Pup
Puppy blues: why you sometimes feel different than you expected
You’ve been looking forward to it for so long: the moment your Australian Labradoodle puppy finally comes home. That wonderful puppy smell, endless cuddles, playtime, and that adorable fluffy little ball—you couldn’t wait until he or she was finally there.
But then… suddenly you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even sad. Sound familiar? If so, you may be one of the many new owners who experience puppy blues. There’s nothing to be ashamed of—and it’s completely normal.
What exactly are puppy blues?
“Puppy blues” is an umbrella term for a range of emotions that some people experience after bringing a puppy into their home. Instead of feeling only happiness, getting a puppy can also trigger feelings of stress, frustration, insecurity, or even mild sadness. This has nothing to do with how much you love your dog; it’s about the enormous changes that such a little creature brings into your life.
With puppy blues, you might notice that you:
- become irritated more easily or find it harder to regulate your emotions;
- struggle to enjoy the moment;
- doubt whether you’re a good owner;
- feel overwhelmed by the new responsibilities;
- suffer from lack of sleep and stress.
These feelings are very common, yet they aren’t talked about very often.
Also read: What to expect in the first weeks with an Australian Labradoodle puppy
Why does this happen?
A new puppy means a major change in your daily life, and that can have a bigger impact on your mood than you might expect. Some common causes include:
- Sleep deprivation due to nighttime potty breaks or restlessness;
- Expectations vs. reality: real-life puppy behavior (such as whining, chewing on furniture, house-training accidents, and not always listening) may be very different from what you imagined;
- Responsibility: constant care, supervision, and planning require a lot of mental energy;
- Lifestyle changes: your daily routine shifts significantly in a short period of time.
You may find it difficult to reconcile the cozy picture you had in your mind with the reality of a puppy who still has so much to learn. Fortunately, these feelings are often temporary.
How long does it last?
There’s no fixed timeline for puppy blues. They can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how well you adapt and how much support you have. The good news? For most owners, the feelings fade naturally once the first hectic phase passes and a rhythm develops between you and your puppy.
Tips to get through it
There are several things you can do to help yourself:
- Set realistic expectations
Be kind to yourself and your puppy. No dog is perfectly house-trained or impeccably behaved right away—this takes time and patience. - Prepare your home properly
By puppy-proofing your home before your puppy arrives, you create calm and safety. This gives your puppy confidence and gives you more space to enjoy the experience. Read here how to do this. - Create structure
Routines provide stability. By planning fixed times for feeding, play, and rest, you give both yourself and your puppy clarity. - Talk about it
Talk to other puppy owners or dog trainers. Sharing experiences can help you feel less alone. - Celebrate small successes
A day without accidents in the house? A full night of sleep in the crate? Those are small victories—take a moment to appreciate them. - Ask for help
Do you feel that the puppy blues are lasting longer or affecting your daily functioning? Then it’s wise to seek help from someone with expertise, such as a dog behavior specialist.
Extra sensitivity
Research shows that people who have previously experienced postpartum depression or burnout may be more sensitive to stress and emotional changes during major life events. As a result, they may be more likely to experience puppy blues than people without this history.
In summary
Bringing a puppy into your home is an adventure full of love and challenges. Puppy blues are not a sign that you’re a bad owner, but a normal feeling during an adjustment period that many new dog owners go through. With time, structure, and love, not only does your puppy grow—but so does the bond between you.
