You’ve just got a puppy, you should be over the moon, but you’re feeling down…

I know what you’re going through, I was there! Honestly. Everyone was full of compliments for my puppy, and thought he was marvellous (and he was!) but I just didn’t feel it. 

I went through Indie’s early puppyhood totally on my own, which meant all the toilet breaks that I had to give him through the night had to be me. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel a bond with Indie, that was there from the get go, it was just so much. It felt overwhelming.

Lack of sleep was getting to me, and I couldn’t understand why he was so tough. My temper was frayed at best and I felt, more than once, like I was going to have to take him back. That I’d made a bad decision. 

Does that ring a bell for you too?

Do not feel alone!

Honestly, you’re really not alone, and it can truly feel that way. 

A lack of sleep, not knowing what to do even after everything you’ve read means that you can easily feel overwhelmed, especially if the puppy is largely your responsibility. Feeling totally unsure of what you should do for the best? Is tough. 

It’s a little like Post-Partum depression – except that obviously you didn’t give birth to this fluffy little pupper – in a way that makes it worse though! In a way. You likely haven’t had nine whole months to prep for this. Though, unlike post-partum, your boss is not very likely to be sympathetic with this one. And to be honest? Jo Public just doesn’t understand it. Similar to how they don’t understand depression (or didn’t until a light was shining on it… hold up…  let me grab a torch/flashlight…), you likely won’t get a sympathetic ear unless you know someone who has gone through it. 

This is where I wave at you and go “Hey, Alex here… I know what you’re feeling”. So, let me help you through this, because I’ve been there.

What Are The Puppy Blues?

Well, simply put, it’s feeling low, overwhelmed, anxious, sad and/or helpless shortly after getting a puppy and wondering whether it was the right thing to do. Now, you know, logically, that you didn’t just see the puppy in a shop with a label that said “HALF OFF! TODAY ONLY” and you bought him on an impulse, you’ve considered this to some degree for a long time. So… why do you feel this way?  

Why Do You Have The Puppy Blues? 

Hard to say! For me, I have a predisposition to depression and anxiety – so not a shock that I experienced it. Managing mental health when you’re exhausted is really tough – but that’s not always the case!

Sometimes it can just be the drastic change in lifestyle associated with getting a puppy and suddenly having a hugely dependent creature in your life, having them break things, chew on things, the associated sleep deprivation with toilet training… It can even just be a culmination of a bunch of small things as your entire world begins to revolve around this adorable, fluffy puppy.

It’s not that you don’t care – because you’re biologically programmed to, sorry – but it’s almost like you care too much. You’re worried you’re failing, and no one can tell you otherwise.

Learn from my experience

These tips come from my experience, and they’re there for you. To help you through this, okay? You can do this. You don’t need to give puppy back. You went into this with your eyes open and you’re just feeling a little wobbly. 

Keep reading.

1 – Remember it’s finite.

Crate training, routine implementation, the sleepless nights and the huge focus on puppy will decrease. You only get this with this puppy once, so try and enjoy it. It will end. But if you need to cry? It might just help. You have to feel what you have to feel – and this will come to an end. They become easier, I promise.

2 – Brush Up On What To Expect

You’ve already taken a great first step, but if you’re looking to learn more? There’s always reading, but drop me a message because I’ve got something special on the horizon for puppy owners just like you. 

3 – Make Sure Your Crate Training Is On Pointe!

Getting your puppy settled in at home, and having their own space is so very important and can be so handy for helping with the blues – because if there’s a space where your puppy is happy? It means you have even 5 minutes for yourself. 

4 – Take time for you.

Like the advice they give new mothers and fathers, try to squeeze in some time for you. For example, you could take a nap! Settle puppy into their crate and close your eyes. You’re certainly exhausted because the little one is crying or howling at night. 

Alternatively, a time for a bath, where you can relax. Or go get your nails done! Sorry, I know they’re a bit girly – or – maybe go to a bar with your buddy and watch some football? There’s a lot of options for “Me time”. 

5 – Cranky Puppy Plans

Make sure you have a routine in place. make sure there is a structure to your new puppy’s day. Check out our post on Creating a Routine for your Puppy – because it’s really important to segment the day so that you’re making the best routine for them – if you don’t? This stage can be totally rotten, because if your dog isn’t getting the right level of exercise, or sleeping properly himself, it can make him cantankerous, which is really not going to help the situation. Chews can be a life saver. 

6 – Build A Support Network

Whether this is your mum, your best friend, or a paid professional like the dog walker I mentioned, even a trainer! Particularly a trainer if there’s something that’s bugging you senseless.  Sometimes having someone there to help you, to become your back up when you just need a break – that’s fine! Honestly, and do not feel guilty about that – that’s an order, ok? Feel ok. You need to take time for you.

Caveat inbound…

Now, if you’ve had something going on for a little longer? And it’s been festering for a while… Or if this starts extending for a longer time, please make sure to go seek professional help. There’s nothing to be ashamed about, seek help, feel better. No one deserves to be in that hole and talking to a professional is one of the best ways of dealing with it in my opinion.

This needed to be said.

This did need to be said. I promise you, if you post about this in a facebook board – you will not be alone! Talking can help. 

Last big thing? You can’t be everything to everyone all the time.

I promise you, if you prioritise yourself for an hour, even if that means you have to get a dog walker in once a week to hang out with your pup (which they are gonna LOVE doing! Hanging out with puppies was one of my favourite things to do!) whilst you go have a bath, go to the pub or similar is going to help. Oh! And don’t take it out on your puppy – even if you’re feeling totally overwhelmed. Remember you brought them into your life and they’re learning to live with you, too. 

If it helps? Let me know. If you’re struggling, let me know! I’m happy to talk and help if I can. Email me. Honestly, I’ll reply.