Have you got the "puppy blues"?

Welcoming a new puppy or dog into your home is often painted as this amazing, joyful experience full of cute moments, playtime, and unconditional love. But let’s be real—sometimes it’s not all sunshine and wagging tails. For some people, bringing home a puppy can feel overwhelming, even a bit regretful. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. What you’re feeling is often called the "puppy blues."

What Are the Puppy Blues?The puppy blues are basically when the excitement of bringing home your new furry friend is replaced by stress, sadness, or even thoughts like, "What did I get myself into?" Puppies are adorable, but they’re also a lot of work. Between training, constant supervision, and adjusting your whole life to their needs, it can feel like a total whirlwind.

The puppy blues can be pretty intense—similar to how new parents sometimes feel after bringing home a baby. It’s that mix of exhaustion, self-doubt, and a little bit of panic. But keep in mind, there’s a difference between the puppy blues and the usual frustrations of puppyhood, like potty training accidents or chewed-up shoes. The blues come with a heavier emotional weight.

Symptoms of the Puppy BluesIf you’re dealing with the puppy blues, here’s what you might notice:

• Sadness or crying: Feeling down or overwhelmed by all the responsibilities.
• Anxiety: Worrying about your pup’s health, behavior, or if you’re doing things “right.”
• Regret: Thinking, "Maybe I wasn’t ready for this," or second-guessing your decision.
• Frustration: Snapping when things don’t go smoothly, like during potty training.
• Feeling overwhelmed: Everything feels like too much—even the small stuff.
• Loss of interest: Not wanting to do things you normally enjoy because puppy care is so consuming.
• Sleep issues: Either your puppy’s schedule or your racing thoughts keep you up.
• Guilt: Feeling like you’re not being a “good” puppy parent or blaming yourself for the tough parts.
• Social withdrawal: Avoiding friends and family because your hands are full.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, tension, or even an upset stomach from all the stress.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In fact, about 70% of new puppy owners feel this way. It’s totally normal to struggle with the adjustment.

How Long Does It Last? The puppy blues don’t last forever—promise! Most people start feeling better after a few weeks or months, as they and their puppy settle into a routine.
Here’s a general idea of what the process can look like:

1. Overwhelm (early days): The constant care, lack of sleep, and challenges can feel crushing.
2. Adjustment (a few weeks in): You and your pup start to figure each other out, and things feel less chaotic.
3. Bonding and fun (later months): The hard work pays off, and you really start to enjoy your time together.

Keep in mind, it’s not always a straight path. Some days, it might feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back. That’s okay. The important thing is to keep going.

Tips for Coping with the Puppy Blues
Here are some ways to make this phase a little easier:
1. Lean on Your People
Don’t try to do this alone! Reach out to friends, family, or even online groups for advice and support. Whether it’s someone to vent to or a helping hand with your pup, having a support system makes a huge difference.
2. Take Care of Yourself
Make time for things that help you recharge—whether it’s a walk, a good book, or even a long shower. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your puppy.
3. Call in the Pros
If training feels overwhelming, hire a professional (like us at Moon Dog Training!). Trainers can help you tackle tough behavior issues and give you a game plan that works for your family. And if the emotional toll feels too heavy, don’t hesitate to talk to a counselor.
4. Create a Routine
Dogs thrive on structure, and honestly, so do most humans. A consistent schedule can help you feel more in control. For example:

• Morning: Breakfast, potty, a little playtime or a walk.
• Midday: Another potty break and a short training session.
• Afternoon: Nap time (for your puppy and maybe you too!).
• Evening: Dinner, walk, and calm hangout time.

5. Focus on the Good Stuff
​Even on the hard days, take time to enjoy your puppy. Whether it’s a goofy moment with their toys or a cuddle on the couch, those little things remind you why you started this journey in the first place.

If you’re struggling with the puppy blues, know that it’s a temporary phase. With a little patience, support, and help when you need it, you’ll get through this—and come out the other side with an amazing bond with your dog.

At Moon Dog Training, we’re here to help every step of the way, whether you’re dealing with training challenges or just need someone to remind you that you’ve got this. Hang in there—you’re doing great!