part of the training process. Celebrate even the smallest progress like your puppy going outside for the bathroom or sitting after only a few tries.

9. Take Advantage of Behavior Management Tools

Crates and gates are must-haves for first-time dog owners and help your puppy learn good habits. Plus, these items keep them safe, especially when unsupervised. Knowing your dog is safe in a crate or behind a baby gate gives you peace of mind and a chance to relax for a bit. These moments of rest are important for both you and your dog.

Hopefully, this answers the question, “What are puppy blues?” Puppies require a lot of energy, but these feelings are often short-lived. Getting help and support should help you feel less overwhelmed and allow you to enjoy your new furry companion!