Puppies bring joy, laughter, companionship, and plenty of unforgettable memories.
They can also be exhausting.
Many new puppy owners find themselves worrying that they’re doing everything wrong. They wonder if they’re training enough, socialising enough, exercising enough, or providing enough enrichment. Some start to question whether they’re capable of raising a puppy at all.
Some quietly wonder if they’ve made a mistake.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
What the science says
Recent research has shown that many puppy owners experience what has become known as the “puppy blues” — a period characterised by feelings such as frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Interestingly, these researchers found that there are parallels between the experiences of new puppy owners and those reported by new parents during the postpartum period (Stahl, et al. 2024).
The ups and downs of the first year
Part of the challenge is that puppy raising is not a straight line. The first year can be surprisingly difficult. Just as you start to feel like you’ve got things under control, adolescence comes in with a bang.
Many adolescent dogs become more independent, more distracted, more energetic, and less interested in listening to their humans. Behaviours that seemed resolved can suddenly reappear. Recall can become unreliable, lead walking can fall apart, and your previously sensible puppy may seem to have misplaced their brain.
This is normal.
It doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and it doesn’t mean your dog is broken. It means your puppy is growing up.
Don’t lose sight of the finish line
The good news is that these stages pass. Everything adds up over time, so keep training, be consistent, and be patient. The dog you’re living with today is not the dog you’ll be living with forever.
In the meantime, remember that support is available.
Talk to your trainer. Ask questions. Share your concerns. Attend classes and connect with other puppy owners. One of the most reassuring things about puppy classes is discovering that many other people are experiencing exactly the same challenges.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you’re finding puppy ownership harder than you expected, know that your feelings are valid, your experience is normal, and help is available.
At Urban Dogs HQ, we specialise in developmentally appropriate puppy training and socialisation. Reach out if you’d like some help.
UDHQ students can learn more in our Puppy Life Handbook, or join us in-person for puppy classes in Melbourne.
