You’ll have probably heard about parents having the ‘baby blues’. But did you know that the ‘puppy blues’ are common too? They refer to that feeling of sadness or anxiety that many people experience shortly after getting a puppy. The bundle of fur you’ve welcomed into your life is truly adorable, but you may worry that you can’t cope or that you’ve done the wrong thing. Read on to find out more about coping with the puppy blues.
Recognise that puppy blues are normal
You may feel bad about being down in the dumps when you get a puppy. However, it’s important to recognise that the puppy blues are normal, and they’ll soon pass once you adjust to caring for a young dog. The first few weeks are likely to be the hardest since this is the time when you’re getting little sleep and you’re probably still working on potty training. The puppy blues won’t last forever and should go away once you regain some control over the situation.
Learn what to expect
Knowing what to expect when you get a new puppy can make life easier. If you go into the situation with your eyes closed, you’re likely to get a shock. A puppy can make huge demands on your time, emotional and physical energy, and your finances. However, you’ll find the challenge so much easier to overcome if you’re prepared. Do your research to find out what’s in store for the first few weeks.
Work with a professional dog trainer
Many people find themselves in survival mode after they bring a new puppy home, focussing solely on getting through each hour of the day. However, this can lead to poor training techniques which make behaviour worse in the long run. If you want to ensure that you’re training your pooch correctly, consider hiring a professional dog trainer. It can take some pressure off you, allowing you to relax a little in the knowledge that your puppy is learning from the experts. We can help you with behavioural aspects like biting and over-excitement as well as toilet training.
Don’t take it out on your puppy
Most importantly, you need to remember that your puppy isn’t to blame for their behaviour. Young dogs simply aren’t intelligent enough to annoy you on purpose. So, if your new addition has just peed on your favourite shoes or chewed on your couch, don’t take it personally. Don’t take your anger or frustration out on them by shouting, intimidating, or hitting them. It’s your job to teach them how to behave so that they can integrate better into your household.
Take time for you
Don’t underestimate the importance of ‘me time’ when coping with the puppy blues. Even though a new puppy can take up so much of your time, you should try to squeeze in some moments for you to relax and unwind. You’re likely to be very tired if your puppy keeps you up at night, and rest and recuperation is vital for your mental and physical health. Share puppy care duties with family members, or if you live alone, ask friends if they can watch your puppy for an hour or so. Tapping into your support network can be useful when you have a new puppy.
Experiencing the puppy blues is never nice, but it’s important to recognise that they can be a perfectly normal part of the process. Seeking help and support from an experienced puppy trainer can certainly take off some of the pressure when training your new dog, making life easier from the very beginning.