Is Puppy Regret Really a Thing?
- Mimi
- Jul 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 21
By Mimi Jacobson CPDT/ABC
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure for countless individuals worldwide each year! However, it can also bring some unexpected challenges. Many first-time puppy owners might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even have second thoughts during the initial days of pet ownership, often wondering, "Did I make the right choice by adopting a puppy?"
Caring for a puppy requires a lot of time, effort, and financial resources, and facing the reality of meeting their needs can feel daunting. From sleepless nights and potty training mishaps to constant chewing and boundless energy, the challenges of puppy care can be tiring for even the most dedicated pet owners. In this blog, I'll dive into some of the most common questions about the puppy blues and other feelings of anxiety that might pop up after bringing a new puppy home.
Some Refer to This as The Puppy Blues?
The term "puppy blues" captures the feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, or generally the puppy regret that dog owners might experience after welcoming a new puppy into their home. Much like buyer's remorse, these emotions are typically triggered by the stress of adapting to the responsibilities involved in caring for a young dog.
Caring for puppies involves significant responsibility, and the puppy blues often arise from underestimating the time, effort, and money needed for their care. Typically, pet owners dedicate dozens of hours each week to caring for their new puppy, and during the first year, they may spend over $1,000 on care and other expenses. Feeling stressed or regretful at this stage doesn't mean you've made a mistake or a poor decision by bringing a new puppy into your home. It simply means you might need to work a bit harder to manage your emotions, ensuring the well-being of both your new puppy and yourself.
You might be experiencing the puppy blues if you feel like:
Getting a puppy was a mistake
There's a lack of bonding or connection with your new puppy
Your puppy never lets you get any sleep
Feeling trapped or restricted
You are becoming more frustrated with the chewing, nipping, barking, or potty accidents
If you've ever felt this way with a new puppy, you're in good company. A survey involving more than 800 new puppy owners revealed that 70% of participants experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with welcoming a puppy into their life and home.
Is It Common to Feel Regret After Getting a Puppy?
This is likely the pressing question you're seeking an answer to, and we have it for you. Yes, it is entirely normal to experience some level of "regret" or "remorse" after bringing a puppy home. The key point to remember regarding puppy blues is that it's perfectly acceptable to have these feelings and occasionally feel frustrated with your puppy. You won't be the first dog owner to be upset over a chewed-up pair of shoes or a soiled rug, and you certainly won't be the last.
Consider this: you've just welcomed a new living being into your home, and it will rely on you for all its needs and desires. You're tasked with ensuring its happiness and health for the next 10-15 years, which is a significant responsibility. As you oversee your new dog, your emotions will naturally be heightened for a few weeks as you adjust to your puppy's behaviors and quirks, and as your puppy adapts to its new life with you.
Rest assured, experiencing the puppy blues doesn't mean you're a poor dog owner. Puppies are much more difficult to train and live with than what social media, film, and television portray, and the adjustment period for everyone in your household will certainly last longer than the few days it takes for your puppy to become familiar with you.
However, it's not normal to let these feelings negatively affect how you treat and care for your puppy. Your stress, frustration, and anxiety are understandable, but as a responsible pet owner, you must not let them lead to neglect, abuse, or any harm to your puppy.
How Long Do the Puppy Blues Last? Will They Ever End?
Though the puppy blues are a common experience, they vary for each individual, meaning there's no fixed duration for their persistence. The time it takes to adjust to life with your puppy can be influenced by several factors, including your puppy's breed, age, activity level, and personality, as well as your own lifestyle and patience level.
Typically, owners have noted that puppy blues last from a few weeks to a few months. The positive news is that many pet owners have reassured others that the puppy blues usually resolve naturally as puppies and their owners establish a routine and as the puppy starts to mature.
Puppies generally calm down as they age, often by 1 to 2 years, depending on the breed. Consistent training and a routine can accelerate the adjustment and might even prevent puppy blues from occurring in the first place!
If you're having difficulty, a professional trainer or behaviorist can provide guidance and help you develop a plan to better manage your puppy – hopefully reducing some of the stress in your life.
Managing the Stress of a New Puppy
To combat the puppy blues, it's essential to manage your expectations and stress levels. While we often imagine puppies as perfect, sweet little creatures, the reality is they are likely to chew your shoes, have accidents indoors, and generally cause some mischief, which can be challenging and stressful for even the most patient pet owners.
Approaching puppy ownership with realistic expectations can greatly benefit both your relationship with your new pet and your own peace of mind. When you welcome a new puppy into your home, remember that facing challenges and setbacks is entirely normal. Some things you can anticipate when bringing home a new puppy include:
Adjustment Will Take Time
Expect Sleep Disruptions
Accidents Are Inevitable
Biting and Chewing Are Natural
Training Requires Consistency and Time
High Energy Levels
They Need Supervision
Vet Visits and Expenses Are Part of the Commitment
Bonding Needs Time and Effort
Dog Training Programs Can Help
To manage your stress, ensure you take time for yourself away from your puppy and make sure you and your family—including any other pets—receive the care and attention they need. If there are others in your household, consider taking turns supervising the puppy to keep them safe and out of trouble. Alternatively, use tools like puppy gates, playpens, and crates to confine your puppy to an easier-to-monitor area or secure them while you take a break. Or better yet, take advantage of the services at Dog Daycare and training facilities that offer early puppy programs. These tools can also foster independence in your puppy and help prevent separation anxiety from the start—and it's never too early to begin crate training!
Other pet owners have found that establishing a routine for their puppy significantly alleviated feelings associated with the puppy blues, as a structured routine can help address behavior issues, create a schedule that works for everyone, and ensure there's sufficient time for bonding and training.
How to Get Help for the Puppy Blues
While the puppy blues are common, if your symptoms or anxieties about your puppy continue to escalate, it's time to seek help or support.
If you're feeling that getting a puppy was a mistake, reach out to a veterinarian, trainer, or counselor to discuss your feelings. Sometimes, talking to an animal health professional can be validating and enlightening, reassuring new puppy owners that things will improve. In some instances, rehoming might be the right decision, but it should only be considered after exploring all other options.
Exciting news! There are fantastic engaging puppy training classes that help you establish good rules and boundaries in your home, and even week long programs like the ones we offer here at The PupHaus, where we do all the heavy lifting while you are at work. There are also supportive local groups ready to connect you with others in the same boat. They offer amazing tips to tackle your puppy's challenging behaviors. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and there's a wealth of help waiting for you!
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