Instagram can distort reality and you may feel that having a puppy will all be cuddles on the sofa and walks late in the summer sun. As with many things, reality vs expectation is key. Having a puppy can be really hard: the sleepless nights, the toilet training, the nipping. It’s not something to take on lightly!

The puppy blue’s is something that is very real. People have called me crying over their puppies behaviour. Here are some statements that you may find familiar:

·     I love my puppy, but I don’t like them.

·     They are controlling my life and movements.

·     I can’t leave them and I’m worried I am doing everything wrong.

·     I don’t know if I can continue to live with my puppy – I may need to rehome them.

Remember that our brains are hard wired to notice the negative, so while I am NOT minimising your feelings and your current situation (it is not blinkin’ easy), writing down good things and small wins with your puppy can help.

Lack of sleep can make people upset and poorly – if you can afford it, can a pet sitter come around to support you and look after your puppy for an hour? Or how about a friend or family member?

Puppy expectations

Toilet training can take time and consistency. A puppy can still have accidents. Spotting signs that they need to go can include sniffing and circling the ground.

A puppy is teething so they will want to chew on everything and anything. Having plenty of puppy chews and toys is so important.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths so they may do this on us, our clothes and more. It’s imperative they have alternative outlets.

A puppy is away in a new environment from their mother and siblings. Expecting them to sleep through the night is unrealistic – they will also need to go to the bathroom too.  

If you would like support with your new puppy I offer puppy classes and one to one sessions.