Q: How long will puppy blues last? A: Puppy blues don't have a timeline. They can last for days, weeks, or even months and you might even experience them every time you introduce a new dog to your household.
It Gets Better
While having a dog isn't for everyone, most cases of puppy blues are not permanent, and it is worth hanging in there for a while. Someday, that dog is going to be your best friend, and you won't be able to imagine your life without him.
The puppy blues refer to the scared, overwhelmed, and regretful feeling that haunted me during our first few months with Winnie. Compared to the overwhelming depression that some people face, my case was actually relatively manageable. The puppy blues can pass quickly or last for months.
Don't give yourself a hard time – just recognise that you have made a big life-changing decision and allow yourself time to adjust. Reach out to your support network so that they can help you. Find a way to make time for yourself again, and don't feel guilty about it.
The term "puppy blues" refers to the unpleasant emotions that some pet owners experience when they get a new puppy. Often, these feelings manifest during the first few days and weeks after bringing the puppy home. Feelings of worry, confusion, and stress are common during this period.
It's going to be okay
Sometimes the puppy blues come and go and by the end of it, the dog and the human's bond is stronger than ever. But sometimes, the puppy blues don't leave at all, no matter what. You're not a bad person and it's normal to regret getting a puppy.
From 1 to 2 Years
Your dog has graduated from puppyhood. As your puppy nears age one (up to two years for a large breed), they're beginning to look and act more mature. They will probably still be playful, but now they've learned the ropes and are much better at following the rules.
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.
Keep in mind your puppy is developmentally very much like a toddler or young child. So he may grasp the concept of potty training but is still very distractible, excitable and does not have the bladder control of an adult dog yet. Secondly, your puppy is getting bigger, stronger, and not as sleepy!
Most pups will cry for around half the time. By the third night it should be just a few hours, and an average pup is quiet for the fourth. Once they are settled, you will actually need to go in at least once overnight to take them out to toilet!
Get help from shelters and rescue groups. Some sheltering and rescue organizations may post your pet's picture and profile on their website as a courtesy listing, while your pet stays in your home. Your local agencies may have other programs to help you rehome your pet.
Nearly 70% of puppy owners reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both. These emotions are very common, very real, and can be disruptive daily.
Leaving your furry friend home alone can sometimes leave you feeling guilty. This is completely understandable because you see them as part of your family, and you don't want them to get upset because you're not there.
Ultimately, it depends. Every dog is different. Some dogs may overcome their grief within 2 months, while others may take 10 years or more.
So the answer is, it will get easier and easier, depending on how much effort you put into educating your dog. You should therefore remain hopeful in the process during the first year. It's several months of intense work that will give you many years of wonderful companionship with your dog.
The most pronounced behavioral issues will be noticed between six to 12 months old. Keep in mind that although hormones have a lot to do with adolescent changes, they're not the only thing responsible for some of the behaviors you may see (even neutered dogs will exhibit these behaviors).
As adolescent pups become more independent, they may try to assert themselves, establish dominance, and stake out their territory. It's common for pups between six and eighteen months of age to push their boundaries and challenge the authority of their human, as well as any other pets that make up their "pack."
Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
One experienced dog trainer and expert on dog development suggested that the optimum age for a puppy to go to its new owner is about 8-to-9-weeks, when the pup is ready to develop a strong bond.
Signs of a Strong Bond
There's no mistaking a dog who feels a real emotional connection with you. There's a real light in their eyes; they smile, wag, rub into you, and makes great eye contact. When you come home, they brighten up, becomes animated, and may even vocalize their joy.
Undesirable behaviours such as barking, chewing, counter surfing, house-soiling and jumping up commonly begin to occur at around 3-6 months of age. Your puppy will not grow out of these behaviours. On the contrary, it is more likely that these behaviours will worsen if not addressed early on.
This is normal! Nothing is wrong with you for not feeling an instant bond with your puppy. And you're not a monster for not liking them. Many puppy owners feel this way, but it can still feel distressing or confusing.
There is research to confirm that yes, your dog does miss you when you aren't there. Gregory Berns, Ph. D., M.D., is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral studies at the Emory School of Medicine. He was in charge of a research study known as “The Dog Project” , which confirms what every dog owner wants to believe.
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.