Surviving the First Weeks with a Puppy

Bringing a Puppy Home? Don’t Just Prepare Their Bed — Prepare for the Reality Too

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting. Magical, even. There’s the tiny tail wags, the squeaky yawns, the first time they fall asleep on your lap. But there’s another side to it, too — the part no one puts on Instagram.

When I brought my dog Lula home, I’d done all the right things. I had a routine planned out. I’d read the books, watched the YouTube videos, stocked up on toys and training treats. I even worked from home full time, so I figured I'd have time to do it all properly.

But despite all that… I still found myself crying in the kitchen at 3am, completely overwhelmed and wondering if I was failing.

Because nothing quite prepares you for the reality of those first few weeks.

The Puppy Blues Are Real (And Normal)

Everyone talks about the cuteness. Fewer people talk about the exhaustion, the toilet training accidents, the biting, the crying (sometimes theirs, sometimes yours). You’re tired. You’re doubting yourself. Your house is a mess and your brain is foggy.

It’s called the puppy blues, and it’s incredibly common.

The hardest part? It feels like you should be coping. After all, you’ve read the books, right?

The Turning Point

For me, the turning point wasn’t another online article or training tip. It was reaching out for help.

Having someone come to my home, listen to what I was struggling with, and give me a simple, realistic plan — that changed everything.

They reassured me I wasn’t doing anything wrong. That Lula was doing just fine. That I wasn’t alone.

What I needed wasn’t more information. I needed support. I needed to stop winging it and start working with structure. And once I had that, everything started to feel more manageable — even enjoyable.

What I Wish I’d Done Sooner

Looking back, I wish I’d asked for help earlier. Before the overwhelm, the tears, the guilt.

Because here’s the truth: you can do all the right prep and still feel like it’s not enough. Puppies are a huge change — emotionally, physically, mentally — and you deserve support through that transition.

Especially in those crucial first weeks, when socialisation, confidence-building and routine shape who your puppy becomes.

Socialisation Isn’t Just About Other Dogs

People often think “socialisation” means letting your pup meet other dogs. But it’s much broader than that.

Early socialisation means gently introducing your puppy to the sights, sounds and experiences of everyday life:

• Being handled for grooming and vet visits

• Walking on different surfaces

• Hearing the hoover, doorbell or traffic

• Meeting people wearing glasses, hats or uniforms

• Going in the car, into shops or cafés

These early experiences shape how your puppy feels about the world. Positive, calm introductions build confidence and prevent fear-based behaviours later on.

But again — it’s hard to get this right when you’re running on no sleep and juggling work, routines and house chaos.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

If you’re bringing a puppy home soon — or just have — I want you to know this:

You don’t have to go it alone.

You don’t have to figure it all out yourself.

And you’re not a failure for needing help.

In fact, asking for support is the smartest thing you can do for your puppy — and for yourself.