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Bringing a new puppy home is often a joyful occasion, but for many dog owners, it can also lead to unexpected emotional challenges akin to the post-natal “baby blues.” A recent study from the University of Helsinki sheds light on this phenomenon, highlighting that nearly half of dog owners experience feelings of anxiety, frustration, or weariness during their dog’s puppyhood stage.
Psychologist and Doctoral Researcher Aada Ståhl, who led the study, explains, “We found that these ‘puppy blues’ manifest primarily as anxiety, frustration, and weariness. These emotions can overlap but may vary in intensity from one owner to another.”
Anxious puppy owners commonly worry about their puppy’s well-being and their own ability to care for them adequately. This self-doubt can lead to feelings of guilt when things don’t go as planned.
On the other hand, frustrated owners may feel overwhelmed by the challenges of puppy care, struggling to bond with their new pet and even considering giving it up.
Meanwhile, exhausted owners experience significant mental and physical strain, often losing sleep due to the constant demands of puppyhood.
Professor Hannes Lohi, who supervised the research, notes, “Nearly half of the owners reported negative experiences during their dog’s puppyhood, comparable to the prevalence of postnatal depression in humans. However, these negative feelings typically diminish over time.”
Interestingly, the study also revealed that the passage of time plays a crucial role in how owners perceive their puppyhood experiences. Memories of emotional strain tend to fade as time goes by, allowing for a more positive retrospective view.
The research, which involved over 2,000 dog owners, aims to quantify and understand the ‘puppy blues’ phenomenon more comprehensively. By developing a reliable survey, researchers hope to identify factors that contribute to or mitigate these feelings, ultimately aiding in the development of support measures for dog owners.
“This study marks an important step in our understanding of the human-pet relationship,” says Ståhl. “By raising awareness of the ‘puppy blues,’ we can better prepare dog owners for potential negative emotions and help them navigate this transitional period more effectively.”
The findings contribute to a broader initiative by Professor Lohi’s research group to explore the impact of pets on human well-being, underscoring the importance of supporting owners through all stages of their pet’s life.
