Yes, it is completely normal and very common to feel regret, stress, anxiety, or overwhelm (known as "puppy blues") after getting a puppy, as the reality of responsibility, sleep disruption, house training, and chewing often hits hard, even for experienced owners. This is a temporary phase as you adjust to the huge commitment, and it doesn't mean you're a bad owner or don't love the puppy; many people feel this way and work through it by seeking support, getting training, and taking breaks.

What if you regret getting a puppy?

If you're really feeling like getting a puppy was a mistake, reach out to a veterinarian, trainer, or even a counselor to talk through your feelings. Sometimes, just speaking to an animal health professional can be validating and eye-opening, letting new puppy owners know that things will get better.

How to survive puppy blues?

To help feel less overwhelmed, expect things to go awry and try to have a good sense of humor. Puppies will inevitably chew and break things; you'll need to clean up after them, housebreak and train them, so take a deep breath and know that everything you're feeling is normal.

Why is having a puppy so stressful?

It's completely normal to have feelings of anxiety after getting a puppy. Suddenly you have responsibility for this tiny, furry baby who is completely dependent on you! Many new pooch parents feel anxiety, especially the first few times they leave their pup at home alone.

Does the regret of getting a puppy go away?

The answer to your question is, yes, the puppy blues will go away over time, however if you're already struggling with the toileting and biting and destruction and madness I would consider returning her sooner rather than later as it's going to take months to crack all of this.

Puppy Regret: Does your new dog have you all stressed and overwhelmed? Watch this

Why am I so sad after getting a puppy?

Puppy blues refers to the feelings of regret, depression, overwhelm and potential guilt that new puppy owners can experience after getting a puppy. A Many Pets survey undertaken in 2023, revealed that the puppy blues are a lot more common than you might think.

What is the new puppy syndrome?

The “puppy blues,” as they're called, can result in new puppy owners feeling frustrated, anxious, or worried. This increase in stress can make it difficult for dog owners to bond with their new puppies and can increase the overall stress they face getting through daily life.

What to do if you can't cope with a puppy?

You can get help from a professional dog behaviourist if you are experiencing behavioural problems with your dog. If you need to give up your dog, using a reputable rehoming organisation is the best way to make sure your dog is matched to the right home.

What is the 10 minute rule for puppies?

The "10-minute rule for puppies" usually refers to either a potty training method (10 mins outside, 10 feet space, 10 mins supervision, repeat if needed) or a training/exercise guideline (short, focused 10-minute sessions to prevent overload, or 10 mins of exercise per month of age). It emphasizes consistency, short bursts of activity to match a puppy's limited attention and bladder control, and positive reinforcement for success, preventing frustration for both pup and owner.

Is it normal to not like your puppy?

You would be amazed at the number of people I hear from who say they are feeling really low after getting their new dog/puppy and want to know if it is normal. The answer is yes!

What is the 10 10 10 rule for puppies?

The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training is a guideline for success: take your puppy out for 10 minutes to their designated spot, give them 10 feet of space to sniff and explore, and offer 10 minutes of focused supervision with praise and treats if they eliminate, repeating as needed to build consistency and positive habits. This routine helps prevent accidents by ensuring they go in the right place with positive reinforcement and sets a clear expectation for them.

Is it normal to not want your puppy anymore?

It is NORMAL to have days when you want to give up and feel like you just don't enjoy your dog anymore. So many of us have been there before. Especially with puppies. Puppy blues are a real thing for some people.

Is it normal to regret a new pet?

Pet remorse, or post-adoption remorse, can include feelings of dread, panic, regret, anxiety, or depression revolving around bringing home a new pet. This can happen when bringing home any new animal including cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies. This is NORMAL.

Is raising a puppy harder than a baby?

Puppies are harder during that first year of their life, but they grow up fast and then become much easier. Kids are a lifelong commitment. The effort is more drawn out over time, but overall they require more effort. Puppies are a sprint and kids are a marathon.

What is the puppy uglies phase?

The Pomeranian puppy uglies refer to a phase when your Pommy's once-fluffy coat becomes patchy, uneven, and thinner as they shed their baby fur. This phase is completely normal and temporary but can leave new Pom owners confused or concerned.

What is walrus syndrome in puppies?

What is Anasarca? Puppies born with anasarca are commonly called walrus puppies, swimmer puppies, rubber puppies or water puppies. This is because they are born with a deadly amount of fluid underneath their skin. There is still not enough research done to truly understand why puppies are born with the condition.

Can a new puppy cause depression?

Nearly 70% of puppy owners reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both. These emotions are very common, very real, and can be disruptive daily. For puppy owners with anxiety symptoms related to dog ownership: 45% experienced anxiety symptoms “every day (16.8%)” or “most days (28.6%)”

What is the hardest month with a puppy?

The "worst" month of puppyhood varies, but common tough stages include 3-4 months (intense biting/teething, potty training issues, sleep disruption) and the 6-12 month adolescence period (rebelliousness, boundary testing, increased energy/independence, "terrible teens"), with the biting often peaking around 13 weeks. While teething (4-6 months) brings destructive chewing, adolescence brings behavioral challenges as hormones kick in, leading to disobedience and independence.
 

Is it okay if I leave my dog home alone for 8 hours and 5 days a week?

Typically, a puppy can be left alone for an hour for every month of age. So, a two-month-old puppy might be okay for about two hours alone. As dogs mature into adulthood, they can usually stay alone for about 4-6 hours, though this can stretch longer for some dogs, especially if they've been gradually accustomed to it.

What are basic puppy commands to teach?

Novice Commands

• Sit.
• Down.
• Stand.
• Front – move in front of me and sit.
• Heel – move to my side and sit. Heel can also double as a command to do a swing finish (however a different command will be needed for the around finish).
• OK – a release command indicates to the dog he is finished.

How long are puppies exhausting?

If you are in the 3-4 months range and feel like you are exhausted and overwhelmed, take a deep breath as this is likely the most difficult stage you will face. By the time your puppy is 5-6 months old, he/she is most likely fully potty trained and a bit more trustworthy around the house.

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