What are Puppy Blues?

“Puppy blues” is a term that describes the rollercoaster of emotions when you get a new puppy. At first, you’re thrilled with euphoria holding this adorable bundle of joy. But soon, the excitement wears off, and you feel overwhelmed because taking care of a puppy is harder than expected, especially without enough help or guidance. Puppy blues might also result in the pet parents considering rehoming the puppy due to the struggle they face in bonding with them. Sometimes, the reality of taking responsibility for a new bundle of joy can be overwhelming. As for the causes, it
might vary from person to person. Some of the common difficulties that cause puppy blues include,

• Toilet training
• Biting
• Chewing
• Barking
• Traveling
• Sleep disturbances

How to deal with them?

Here are some ways to deal with the difficulties that might lead to puppy blues,

Toilet training

Toilet training a new puppy can be challenging, especially for those who prioritize cleanliness. It requires a good amount of patience. Note that the puppy’s world has also changed, it might take quite a time for it to adapt and adjust to the new environment. It’s crucial to be patient and understanding during this process. Try to get a carpet cleaner with a pleasant scent that can help eliminate urine odours. Dogs tend to mark their territory, they keep revisiting the same place unless you can remove the smell. This approach can make it easier to handle the puppies and give
both them and you time to adjust.

Many pet parents have found success with this method for their puppies. It involves a consistent effort by picking up the puppy right after they wake up, eat, nap or play, to help relieve themselves outside the house where they become conditioned to finish their business only there. While accidents may occur, positive praise and encouragement when they go outside can effectively reinforce this behaviour. Using “Poochie Bells”, which are hung on the door handle to ring whenever you go out with the dog, helps associate the sound of the bell with going to the toilet, similar to classical conditioning.

Biting

Biting in puppies around the age of 6-8 months often occurs as they are teething and exploring their environment. During this stage, they are also learning important social skills, including bite inhibition, from their littermates- born from one mother at the same time. To teach them not to bite too hard, try yelping loudly in a high-pitched tone when they bite you. This sound mimics the way their littermates would react if play became too rough, signalling the bite was too strong. Over time, this method can effectively teach bite inhibition and encourage gentler play behaviour.

As dog trainers report, playing with a biting puppy, shouting out or moving away quickly can unintentionally trigger their prey drive, where they may see it as a game of chase. This natural reaction could lead to negative results in a puppy’s play behaviour.

Chewing

Chewing is another common behaviour puppies develop during teething. They often chew on items they shouldn’t such as shoes, furniture, and hands. Professionals suggest that teething can cause hot and itchy gums. They also believe that the chewing behaviour they exhibit alleviates the discomfort caused by teething. There are numerous chew toys available in the market for puppies which you can get to prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items.

You can also create a simple and effective alternative at home. By rolling up an old tea rag, soaking it in water and freezing it, you can provide your puppy with a soothing and enjoyable chew toy. This homemade alternative can also help alleviate teething discomfort and redirect their chewing instincts towards a safe and satisfying outlet.

Barking

Barking is a form of communication that dogs use to interact with us. However, excessive barking can sometimes lead to frustration and puppy blues. There are different types of barking such as,

• Defensive barking
• Offensive barking
• Watchdog barking
• Boredom
• Attention-seeking
• Separation distress

Understanding the different types of barking is crucial in addressing the underlying reasons behind it. For instance, If your dog is engaged in watchdog barking, you can help reduce this behavior by closing curtains or providing distractions to encourage quietness.

Traveling

Travelling with a puppy can be challenging because it’s not always easy to figure out who will take care of them while you’re away from home. This can make it difficult to plan longer trips or to bring them along everywhere you go. In such situations, finding a good puppy sitter, like a friend or family member you trust, can help ease your worries. Having someone reliable to look after your puppy ensures they are well cared for and allows you to enjoy your travel with peace of mind.

Disturbed sleep

Getting a new puppy can disrupt your sleep because they may need attention at night and sleep when you’re awake. It takes time for both you and your puppy to adjust to this change. Patience is crucial in caring for them; avoid scolding or using harsh words as it can affect their spirits. Sharing responsibilities with someone else can also lighten the load and improve care for your puppy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing puppy blues varies from person to person and depends on individual circumstances. It’s all about gaining control. First 2 or 3 weeks might be challenging and tough but as time passes, routines begin to form, easing the puppy blues. Patience a crucial virtue toward the process. But trust yourself. You can do good raising that bundle of joy. Hope and wait, you’ll grow to love your puppy. It’s good things that come to people who wait, after all.