It's not unusual to feel annoyance, frustration, or even regret after getting a new puppy. It's okay to think about whether your puppy is a good fit for your household or if you may actually need to return or rehome them. The truth is, you're probably not going to love your new puppy right away.

Is it normal to feel regret after getting a puppy?

And remember, if you have moments where you regret getting a puppy, that is fine! It is a totally normal feeling! Here are 5 things to do to help you when times are tough with your pup and you're feeling regret. The relationship you can form with your puppy can be one of the most important relationships in your life!

Do people regret having puppies?

While no one disputes dog owners' love for their pups, or the benefits of dog ownership, the challenges can be many. Remorseful dog owners cited many issues that trigger regret about dog ownership. Among the top reasons they regret getting a dog were messes, challenges in finding care for the dog and dog training.

Is it wrong to return a puppy?

I'm writing this to help others know that there is no shame in returning a puppy or dog to a breeder or shelter or rescue. It doesn't mean the puppy is “bad”. It doesn't mean that you are “bad”. Sometimes it's just the placement that is bad.

Is it bad to not like your puppy?

You feel bad even thinking it, but you don't feel a connection with your puppy. At times, you aren't sure if you like them at all. This is normal! Nothing is wrong with you for not feeling an instant bond with your puppy.

Puppy Blues 101

How long does puppy regret last?

There's no simple answer to how long you might regret getting a puppy. Much of it will be dependent on your own efforts! Our puppies are learning how to be a dog, and that takes time. Many puppies will start to calm down as they age , and that can be extremely helpful!

What if I don't want my puppy anymore?

A shelter or rescue might be able to take your puppy off your hands, or allow you to keep your puppy as a foster until they can help you find a new home for them. Shelter and rescues have networks of potential adopters and usually have protocols to ensure that your puppy is going to a good home.

How common is puppy regret?

It's not unusual to feel annoyance, frustration, even regret after getting a new puppy. It's okay to think about whether your puppy is a good fit for your household, or if you may actually need to return or rehome them. The truth is, you're probably not going to love your new puppy right away.

What is the best age to rehome a puppy?

In general, however, the best age to adopt a puppy is eight to ten weeks. This will give your puppy plenty of time to work through the developmental stages that take place while the puppy is still with its mother.

What to do if you regret adopting a dog?

The best course of action may involve returning the pet to the animal shelter or rescue organization that you adopted from (some adoption contracts stipulate that you return the pet if things aren't going well). If this isn't the case or isn't possible, rehoming the pet yourself may be the best choice.

Why am I sad that I got a puppy?

The puppy blues can happen when the reality of integrating a new dog into your life sets in, and it isn't working out how you pictured it. You may wonder whether it was a good idea to get a dog, or whether the dog might be better off with someone else.

Why am I depressed after getting a puppy?

But after bringing the puppy home, something changes. Pet owners often lose focus on where they're going with their pup and get stuck in day-to-day challenges. Struggling with challenges like potty training, destructive chewing, or being woken up by barking at night can all cause feelings of frustration.

How do you survive a puppy regret?

How long do puppy blues last for?

Thankfully the puppy blues don't last forever. Most negative feelings often disappear within a few weeks as each puppy begins to learn and develop. The majority of dog owners (86%) revealed they quickly grow to love their dogs unconditionally.

What is the hardest part of having a puppy?

Perhaps the biggest challenge will be getting every member of the household to follow the same rules and routines with a puppy. The only way dogs really learn rules is through consistency. It is easy for a puppy to never quite get the training down when different family members treat the puppy differently.

Is rehoming a puppy traumatic?

It is a heartbreaking situation, as being rehomed can exacerbate separation anxiety for a dog. Sometimes it is the only option. However, as long as a shelter or rescue is aware of the issue, they will do their best to find a foster or adopter who is able to both manage and address the separation anxiety.

What are the red flags when picking out a puppy?

They have no knowledge on the breed

When choosing a new dog, it's important to recognise the warning signs of a bad breeder quickly. Always ask the seller questions about the dog — if they struggle to answer or seem to have no knowledge on the breed then this could be a red flag.

Do puppies cry when rehomed?

Most puppies are adopted when they're around two months old. After having spent many days with his mother and siblings, your puppy will feel disoriented in your house and when left alone (at night) he may start to cry. He is experiencing stress, which we would also suffer if the same happened to us.

How many months should you buy a puppy?

In general, however, the best age to adopt a puppy is eight to ten weeks. This will give your puppy plenty of time to work through the developmental stages that take place while the puppy is still with its mother. It also allows you to make sure you're complying with any laws that might pertain to your area.

What age is the hardest with a puppy?

The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.

What is the failed puppy syndrome?

Published on Mar 7, 2023. Last updated on Aug 11, 2023. 5 min read. Fading puppy syndrome, sometimes called failure to thrive, refers to the death of apparently normal puppies within the first two weeks of life. • The syndrome has many potential causes, but often the cause of the demise is unknown.

What age is worse for puppy?

Just when you thought it was all getting easier, your puppy turns into a little monster! At roughly 7 months of age, your puppy is hitting the peak of adolescence. Puppy hood is full of hoops, hurdles, and challenges, and puppy adolescence is one of the most challenging stages to navigate through.

Will my puppy miss me if I give her away?

Will Your Dog Miss You When You Give Them Away? Yes, your dog will miss you when you give them away. But dogs are incredibly resilient, and they live in the moment.

Do I have to be with my puppy all the time?

Our dogs and puppies rely on us for exercise, playtime, and of course, their food and treats! As a recap, you should aim to provide your puppy with 2-3 hours of engaged interaction with you. That can come in the form of play, exercise, training, and general bonding.

How do you cope with giving up a puppy?

It's normal to expect that you will be sad after you give your dog away. Try to deal with your grief by talking about it to your friends and family or by spending time with other animals in your life (like your best friend's pet or your neighbor's dog).

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