Are puppy blues real?

'Puppy blues' is a term used to describe the negative experiences and feelings that some people experience after bringing home a puppy. After the immediate euphoria of the fluffy bundle of fun wears off, many puppy owners (and particularly first-time dog owners) are left feeling overwhelmed and without support.

Is puppy blues a real thing?

The “puppy blues” refers to an emotional state of feeling overwhelmed, sadness, anxiety, or regret that many people experience after bringing home a new dog.

Is it normal to regret getting a puppy?

Is it normal to regret getting a puppy? Yep, it's fairly normal to regret getting a puppy or dog. You're not a bad person! If you've recently added a new dog or puppy to your family and you're wondering if you've made a mistake, just know that others go through the same feelings.

How long do puppy blues last?

It can be as long as a month or two, but it definitely depends on a number of factors, such as the dog you have, some are easier than others, and some are more difficult! That's just how the world goes.

Can getting a puppy make you depressed?

Bringing a new puppy into your home can be a very exciting time for you as you adjust to having a new, furry ball of energy taking over your life and your couch. But it can be a lot of work too — maybe even more than you expected — and it can lead to some less-than-happy feelings. It's OK to regret getting a puppy.

Puppy Blues 101

Why am I not happy with my puppy?

The most common reason the puppy blues happen is when life with your puppy doesn't turn out the way you thought it would. This can affect everyone differently. For some people they may feel sad, depressed or lonely, others may feel anxious or overwhelmed. It's not unusual to want to cry.

What is the hardest puppy stage?

Most puppies will go through a very trying stage when they turn about 5 months of age. Dogs often don't out grow that teenager phase for 2-3 years depending upon the breed. Many experts agree that the most challenging time is between the ages of 8 months to about 18 months.

Do you regret adopting a dog?

Many new pet owners experience a moment of panic and even regret during the first few months with their new cat or dog. Thankfully, with some time, patience, and compassion for both you and your pet, these feelings can be overcome, and you'll be well on your way to a lifetime of happiness with your new best friend.

Is raising a puppy harder than a baby?

Here's the thing, though — when it comes to raising cute, helpless and needy creatures, raising a puppy is way harder than raising a baby.

What age are puppies the naughtiest?

The truth is that it takes time, work and the active participation of everyone in the household to produce a friendly, well-mannered and hassle-free adult dog. Undesirable behaviours such as barking, chewing, counter surfing, house-soiling and jumping up commonly begin to occur at around 3-6 months of age.

At what age do puppies get easier?

How Long Before Having a Puppy Gets Easier? Having a puppy gets easier once they hit 4-5 months of age because that's when puppies are usually potty-trained, can focus for longer, and have settled into their new home.

Is the first week with a puppy the hardest?

The first month of owning a puppy is probably the hardest, and knowing what to expect and help you to decide whether you are ready, and let you know what you are in for!

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed with a puppy?

In conclusion, it is very normal for puppy owners to feel overwhelmed in the first weeks and months with their new addition. The vast majority of overwhelming issues are related to puppyhood and are able to be resolved with training and time.

Can getting a puppy trigger anxiety?

No matter how cute your little rascal is, puppy-wrangling can be absolutely exhausting. While it's true that adopting a puppy can bring a much-needed source of joy and unconditional love into your life, it can also bring stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and frustration (often called the “puppy blues”).

Is it normal to feel anxious with a new puppy?

Having a new puppy can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times, but it's often the lesser talked about reality of new puppy parenthood. It can leave you feeling a little isolated, frustrated, and even perhaps regretful. It's the puppy blues in full effect!

Can Owning a dog cause anxiety?

On the flip side, though, owning a pet could pose a difficulty for someone with a mental illness. The daily routines and needs of owning an animal can actually contribute to feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or despair.

Why does my puppy bark at me and bite me?

Your puppy is likely just feeling playful and so is trying to encourage you to keep playing with him. Getting up and walking away until he calms back down, or redirecting his chewing behavior on a toy can help you engage without reinforcing the barking.

What should you not do with a new puppy?

Is it cruel to crate a dog while at work?

Leaving a puppy alone in crate while at work is unacceptable. As a rule of thumb, you can leave a puppy in a crate for a maximum of 5 hours straight ONLY, depending on their age. Adult dogs can handle up to 8 hours of confinement, but it shouldn't be an everyday thing.

Why am I sad after adopting a dog?

The puppy blues—also known as puppy depression, post-puppy depression, or postpartum puppy depression—is a condition that can affect anyone adopting a new dog or puppy. Like postpartum depression, it can involve feelings of regret, extreme sadness, anxiety, or overload centered around your new family member.

How do you cure Zoomies?

In much the same way you may find you're able to lessen the degree or frequency of zoomies by increasing physical exercise or challenging your dog mentally. This is a great way of releasing some of that pent up energy before it's channelled into one of these random bursts of energy.

Can I ask for my dog back after rehoming?

Answer. People who give away or sell their animal generally have no further legal rights to that animal. The person who adopted the animal or purchased the animal does not typically have to return the animal unless there was an agreement that stated otherwise.

Do puppies have witching hours?

Puppies usually have a “witching” hour in the early morning or late evening (this can vary for all puppies). Most puppies tear around the house, engaging in increased levels of mouthing behavior with his/her pet parent or the poor resident dog/cat. Some trainers call this the “zoomies”.

At what age do puppies show their personality?

In conclusion, one can learn things about a puppy's temperament as early as 4-5 weeks, although the older they get the more you can learn and the more reliable a temperament test. By 6-8 weeks, a breeder should be able to tell you many details about your pup's personality.

Do puppies go through terrible twos?

Remember, the terrible twos are temporary, but it's especially important to stop bad behaviors before they become habits. Patience, persistence, and consistency will help you correct any unwanted behaviors. Learn more about dog behavior in our Pet Behavior Library.