How to get rid of puppy blues (16 solutions)

Annoying puppy stage

Have you made the right decision to get a puppy?

No worries; you are not alone. 70–80% of puppy parents go through the same thing at one moment in their journey of puppy parenting. They develop stressful emotions after getting puppies.

Puppies are so demanding, more so than babies. They are active and need observation 24/7.

Whether you want it or not, after getting a puppy, your lifestyle and routine have to change. But it can be gradual without stressing you out. Follow the tips below.

What are puppy blues?

Are the stressful feelings that puppy parents go through due to unpredicted puppy demands and behaviors. (You feel as if you made the wrong decision to get a puppy.).

Puppy blues are undesirable puppy behaviors. They can be bearable to some puppy parents and unbearable to others. For example, some puppy parents find it acceptable when their puppies jump onto them, while others find it so disgusting.

How long do puppy blues last?

For trained puppies, they are gone between 4-6 months of age.

They do not end in untrained puppies.

Examples of puppy blues

What do puppies do to cause stress for their beloved parents?

Puppies will always be puppies, and at some point, they will do things unknowingly that will annoy you. But always stay calm and gently correct them.

Common annoying puppy behaviors include:

Biting everything in the house

Barking and crying all the time

Staying active during bedtime

Refusing to eat

Defecating and urinating anywhere in the house

Jumping onto people

Separation anxiety (they make a lot of noise when their parents leave)

Food aggression

Cage aggression

Toy obsession

Digging the compound

Destroying the garden or flowers

Chasing their shadows or tails

Aggression with other animals at home

Aggression towards any family members. e.g., spouse, kids, etc.

What can I do to fight the puppy blues?

Practices done to stop or reduce annoying puppy behaviors are:

Create puppy-proof areas at home.

Have a flexible routine for you and your puppy.

Take your puppy to training classes.

Get pet insurance to avoid financial stress due to emergencies.

Join communities of people with puppies, e.g., on social media. Read their stories and see how they made it through with their puppies.

Go to puppy parks.

Regularly consult a dog behaviorist or trainer.

Get a puppy sitter.

Get a reliable and trustworthy source of food. Some brands can be out of stock for some time, and changing to a new brand is stressful for both the owner and the puppy. Puppies can get stomach upset.

Provide toys 24/7 to keep the puppy engaged.

Noisy puppies, temporarily get a soundproof room as you look for a dog trainer.

Start toilet training as early as possible.

Set boundaries for your puppy from day one, and let them know the no-go areas at home. e.g., garden, kitchen, etc.

Give your puppy regular exercise.

Reward your puppy for good behavior.

Always correct your puppy immediately if he makes a mistake.

In conclusion, overcoming the puppy blues is possible with the right strategies. You can successfully navigate through this challenging phase by implementing a structured routine, seeking support from loved ones, providing adequate training and socialization, and ensuring self-care. Remember to stay patient and consistent and prioritize your well-being while bonding with your new furry companion. With time and dedication, you and your puppy will build a strong and loving relationship that will bring you joy for years.