Over a third of dog owners feel regret or doubt after bringing home a new puppy

A quarter of devoted dog owners reckon a new puppy is harder to look after than a newborn baby – with over a third feeling negative emotions after bringing home a challenging new pooch.

Nearly half (47%) of puppy owners were shocked by how much their new pet changed their life, with 56% not prepared for how difficult the pup was to look after.

And the poll of 2,000 pooch parents found that 37% experienced “puppy blues” – feelings of regret, doubt, or even resentment – after bringing home the new member of the family.

In fact, although 86% now say they love their pet unconditionally, almost half (46%) considered giving up or rehoming their puppy many times during the early days.

The top reasons for such emotions include their pet’s behaviour (42%), and the damage the canines did to their home (43%).

And as a result, 91% feel they would have benefitted from expert advice on how to cope through the hard times.

The research was commissioned by pet insurance brand ManyPets, which has teamed up with vet Dr Scott Miller to host free one-to-one sessions, to help owners acclimatise to their new role as puppy parents.

Oke Eleazu, UK CEO of the brand, said: “While bringing home a new puppy is a uniquely fulfilling experience, the lack of sleep, mess, and feelings of regret can become overwhelming.

“As the research shows, 37% of dog parents experienced some form of puppy blues. We want to help pet parents feel they are not alone.

“This is why we’re excited to have appointed veterinarian, Dr Scott Miller, as our first ever Doggy Doula, to provide the emotional and informational support needed to help new dog owners adapt to life with their puppy.”

The research also found 75% of those with puppy blues felt ashamed by their emotions towards their pup.

For some, having a puppy also created tension within the household due to the additional chores – with 52% quarrelling more about their puppy than the washing-up.

And 52% said getting a puppy caused arguments between themselves and their partner or family.

Despite feelings of regret and upset after getting a puppy, thankfully those emotions tended to subside quickly.

Of those who had puppy blues, 96% said those feelings either totally or somewhat disappeared over time.

And for 28%, the more negative emotions typically went away in less than a week.

Dr Scott Miller, who has appeared on ITV’s This Morning, said: “It’s normal to doubt yourself, and no matter how much prep you do for the first day, the responsibility of taking care of a little one can still be a real shock.

“Even though you might feel embarrassed or scared to admit how hard you’re finding it, a great starting point is to seek out support when you’re struggling.

“As Doggy Doula, I’m here to lend a non-judgemental ear to your puppy problems.”