Hi everyone. I am a new puppy owner and have been really struggling. I have a 10 week old yellow lab and I love her dearly. Over the past few days I have been a mess. I wanted a puppy so much. I hand picked her and was so excited to bring her home. But my emotions have changed and I was wondering if anyone has experienced this. I have been having crying breakdowns and feelings of regret. I feel so guilty for feeling this way. It makes me question everything and I have considered giving her back to the breeder, which makes me feel horrible. I'm not sleeping well and it's taking a toll on me. Any advice would be so helpful!
This is so normal we should have a separate section just for puppy blues. Here is some great advice - http://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-beat-the-labrador-puppy-blues/ .
I was in your shoes only a few weeks ago and I thought I was going crazy! I actually made this exact post and luckily I had many people offering support and advice. Even though it is probably the worst bit of advice, it truly gets better! My Aspen is only 5 weeks older than your pup but he has already began to me sweeter and more calm. Do you have anyone helping you with your puppy? I remember being so excited and then suddenly feeling overwhelmingly regretful. I told my boyfriend that I didn't love our puppy and that I didn't want him. It really helped me to be able to take breaks from my puppy. Do you have any family members or friends who would be willing to take him for a couple of hours? I would also recommend having a kennel/pen/crate an using it so he can get some rest and maybe you can too. It is also nice to have a schedule. Exercise helps too. I know they say you should carry your pup, but I took Aspen for short walks around areas that dogs didn't frequent as much as a dog park. Don't be afraid to take care of yourself, because your puppy needs you. And understand that you are not alone in this feeling! Everything will get better as she grows. I also suggest practicing a little bit of clicker training for mental stimulation. And remember that a tired puppy might act like a super energetic hyper puppy, so don't be afraid to tuck him for a little nap or rest. I am sure you are doing great. It took me up until last month to bond with Aspen and we have had him since he was 8 weeks, so at least you can already say that you love her, that's great in itself!
Hi @Abbey , this forum is full of posts about puppy blues, but lots of posts about how things change and improve over time. A year or so ago I was experiencing something like you, I'd not had a dog for 5 years, my children were grown up and I go and get a puppy and lose all my freedom! But now, despite recent problems, I can't imagine life without her, Cassie who is 15 months. So it does get better, is what I'm trying to say. Is there any particular aspect you are struggling with? what is her name?
I too have had those feelings. I even started a post titled, I cried a little this morning. I felt overwhelmed and guilty. I even wondered who I could give her away to... Things will get better. Hang in there.
Hey Abbey as everyone else has told you this seems to be very common, i've seen countless posts similar to yours. When I first got Koda I didn't post it her but I was feeling exactly like you just describe. I had wanted a dog so bad my whole life that as soon as I graduated college I moved out on my own so I could buy little Koda. From about 8 weeks to 12 weeks it was a constant struggle. I was overwhelmed with regret about making such a big commitment as my life as I knew it had completely changed. There were quite a few days where I didn't think I would be able to make it and felt extremely guilty because it wasn't what I had pictured yet my family and friends all loved her and playing with her. I think a lot of it is adjusting to a new routine, getting some sleep, and just relaxing and focusing on the fun parts. Koda is still only 18 weeks old but so much has changed in those few short weeks. I can't even imagine life without koda now. Just take it one day at a time and soon those bad days will seem like distant memories.
Ah i feel your pain! My pup is only 12 weeks now, but at 10 weeks he was so naughty and because of lack of sleep, had a breakdown and cried to my partner, regretting our decision to get a puppy. I can promise you that things do get better. I put up a post a few weeks ago, because he was pulling at my hair and wasn't letting go. Now i look back and have a giggle about how i was reacting. Honestly, getting the feedback from this forum and just feeling supported really helped me get through the tough time. After reading the info on puppy blues, i truly believe it is a thing and some struggle more than others. What you're feeling is perfectly normal. Joey is a lot better now, and in only two weeks has been a lot more calmer and very sweet. I wouldn't trade him for the world.
Within 24 hours of getting my pup I was on the floor crying with regret. When she was just under 3 months old I was ready to re-home her, but I couldn't do it. When she was 4 months old little positive changes started to occur and I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was miserable, overwhelmed and exhausted and, crazily, doing it on my own. From 4 months old it got better and better. I'm not going to pretend it's been all hearts and flowers though, it's hard work and I still feel overwhelmed sometimes by the responsibility but I love her with heart and soul, which I didn't in the beginning. Getting in to a routine helped, finding daycare and a dog walker helped, finding this forum helped, trying to take just one day at a time helped, as did attending puppy classes (got me out of the house) and inviting friends over when I was unable to get out. It truly gets better. I felt exactly the same when my son was born and people kept saying "it will all get better" and I kept thinking "but I want it better now!", well it got a whole lot better and quicker with the pup than it did with my son! I hope things get better soon for you.
