Welcoming a new puppy into your life can be so exciting, and incredibly rewarding, too. However, we often focus on the good parts without discussing the struggles.
As much as it’s great to bring your puppy home for the first time, it’s still a major life change. Things might not go smoothly, and you might find yourself experiencing negative emotions alongside or instead of the joy you might expect. Even worrying about whether or not you’ve bought the best puppy food or the best puppy toys can take up a lot of time.
That’s totally fine, however, and it’s normal, too! The puppy blues are quite common, whether you’re a first-time dog parent or you have plenty of experience, and award-winning trainer Lisa Burton of Listen Dog Training has explained everything we need to know about them in a new Instagram post.
After a few days, or maybe a couple of weeks, you might find yourself experiencing overwhelm and anxiety. It’s “the dawning realization that you are fully responsible for the health and welfare of this little life for the next decade” at least, says Burton.
She explains that you might feel isolated, too, as your life will likely revolve around your puppy at home for a while, and even frustration and resentment. After all, you might be getting less sleep, dealing with little accidents, and trying to teach a small puppy not to bite and chew. Here are more some reasons you have the puppy blues and what to do about it for further explanation.
“This is all normal!” Burton reassures us. She presents two truths that it’s important for us all to remember:
- Everything we’re struggling with now is temporary.
- All the problems our puppies are presenting us are solvable.
So, what can we do? Burton advises practicing separation from the beginning, by employing one of the best dog crates, best puppy playpens, or baby gates (like these ones on Amazon). With plenty of positive reinforcement and enrichment, this teaches your dog that it’s okay to be away from you for short periods of time.
Make sure you’re prepared for the puppy teething stage, too. It can last for a few months, and your pup will need to chew, so stock up on plenty of chews with different shapes, sizes, and textures. Freeze damp twisted dish towels – they’re great for soothing sore gums! Try these three teething puppy tips for more advice – and check out our guide to the best puppy teething toys, too.
Remember, too, that if you put the hard work in now it’ll pay off down the line. It might not be the easiest period of time, but if you stay committed, you can ensure that the problems your pup is giving you don’t become habits as they get older.
And, above all, says Burton, “Enjoy the good moments. I promise that all the difficulties are only temporary, and your puppy will grow into an incredible member of your family with the right guidance and support!”
For more advice on raising a puppy, you might find these differences between a puppy and a dog interesting.
