Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting things that can happen to someone, especially if this is your first time. You cannot wait to become a dog owner, and you just want the adoption day to come.
Owning a dog seems to be a dream. You’ll get lots of puppy kisses and cuddles, a pet that will happily welcome you whenever you enter your home, and other movie-like scenes.
However, such high expectations can leave you surprised with some of the hardships that come with dog ownership. Not everything is like on TV, and reality can hit you, causing what is called the ‘puppy blues’.
While you have probably heard of baby blues, not many have heard of the phrase, puppy blues. If this is something that might interest you – you’re in the right place.
Puppy blues is a common problem with many new dog owners. Fortunately, there are methods that might help you cope with the situation faster.
Here are some coping tips!
1. Manage Your Expectations
As harsh as it might sound – you need to manage your expectations when you plan on getting yourself a new puppy.
To do this, you have to stop daydreaming about how wonderful and amazing dog ownership is. Instead, be more realistic. This doesn’t mean you should be pessimistic or give up on becoming a dog owner. You simply have to change your approach.
Realize that all puppies bite and chew on things that they really shouldn’t put anywhere near their muzzles. At the same time, they likely won’t eat the food you buy them. Why would they when pillows seem much more tasty?
Puppies rarely come potty trained, and accidents can happen more often than you’d like. You’ll be cleaning pee at least a few times a day for the first couple of weeks.
They will also cry and ask for your attention throughout the day, and even more so during the night.
Once you are aware of this, and not just cuddles and face-licking, is what you’ll face, you can be more prepared for all the good and the bad sides of puppy ownership.
2. Limit Where Your Puppy Can Go
Until your puppy is potty trained and knows some basic commands, limit his roaming area in order to prevent accidents and destructive behavior.
Don’t let your untrained puppy inside the kitchen or in your bedroom. Use puppy gates when necessary to keep him inside his safe space. This will also help you keep an eye on your dog most of the time.
If a puppy doesn’t know commands, he might eat something poisonous or dangerous, such as cables or plastic. Don’t put him in such a situation before you can be certain that he’ll stop when you tell him to!
Not to mention you’ll have a place where you can actually be alone.
3. Share Some Work
Taking care of a little puppy is a lot of work. Unless you are living alone with your pup, share some responsibility among other family members.
For example, have your partner walk your dog while you are napping, or take shifts on cleaning up pee from the carpet. If you are the sole owner, hire a dog walking service from time to time so you can still have some help.
4. Contact Your Vet
Some puppy owners feel the puppy blues because of constant worry and feeling anxious that something might happen to their new pet. It isn’t easy being responsible for another life, and it can get quite stressful.
Staying in touch with your vet can help you feel calmer. Most veterinarians can give you some advice over the phone, or tell you whether a certain behavior is normal. They can give you all the information you need on how to take care of your pup and keep him healthy.
5. Hire A Professional Dog Trainer
If you’re feeling the puppy blues because you feel like you have a bad puppy or that you’re a bad dog owner, you might want to consider taking your puppy to training classes.
Professional training isn’t just for misbehaving large adult dogs – it is for everyone! From potty and crate training to learning commands, a dog trainer can help you have the best dog possible.
Dog training can also be a good way to take some stress off of your shoulders, as you’ll know that it is one less thing to worry about.
6. Connect With Others
No matter what you’re going through, you’ll always feel better if you connect with other people, especially if they’ve been through the same thing.
Find a friend who can listen to you without judging you. Join a forum about being a first-time dog owner. Many people have felt the puppy blues, but are ashamed of admitting their struggle.
Another good option might be to document your journey or, if you feel like it, share it on your social media. This will help you reach more people and find the support you may need.
7. Take A Break
Find a way not to stay with your puppy all the time, every hour of every day. Sometimes, you just need a break, and that’s okay.
Schedule nap times for your puppy. This is also a great way to crate train him. Once you’ve finished with the playtime, place your pup in his crate and let him have a nap for an hour or two.
Ask a family member or a friend to serve as a pet sitter for a few hours so you can have some well-deserved rest. There are even some professional pet sitters and dog daycares out there that you can pay to take care of your pup for a little while, and maybe even help with puppy training.
It’s extremely important that you have some time for yourself, no matter how much you or your puppy might feel like it’s a good idea to be together all the time.
8. Celebrate Milestones
Don’t focus on the bad things. Think about everything you’ve accomplished so far, and how far you and your four-legged best friend have gone!
Celebrating successes can help you get through the bad days. If you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, it can give you that boost you need to go on.
Brag to people about a new trick your puppy has learned. Post something on your social media. Buy your pup a new toy – there are plenty of affordable, yet cute options on Amazon and similar websites.
9. Research
From magazines and books to online videos and podcasts, there is plenty of information that is easy to reach on everything dog-related. Excessive barking, potty training, dog behavior – everything is available online.
The more informed you are, the more capable you are of raising your new puppy. It’s easier to raise a healthy dog when you know what you’re doing.
Not to mention that feeling more confident in your knowledge can help you feel calmer and better about having a dog overall. No one likes dealing with things they know nothing about in the first place.
Once you have done your research, you’ll know what your next step should be.
10. Get Some Rest
Most dogs won’t settle down the first night you bring them home. Sure, some might, but most will miss their previous environment. Dogs get attached to homes and people, and they quickly feel separation anxiety once you take them to their new home.
Until your dog is settled, he’s likely to whine or beg for your attention. Try to feel as much compassion as possible. This is all new to him.
During this time, forget about crate training. Your pup has to understand that you’re not leaving his side, and that he’s not going to be left alone. This doesn’t mean that you should let him sleep in your bed, but show him that you’re still there.
However, you also need to think about yourself and your needs, and this includes getting some sleep. A good idea would be to find a way to have your puppy sleep close to you, but still not too close to bother you.
Think about getting him a dog bed that can stay in your room. Maybe, put a dog gate in your bedroom so he can see you, but without being able to climb inside your bed.
Try to be creative and find the best possible solution for both of you to have some well-deserved sleep.