Many new dog owners are suffering “puppy remorse” as the reality of life with a new pet hits home.
Canine behaviourist Sarah Rutten said the early weeks of adopting a dog could bring exhaustion, uncertainty and feelings of doubt.
“Puppy remorse isn’t a sign you chose the wrong dog,” Ms Rutten said. “It’s usually a sign that real life has just collided with unrealistic expectations.
“It’s very normal for people to have moments where they think they’ve made a mistake. That doesn’t mean they don’t love their dog. It simply means they are adjusting to a very real change in their day to day life.”
Ms Rutten, the author of The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential, said the transition to life with a puppy was a major adjustment.
Routines changed overnight, sleep was interrupted, and young dogs needed almost constant supervision.
“Puppies are often imagined as small, well-behaved companions,” she said.
“The truth is that puppies are babies. They chew, they toilet in the wrong place, they wake up during the night and they can have bursts of energy that feel chaotic.”
Ms Rutten said social media often presented a polished version of puppy life that left new dog guardians feeling unprepared.
“We see photos of calm puppies sitting beautifully or looking cute,” she said.
“What we don’t see are the shredded tissues, the midnight toilet trips or the enthusiastic play biting. Those moments are a completely normal part of raising a young dog.”
The following are Ms Rutten’s practical tips for handing a new dog.
- Prioritise sleep for your puppy
Young puppies need far more sleep than people realise. When puppies are overtired they often become bitey, restless or unable to settle. Ensuring puppies have regular quiet rest periods can make behaviour far easier to manage. - Set realistic expectations
Toilet accidents, chewing and night waking are normal parts of development. Understanding that these behaviours are temporary helps reduce frustration and anxiety in new dog guardians. - Focus on a simple training plan
Rather than trying to follow multiple pieces of advice, Sarah recommends focusing on a few key foundations such as toilet training, calm settling and positive social experiences. - Manage the environment
Using puppy pens, baby gates or safe chew options can prevent many common problems while a puppy is still learning. - Seek clear guidance early
Working with a qualified trainer or behaviour professional can provide structure and reassurance during the early stages.
“Raising a puppy is not about creating a flawless dog,” she said. “It’s about building a relationship. That relationship often starts with sleepless nights, chewed shoes and a lot of learning on both sides.”
For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, visit Sarah’s website
