Is the first week with a puppy the hardest?

However, there's no getting away from the fact that the early weeks with a new puppy are hard and they will most likely leave you feeling stressed, exhausted and questioning your sanity.


What are the hardest weeks with a puppy?

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.

How do you survive a puppy in the first week?

8 Puppy Tips for the First Week
  1. Get Your Supplies Before You Bring Your Puppy Home. Pick up all your supplies before your puppy comes home. ...
  2. Puppy Proof Your Home. ...
  3. Socialize Your Puppy Right Away. ...
  4. Start House Training in the First Week. ...
  5. Reward Good Behavior. ...
  6. Start "Play Training" ...
  7. Stay Together at Bed Time.


What week do puppies get easier?

Having a puppy gets easier once they hit 4-5 months of age because that's when puppies are usually potty-trained, can focus for longer, and have settled into their new home.

Are the first two weeks with a puppy the hardest?

Generally the first two or three weeks are the hardest. This is when you are getting little sleep and you are still working on potty training.


Avoid THESE Puppy Training First Week MISTAKES!



Is it normal to feel regret after getting a puppy?

It's not unusual to feel annoyance, frustration, even regret after getting a new puppy. It's okay to think about whether your puppy is a good fit for your household, or if you may actually need to return or rehome them. The truth is, you're probably not going to love your new puppy right away.

Is it normal to feel depressed after getting a puppy?

Yes, post puppy depression is a common experience for many people. You do all the research that you can think of, the breed you would like, find a breeder or rescue that aligns with your values, and even buy the bedding, collar and lead for your new puppy.

What part of puppy stage is the hardest?

Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.


Is it normal to feel overwhelmed with a puppy?

In conclusion, it is very normal for puppy owners to feel overwhelmed in the first weeks and months with their new addition. The vast majority of overwhelming issues are related to puppyhood and are able to be resolved with training and time.

Is the first month with a puppy the hardest?

While there is some variance among answers, we generally found that most answers could be lumped into one of two categories: Approximately 50% of owners and trainers voted 3-4 months as the toughest age citing nipping as the top difficulty of this age.

Should I sleep with my puppy the first week?

Sleep in the same room for the first few nights.

For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum. Wherever you decide to settle them in your house, it's a good idea to spend the first few nights in the same room with them so they don't wake up in a panic because no-one is there.


Should I leave my puppy alone the first week?

Spend the first few days at home with your new family member and introduce “alone” time gradually. Head out for a few minutes, then an hour and then longer. Don't just get a puppy and leave them alone for a few hours right away. At the very least, get your puppy on a weekend so you have some time together.

How do I bond with my puppy the first week?

Here are a few ways you can begin socializing your puppy in their first week with you.
  1. Introduce new sounds. Puppies have very sensitive hearing so sounds can frighten them. ...
  2. Help your puppy explore. ...
  3. Travel in the car. ...
  4. Get your puppy used to handling. ...
  5. Use a crate. ...
  6. Encourage family bonding.


At what age are puppies the naughtiest?

Undesirable behaviours such as barking, chewing, counter surfing, house-soiling and jumping up commonly begin to occur at around 3-6 months of age.


How long does the annoying puppy stage last?

When Puppies Mature and Settle Down. Puppies typically develop the emotional maturity and temperament of an adult dog between twelve and eighteen months of age, although they may continue to occasionally exhibit puppy behavior like chewing and nipping until they're about two years old.

How do you survive a puppy phase?

Five Quick Tips: How to Survive the Puppy Stage
  1. To Survive the Puppy Stage, Set Your Expectations. No one has a baby and knows exactly what they're doing on day one. ...
  2. Clear Your Schedule. Your time is your own. ...
  3. Survive by Embracing the Puppy Chaos. ...
  4. Don't Get Discouraged. ...
  5. Don't Panic!


Is it normal to not enjoy your puppy?

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.


Is it harder to raise a puppy or a baby?

Here's the thing, though — when it comes to raising cute, helpless, and needy creatures, raising a puppy is way harder than raising a baby.

How long do puppy blues last?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that puppy blues are generally most intense in the three weeks following their onset. After that, symptoms may remain but feel more manageable, often resolving entirely within three months.

What is the hardest puppy to take care of?

Set reasonable expectations and learn how to properly train your dog and you should end up with a great pet no matter what.
  • American Pit Bull Terrier. ...
  • Siberian Husky. ...
  • Bullmastiff. ...
  • Chinese Shar-Pei. ...
  • Afghan Hound. ...
  • Basset Hound. ...
  • Beagle. ...
  • Chow Chow. Training a Chow Chow to behave properly can be a difficult task for any owner.


How long does it take for a puppy to settle in?

There are some things we can do to help them settle and feel safe in those first few days. Keep in mind though, that it generally takes about three weeks for a dog or puppy to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature. This is an activity you should do before you get your dog or puppy home.

How long does it take to bond with a puppy?

Typically puppies tend to bond quicker as they have fewer attachments and history with other owners than adult dogs. On average, if you've got a puppy from a breeder, it could take 3 weeks- 3 months to bond with your dog.

Why is having a puppy so hard?

There is so much you're trying to teach your new puppy, that it can feel overwhelming: house-training, sleeping through the night, not to nip, not to chew, and all the other household rules you've established. Add to that a puppy's natural curiosity and energy, and you might start to feel as if he'll never get it.


What is a puppy blues?

'Puppy blues' is a term used to describe the negative experiences and feelings that some people experience after bringing home a puppy. After the immediate euphoria of the fluffy bundle of fun wears off, many puppy owners (and particularly first-time dog owners) are left feeling overwhelmed and without support.

Do I have to watch my puppy all the time?

New puppies need a ton of supervision during the first few months, which means that first-time puppy owners must be on duty 24-7 until your puppy understands where to potty and what to chew (and not to chew).
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