Dog training expert issues warning over ‘puppy blues’

People preparing to bring a new puppy home have been issued a warning by a leading dog behaviour expert, as new research reveals many are unprepared for the challenges of ownership. The study, carried out by puppy training app Zigzag, found that six in ten new owners felt unprepared for life with a puppy, while one in four admitted they had considered rehoming or giving up their pet within the first few weeks.

Experts say the findings highlight a growing ‘puppy blues’ crisis in the UK, with rising numbers of owners struggling to cope with stress and early behavioural issues. They are urging prospective dog owners to do as much research as possible to avoid dogs being abandoned as it’s not the dog’s fault.

While welcoming a puppy can be a joyful milestone, the research also shows the scale of what being unprepared can do to dogs. Only half of those surveyed said they felt confident in managing common problems such as chewing and barking whilst sadly, nearly one in five did little or no research before getting their puppy, and almost a quarter waited until after the first month to start training.

A lack of research and preparation among new puppy owners often leads to behavioural problems that could have been avoided. Many owners admit that their insufficient knowledge and attention to puppy training and care contributed to the issues their pets developed.

Nearly six in ten owners said their puppies showed unwanted behaviours early on, with the most common challenges including toileting indoors (45%), chewing (36%), and separation anxiety or nighttime crying (27%). Zigzag’s research comes as the UK faces record levels of animal abandonment. Last year, the RSPCA received 22,503 reports of abandoned animals – the highest number recorded since the pandemic began.

Lorna Winter, Co-Founder of Zigzag and Director of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in the number of people bringing puppies into their homes over the past few years, which is fantastic. It shows just how much we value the bond between humans and dogs

“But with all that excitement comes real challenges. More puppy owners than ever are telling us they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure during those first few weeks, leading to what we call the ‘puppy blues’.

“Puppies are full of energy and emotion, and without the right guidance, early days can feel chaotic and stressful, not just for the pups, but also for owners – both emotionally and physically. With the right support from the start, puppyhood can be joyful again.”