There are people who can help with the puppy blues.
Oh gosh, the puppy blues can feel so isolating, it can feel like you’re the only one in the world who is totally broken and cannot care for a puppy… it’s a puppy! How difficult can they be! You must be missing something, right?!
Your frustrations mount at this point. I know mine did.
But the good part is to say? That you are not alone in this emotion.
You are not the first, nor the last who will experience it either.
And no, you’re not broken.
In this post? I’m going to give a brief overview of what the puppy blues is, but also detail some people who can help you with the puppy blues.
What Are The Puppy Blues?
Well, simply put, it’s feeling low, overwhelmed, anxious, sad and/or helpless shortly after getting a puppy and wondering whether it was the right thing to do. The puppy blues can be totally consuming, and you can feel like it inhibits your ability to bond with your new, gorgeous puppy that everyone told you was going to be your new best buddy for life.
Now, you didn’t go into this impulsively either (I’m willing to bet), you wanted a dog your whole life, always knew what you wanted too, or that you wanted to rescue, or similar. That you thought it through, considered every angle and yet, this one missed you, huh?
Yeah, people don’t talk about it enough.
You can feel like it’s all consuming, that you might even want to give your puppy back…
So… why do you feel this way?
For me, I have a predisposition to depression and anxiety – so not a shock that I experienced it. I’m also an utter rat-bag when I’m tired. Managing your mental health when you’re exhausted is no joke – but that’s not always the reason behind the puppy blues. It’s not just people who are prone to anxiety or depression, it’s more than that.
But let’s move on to the people who can help you with the puppy blues.
People Who Can Help With The Puppy Blues
You Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
When we’re talking about the people who can help you with the puppy blues? This one cannot be underestimated.
You can always help yourself. Take time for yourself. Make responsible decisions, make sure you eat, make sure you get some rest and that you still do not forget that caring for yourself has to happen too. It’s okay to let it slip a couple of times, but overall, please keep yourself well. Because this is the first step on a decline, okay? If that means you take an extra long shower? Do it. If that means you have a duvet day with puppy and Bridget Jones? Do it! (Of course, this doesn’t have to be Bridget – she’s just my go to when I’m low! Feel free to watch Die hard or whatever it is you love.)
Your Friends & Family Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
You may feel too proud to ask for help here? Or you may have had disagreements with a friend or family member concerning your dog – however – it’s not worth it. These are definitely people who can help with the puppy blues, because they know you.
Right now, you may need them, even if it’s just to feel like a human being again and not just a “Dog Mum/Mom” or “Dog Dad” (You may well be proud of that one day though!). Not forgetting who you are right now can feel really good. Because raising a puppy? Is hard.
Me! I Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
Or another trainer, but seriously, if you’re facing behavioural snags, then getting on board with training ASAP will help you.
I’ve literally made it my job to help you, you who are struggling with the puppy blues, just like I did, to find the easiest way through this path, which is why (as trainers go) I’m the best positioned as people who can help with the puppy blues go. I’ve been there, I’ve walked the walk, talked the talk, and now I’m helping you (and have helped many others) to do this.
And I’ve done this in three ways.
So, for free? You need to know about puppy biting? I got you. You need crate training advice? Done. Want to know when to spay or neuter? Easy! Honestly? The blog has so much information on it, I’ve even forgotten some of the things I’ve written about!
If you need to understand a little more about what to expect and when to expect it – and then how to get through it? Then you need pupdates.
If you need more tailored support? Then contact me and book in a 1:1 or an online bundle with me.
This way we can iron out what’s causing you the anxiety. We can get to grips with your issues, and make a plan specific to you and your pup.
Other Dog Owners Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
Honestly? Pop it into a facebook group (about dogs, preferably, because one that’s not about dogs might get confused) and just ask something to the effect of “I’ve just got a puppy, has anyone else had the puppy blues?” And I promise you a good chunk of that community? Will respond and explain. It will hearten you to see how many people have gone through it. They can offer tidbits of advice too which may help, and if you want to hear a little more about what I went through? Then read this.
Your Doctor Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
If it’s a little more serious or been dragging on? Arranging for professional help is never a thing to be ashamed of.
If you need support? Take it. They may not necessarily understand what you’re going through, but they are still important in the list of people who can help with the puppy blues.
Your Therapist Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
Now, I know that talking sometimes is the hardest thing to do, but your therapist is literally paid to understand. So as it goes on the scale of people who can help with the puppy blues – these ones rank probably as high as I do.
The puppy blues is relatively new as an issue on the scale of mental health things – but it is bloody valid and it’s so hard at times that you don’t need to feel like you can’t talk about it, or that it’s silly, because it’s just not.
A puppy is a big commitment, one that is very dependant upon you. Which is intimidating – and feeling that? Is not a bad thing.
So talk to them! If anyone can help you understand why you’re feeling this way and how best to get through it from an emotional standpoint (because they can’t help you train your dog like I can!), it’s your therapist.
Charities Can Help You With The Puppy Blues
Not to be undervalued in the grand scheme of people who can help with the puppy blues.
Don’t overlook this option. Sometimes all you may need is a listening ear at 3am to help you feel better, to allow you to feel what you need to feel and acknowledge that.
If this is you?
You can find help in the US from Mental Health America.
In the UK look for Mind or The Samaritans.
And if you’re based outside of that? Checkpoint has a great resource for mental health charities and it’s broken down by location, they are definitely people who can help with the puppy blues.
BONUS! What About Your Breeder Or Rescue Center?
You may not necessarily approach them and say “Hey I’ve got the puppy blues, help me” But they may be able to give you advice on where to seek support, this might be a local dog walker, doggy daycare, or even them! They may say “That’s fine, bring them back for a day if it helps you get a break” – you never know until you ask. And generally? These guys want you to succeed.
Mental Health Is No Joke – And Neither Is Raising A Puppy.
It’s often said to be a wonderful experience, one that should fill you with joy and glee – but – sometimes it’s just a lot.
It does end though, that much I can tell you.
So if you’re feeling alone, you’re struggling, and you’re thinking about calling it quits with your new puppy? Try not to, if you are considering it?
Get in touch or read Explaining The Puppy Blues And 6 Expert Tips To Help You Through It and remember, I’m here for you if you need me.
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.
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