YNP #104: The Puppy Blues are Real!

Bringing a puppy home is a joyful time… except sometimes reality hits a bit harder.

Welcome to the Puppy Blues.

It’s common to underestimate the effect this big life change will have on our emotional well-being.

I’m doing this wrong?Why is this so hard?I feel like a failure.There’s something wrong with this dog.It’s not supposed to be this way.

These are all normal things to think and feel when you bring your puppy home.

Feelings of anxiety, frustration, exhaustion, or even guilt are something that nearly every new puppy parent experiences.

Yet we don’t seem to talk about it.

In this episode, let’s discuss what the puppy blues are, why they happen, and most importantly, how to navigate them without feeling like you’re failing your puppy or yourself.

You’ll learn why these feelings are normal, temporary, and something you can plan for, along with practical tips for finding your new rhythm with your puppy.

Whether you’re preparing for a puppy or already in the thick of it, this episode will give you reassurance, strategies, and a roadmap to survive (and enjoy!) these early weeks.

In this episode, I talk about:

• What the puppy blues are.
• Why just about every new puppy parent experiences them.
• Practical ways to minimize the overwhelm.
• How to find your new rhythm with your puppy.
• Where to find extra guidance.

Enjoying this podcast? Please rate and review it wherever you listen. This helps other puppy parents find it.

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

Science Daily: A dog’s puppyhood can cause ‘puppy blues’ reminiscent of baby blues

Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #005: Crate Training: How and Why to Make Their Crate Your Dog’s Best Friend

Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #028: 5 Reasons to Use the Crate When You’re Home

Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #061: A Typical Puppy Schedule

YOUR New Puppy: My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs. Includes live support from me so you don’t have to do this alone!

What’s Next?

Feeling a little unsure about what to do with your new puppy? You’re not alone!

You’re just a human trying to raise a dog.

That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way. From potty training and basic cues to building trust and confidence, we’ll cover everything you need to raise your well-mannered dog with less stress and more joy.

And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of enrichment activities to help you navigate real-life challenges as they come up.

Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy. I’d love to support you through this journey.