Why Is Having A Puppy So Exhausting?

The Short Answer is:

A new pup needs a lot of attention, a lot of house training, and all the patience you can muster. The care of a puppy is often compared to caring for a newborn baby, and in many ways, it is. However, there is a big difference between the two.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Why Is Having A Puppy So Exhausting?“.

What makes you so miserable about such a cute little thing?

Take heart you’re not alone in feeling miserable if you’re a sleep-deprived and mentally exhausted new pet parent.

I do not think theres anything wrong with you or your puppy.

New parents feel the same way no matter what species their baby is.

Good news – its only a phase you’ll soon forget about it.

You can turn a barking high-energy furball into the well-behaved pet you always wanted by following these simple rules.

Is it normal to regret buying a puppy? Why Is Having A Puppy So Exhausting?

Yes unfortunately!

There comes a point in new pet owners’ lives when they have serious doubts about getting a puppy.

There is a lack of preparation in them as well as exhaustion in them when they speak.

Adopting a puppy is associated with holding the little furball in your arms while you pet him… and then putting the pup back in his crate and going about your daily routine. 

Sorry but thats not how it works.

A new pup needs a lot of attention a lot of house training and all the patience you can muster.

The care of a puppy is often compared to caring for a newborn baby and in many ways it is. However there is a big difference between the two.

Besides puppies grow up much faster than real babies so the rough time you’re experiencing now will soon be over! We’re not talking about 18 years to raise a child but about a few more weeks or months. 

Even if you regret getting that puppy remind yourself that this draining period will soon end and you will soon be able to enjoy your pets company. 

Best tips for making your life with a puppy easier

Keep in mind that the puppy isnot doing all those annoying things on purpose if you want to remain sane. Neither he nor he is an alien monster masquerading as a dog is out to get you.

This little creature is just confused and does not know what to do.

He has no idea how much work it takes to clean the rug he just urinated on and has never experienced the angry neighbors banging on your door. 

We’ll see what you can do to make life more bearable if you keep that in mind.

Set up a routine

Routine is essential to the well-being of fur babies just like humans.

There are a lot of confusing rules they need to follow in their new surroundings so its best to establish a routine and stick to it to keep their new life predictable.

Following a schedule can help your puppy have fewer ‘accidents on the carpet and give him all the sleep he needs.

Having your dog learns that there is a certain pattern to his life will be very useful when you will be leaving him alone for extended periods of time.

After that he’ll say ‘Johns at that work thingy now but when he gets home he’ll have dinner ready for me and we’ll go for a walk’.

Likewise that exhausting puppy of yours. He needs to see some order in things.

Crate-train your pup

Pet parents who are overwhelmed by a puppy running around the house often complain that they cannot get anything done.

The crate plays a crucial role here. 

• Your pet should be taught that crates are okay and are not intended as punishment.
• Whenever you put the dog in the crate sit down by the crate talk to the puppy and pet him every time. 
• Purchase an adjustable crate that can be divided as your pup grows.
• Ensure the fit is right. Dogs should be able to lie down comfortably stand up and turn around in a good crate. Theres a chance your puppy will set up a private bathroom in one corner if the crate is too big which is something you should avoid at all costs.
• You can train your puppy to go to his crate on command as he grows. When pointing to the crate use a phrase you’ll use every time to get your message across.
• Every time the dog follows your instructions reward him with treats. 

Buy a playpen

When you do not like the idea of your dog being confined to a small space or when he raises the whole neighborhood with his protests when you put him in his crate buy a foldable playpen. 

Playpens should be large enough to accommodate the dogs sleeping quarters food and water bowls as well as lots of toys but still allow him plenty of room to move about. 

This will allow you to get things done around the house knowing the puppy is safe and would not misbehave.

Housetraining tips

Your immediate concern with a young puppy is to provide enough potty breaks.

The first thing we do in the morning is take the dog outside and the last thing we do at night takes the dog in. 

Unlike adult dogs that are fine with two meals a day puppies need three meals a day.

Due to the stimulation of the digestive system the puppy requires another potty break shortly after eating.

Also after an exciting play session you will need to take the puppy outside.

Dog owners should be prepared to snap when their little ones stop what they are doing in order to relieve themselves on the ground. 

Among puppies the AKC recommends that the puppy hold it in for one hour for every month of his age.

Three months old puppies can hold it for three hours.

12 months old dogs should be able to sleep through the night without going potty as their bladders grow and mature.

In the meantime expect a lot of trips outdoors including during the night. 

Yelling or rubbing the dogs nose in the mess he just made is not effective and may actually be abusive to the animal.

To get his attention you should praise and reward him when he understands this whole potty thing.

As a family cheers a toddler using the toilet for the first time so you should act with your puppy.

Thank him for doing his business outside and give him a nice treat. 

Whenever your dog has an accident in the house make sure the spot is cleaned thoroughly and the odor is gone. You do not want the puppy to get the idea that thats where the toilet is by getting it into his head.

Use doggy pads to create an indoor toilet for your dog if the weather or your schedule prevents you from taking him out frequently enough.

How to get an overtired puppy to sleep? 

Puppy experts say they need 18-20 hours of sleep each day.

Its even yours even though hes always so energetic it drives you crazy.

Your puppy might throw a tantrum every time you suggest a nap just as an exhausted toddler refuses to go to sleep.

Pets that are tired will start misbehaving barking or biting harder than normal. 

• When you know your fur baby needs a nap put him to bed. 
• Donot disturb him. Ask your kids not to disturb the puppy while he sleeps. Turn down the volume if you’re watching TV.
• The puppy will sleep better if the lights are dimmed or the blinds are drawn.
• To let your puppy burn some energy take him out for a walk if he refuses to take a nap.
• Engage the dog in mental stimulation by making him work for his food. You would not hear a peep from your pet when you put him to bed after playing with a puzzle mat that forces your pet to sniff out the hidden food.

Around what age does having a puppy become easier?

Six months after your pup is born you should be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It is possible to see it or at least glimpse it. Because every dog is different some mature faster while others take their time it is impossible to provide an exact timetable.

If your dog is six months old you are pretty much safe. By this age he is house-trained has finished teething and is learning basic commands.

Even so you should not expect miracles as this is still a very young age.

Be prepared for unexpected behavioral outbursts and mood swings with a six-month-old pup.

There will also be an end to this.

Depending on the breed it takes a dog between 18 and 24 months to reach full maturity.

Conclusion

Its exhausting living with a new puppy but you must give him time to adjust to his new environment.

The perfect time to begin training is around two months after the dog is purchased. 

Getting to the bottom of the issues that most pet owners face will require potty and crane training.

You can take the dog outside a dozen times a day (and night) to teach him not to soil the house.

Eventually your pet will become less likely to make these annoying trips.

Create a safe haven for your dog in the crate complete with toys and treats. 

Most importantly stay calm! It would not be long before we can say goodbye to puppyhood!

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.