After years of dreaming about getting a puppy, you’ve finally brought a little furball into your home. While you anticipated some fatigue from your pup’s playful energy, the feelings of sadness, anxiety, or being overwhelmed—often referred to as the “puppy blues”—might have taken you by surprise.

If you’re experiencing these emotions, know that you’re not alone, and it doesn’t reflect poorly on your abilities as a pet parent. Many new puppy owners face similar feelings as they adjust to the major changes that come with having a puppy.

We spoke to pet parents who have successfully navigated the puppy blues and gathered insights from a professional dog trainer on how to tackle this initial hurdle.

What Are the Puppy Blues?

Puppy blues refer to the strong feelings of anxiety and sadness that some new pet parents experience after bringing home a puppy. You might feel exhausted and start to doubt your ability to be a good dog parent. These feelings can arise from several factors, including:

• The sudden responsibility of caring for a puppy
• Disruptions to your daily routine and social life
• Sleep deprivation that often comes with early puppyhood
• Damage to your home, like chewed furniture or accidents
• A sense of unpreparedness
• Longer-than-expected training processes that can be more challenging than you thought
• Misunderstanding the commitment involved in raising a puppy

This emotional dip often follows the initial excitement of getting a puppy, as reality begins to sink in. Emily Jenkins, a dog parent to Chai, experienced this firsthand: “When I picked Chai up, I was so happy and excited, but within a week, I started feeling increasingly anxious and sad. All I could focus on were the issues she was causing me,” she shares.

While some new pet parents may feel joyful right from the start, experiencing the puppy blues is a common and normal reaction to a significant life change. It doesn’t indicate that you’re failing as a pet parent, and you can absolutely still develop a wonderful bond with your dog.

How Long Do the Puppy Blues Last?

The timeline for experiencing puppy blues varies for everyone, according to Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, owner of Dog Savvy. Factors such as your puppy’s temperament, the level of support you receive, your daily schedule, and any significant behavioral issues like separation anxiety or excessive barking can all play a role.

In the initial weeks, the combination of sleepless nights, constant vigilance, training challenges, and the pressure to do everything right can make it feel like the blues will last forever. However, as your puppy matures, learns, and starts to respond to training, life typically becomes much easier.

For Lenox Soto, who is the dog parent of Spotty, the puppy blues were short-lived. “In the first few weeks, I felt overwhelmed and anxious due to the extra work and the need to keep him out of trouble,” he recalls. “There were a few days when I questioned my decision, but I quickly found my rhythm, and now he’s my best buddy.”

In contrast, Emily Jenkins experienced a longer adjustment period. “I got Chai when she was two months old, and it took until she was seven months for me to really start liking her and not regretting my choice,” she explains. “Once she matured a bit and settled down, I felt less anxious and began to enjoy her company more.”

Tips for Coping With the Puppy Blues:

• Start Training Right Away:

It might be tempting to wait for your puppy to settle in before starting training, but beginning early can make a significant difference. Puppies absorb information quickly, so the sooner you introduce basic commands and set boundaries, the faster they will learn.

Starting training right away lays the groundwork for good behavior and helps prevent bad habits from developing. Whether you’re focusing on crate training, potty training, teaching them not to jump on or chew furniture, or basic commands like “sit” and “stay,” setting expectations from the start helps your puppy understand what’s acceptable, making life easier for both of you. Plus, training offers a fantastic opportunity to bond with your new furry friend!

If you prefer not to handle training on your own, puppy classes can be a great option.

“Puppy classes were a game-changer for both Chai and me,” Jenkins says. “Chai learned important skills, and I always left the classes feeling much more confident and in control as a pet parent.”

• Stick to a Routine:

“Establishing good habits begins with setting up a routine so your puppy knows what to expect each day,” Bassett explains. This can help you feel more in control and assist your puppy in adapting to the rhythm of your daily life.

By teaching your puppy when it’s time to eat, sleep, play, and go potty, you create consistency, which helps minimize confusion and misbehavior.

• Use Behavior Management Tools:

“Behavior management tools like crates, playpens, and gates are crucial for your success,” Bassett notes. These tools help prevent bad habits, like pottying in unwanted areas, and keep your puppy safe when unsupervised.

For Soto, these tools were essential. “Using a crate and gates made a significant difference,” he shares. “I could finally step away for a bit without worrying that he was getting into trouble, which helped me feel more relaxed during those early weeks.”

• Puppy-Proof Your Home:

Puppies are inherently curious and often explore things they shouldn’t, which can result in accidents or destructive behavior. Take the time to remove or secure potential hazards, such as electrical cords, household cleaners, and small objects that could be chewed or swallowed. This proactive approach helps keep your puppy safe and reduces the stress of worrying about what they might get into.

• Lean On Fellow Pet Parents:

Talking to others who have faced similar challenges can be very comforting. Reach out to friends, join online puppy parent groups, or connect with a community where you can share your experiences and seek advice.

If you can, ask a friend or family member to help out for an hour or two so you can take some time for yourself.

• Focus on Small Wins:

Puppyhood can be challenging, but celebrating small victories—like your puppy going potty in the right spot or sleeping through the night—can help you maintain a positive outlook. These achievements indicate that things are improving, even if progress seems slow.

It’s easy to become focused on the daily difficulties of puppy life, but it’s crucial to keep the bigger picture in perspective.

“Remind yourself that the initial challenges are just a small part of the journey,” Soto advises. “The effort you invest now lays the groundwork for years of companionship with a well-behaved, wonderful dog that will enrich your life.”

• Remember to Care for Yourself:

Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well, whether it’s ensuring you get enough sleep, preparing healthy meals, exercising, or engaging in activities you enjoy.

“It wasn’t until I began prioritizing my own needs and letting go of perfectionism that things really started to improve,” Jenkins shares. “I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, I couldn’t adequately care for her.”

It’s also crucial to be gentle with yourself during this time. Raising a puppy is a significant responsibility, and experiencing ups and downs is completely normal. Be kind to yourself and remember that it’s okay to face challenging moments and days. These tough times will eventually pass, and soon you’ll start to appreciate all the wonderful aspects of having a furry best friend by your side.