What are puppy blues?

'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.

How long does the puppy blues last?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that puppy blues are generally most intense in the three weeks following their onset. After that, symptoms may remain but feel more manageable, often resolving entirely within three months.

How do you beat puppy blues?

How long does the puppy phase last?

Puppies typically develop the emotional maturity and temperament of an adult dog between twelve and eighteen months of age, although they may continue to occasionally exhibit puppy behavior like chewing and nipping until they're about two years old.

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.

Puppy Blues 101

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.

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.

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.

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!

Why is raising a puppy so hard?

New puppy owners live in a world of chaos. Puppies essentially need to have their wild Tramp-ish instincts trained out of them so they don't turn into wild opportunistic beasties that would bite you as soon as look at you. Puppies need constant play, tummy rubs, ear sniffing and brushing.

Is it normal to not like your puppy?

He may have some accidents at first, but this is normal. Realise that when time passes the bond between you and your new puppy will slowly grow and strengthen. You won't necessarily love your puppy straight away and this is normal. One day, buying a puppy might be the best thing you ever did!

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.

What if I don't want my puppy anymore?

If you want to give up your dog, there are a couple of options you could try: Contact a dog rehoming centre. You could try one of the national charities such as Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, SSPCA or USPCA, or a local rescue organisation.

Why do I regret getting a dog?

It's not uncommon for new puppy owners to experience a period of regret about getting a dog. This is because puppies are really hard work – something that often takes new puppy parents by surprise. A survey of first-time dog owners commissioned by Our Family Dog found that most people struggle with their new puppy.

Is it normal to be frustrated with your puppy?

Frustration about your dog's behavior is normal. Left unchecked, this frustration can grow into animosity, resentfulness, and a lack of desire to spend time with your dog. The end result is often a dog that winds up in an animal shelter.

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.

How long does it take for a new puppy to bond with you?

Typically puppies tend to bond quicker as they have fewer attachments and history with other owners than adult dogs. On average, if you've got a puppy from a breeder, it could take 3 weeks- 3 months to bond with your dog.

Does raising a puppy get easier?

So the answer is, it will get easier and easier, depending on how much effort you put into educating your dog. You should therefore remain hopeful in the process during the first year. It's several months of intense work that will give you many years of wonderful companionship with your dog.

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.

What do you do with a puppy all day?

We strongly recommend crate training for times when your pup is ready to nap or you need a break. Using puzzle toys and long lasting chews can help your pup enjoy crate time. If you need to get something done around the house like cooking or a phone call, you can always just keep your pup nearby on a leash!

How do you survive the puppy stage?

Do puppies have a witching hour?

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”.

Why does my puppy go crazy and bite me?

Why is my puppy biting me? It hurts! Nearly all nipping is your puppy's way of getting your attention and trying to engage you in play. If you ever watch puppies or dogs play, you'll notice that most of them naturally “play fight.” They chase, tackle, wrestle, and chew on each other.

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.

How can you tell if a puppy is going to be aggressive?

The most common aggressive puppy behaviour warning signs include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominant body language/play, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and persistent biting/mouthing.