Puppy Blues and How to Overcome Them

So... What Are the Puppy Blues?

The puppy blues refer to a period of emotional overwhelm, anxiety, sadness, or even regret that some new dog owners experience after bringing home a puppy. It’s kind of like the post-vacation crash, but instead of missing the beach, you’re missing sleep, sanity, and maybe even your pre-puppy freedom.

These feelings can be triggered by:

• Lack of sleep (puppy potty training = zombie mode)

• Constant supervision

• Destructive behavior (RIP shoes)

• Guilt over not being a “perfect” dog owner

• Feeling isolated or stuck at home

It’s incredibly common, and you're not alone. In fact, many first-time (and even experienced!) dog owners go through it.

Why Does This Happen?

A few reasons:

Lifestyle shock: Puppies change everything. Your schedule, your sleep, your plans.

• The Instagram illusion: Social media paints an overly rosy picture of puppy life. Reality? Not so curated.

• Unrealistic expectations: You thought your puppy would cuddle and nap. Instead, they zoom around like a furry tornado.

• Hormonal/emotional response: Especially for those with a history of anxiety or depression, the adjustment can be emotionally intense.

Signs You Might Have the Puppy Blues

• Feeling overwhelmed or trapped

• Crying or feeling tearful

• Regretting the decision to get a puppy

• Questioning your ability to care for them

• Resentment or frustration toward the puppy

• Loss of interest in normal activities

• Trouble sleeping, even when the puppy is asleep

The Good News? It Does Get Better

Seriously. Every dog owner who’s been through it will tell you: it passes. Puppies grow up fast, and the chaos you’re in now will become a distant (and sometimes funny) memory.

But you don’t have to just “wait it out.” Here are some tips to ease the blues:

10 Practical Ways to Overcome the Puppy Blues

1. Lower the bar (for now)

You don't need to be a perfect dog parent. Just being a “good enough” one is totally okay while you’re adjusting.

2. Stick to a routine

Puppies (and humans) thrive on structure. It helps you both know what to expect and reduces stress.

3. Ask for help

You are not weak for needing support. Call a friend, ask a neighbor, or hire a pet sitter for an hour so you can shower, nap, or just breathe.

4. Sleep when the puppy sleeps

It’s not just for new moms—it’s for new puppy parents, too. Catch those zzz's when you can.

5. Don’t Google everything

Every puppy hiccup does not mean disaster. Find 1–2 trusted sources and try not to spiral.

6. Exercise… both of you

A tired puppy is a good puppy. And a little fresh air for you can work wonders for your mood.

7. Celebrate small wins

First time your pup sits on command? Potty outside? Sleeps a full 4 hours? That’s huge. Give yourself (and your pup) a gold star.

8. Join a puppy class or support group

Meeting other overwhelmed puppy parents can be incredibly validating. Bonus: your puppy gets socialized, too.

9. Remember why you did this

Look at that tail wag. That tiny snore. That goofy run. The love is there—even if it’s buried under a mountain of chewed socks right now.

10. Talk to a therapist if needed

Your mental health matters. There’s zero shame in seeking help if your blues feel deeper or longer than you expected.

Final Woofs: One Day, You’ll Laugh About This

It might not feel like it now, but one day you'll look back at this stage with a smile. The sleepless nights, the puppy nips, the accidents—they’ll be part of the story that turned a tiny fluffball into your best friend.

Until then, be kind to yourself. You’re doing something hard. But also something really special.

Hang in there, puppy parent. You’ve got this (even if your socks don’t).