In 1995 the term post-adoption depression syndrome (PADS) was coined for a post-partum-like syndrome in adoptive parents of children. Since we did not actually give birth to our puppies physically, no matter the source we utilized in obtaining our puppy, I think this term applies well as "Puppy PADS".
I am hoping that some of our soon-to-be puppy parents, our first-time puppy parents, our not-in-a-long-time puppy parents, and especially the even harder replacing-a-beloved-companion puppy parents might benefit from this thread.
"Puppy PADS" does indeed exist. There is a lot to this. For the replacement puppy, at some point there is a layer of guilt, grief, even resentment at replacing and loving another dog. There is a physical aspect of tiredness just getting up 1-2 times a night or possibly even some physical pain at having to take a little one out so many times or continually follow around or check on a little one for someone who is less physically able. There is worry about other dogs/cats/children/partners who might resent the little intruder and not get along. There are the physical management issues such as crating, potty-training, feeding, entertaining, and safely puppy-proofing absolutely everything. There is guilt for getting something wrong in training or safety or feeding or in encountering a health issue. There is the confinement factor at suddenly being very housebound until shots are completed. There is a financial drain at the cost of obtaining the puppy, the various vet bills, the purchasing of supplies. There is an issue of bonding; while some fall instantly in love with the little one no doubt and no hesitation, others may be more reserved with the bond perhaps such as that had with a previous dog or current dogs or the type of bond anticipated which then leads to maybe some guilt of "why don't I love him/her enough, what's wrong with me?" There are more aspects that arise very specific to each family.
I thought I would point out that it is pretty common to have some puppy post-adoption depression syndrome (PADS). There are ways to help yourself through it, and it certainly ends in just a few months so persevere. You can do this!
Perhaps some personal stories might help and encourage those who are experiencing this and maybe prevent someone from giving up their puppy when this situation is just temporary.
I am hoping that some of our soon-to-be puppy parents, our first-time puppy parents, our not-in-a-long-time puppy parents, and especially the even harder replacing-a-beloved-companion puppy parents might benefit from this thread.
"Puppy PADS" does indeed exist. There is a lot to this. For the replacement puppy, at some point there is a layer of guilt, grief, even resentment at replacing and loving another dog. There is a physical aspect of tiredness just getting up 1-2 times a night or possibly even some physical pain at having to take a little one out so many times or continually follow around or check on a little one for someone who is less physically able. There is worry about other dogs/cats/children/partners who might resent the little intruder and not get along. There are the physical management issues such as crating, potty-training, feeding, entertaining, and safely puppy-proofing absolutely everything. There is guilt for getting something wrong in training or safety or feeding or in encountering a health issue. There is the confinement factor at suddenly being very housebound until shots are completed. There is a financial drain at the cost of obtaining the puppy, the various vet bills, the purchasing of supplies. There is an issue of bonding; while some fall instantly in love with the little one no doubt and no hesitation, others may be more reserved with the bond perhaps such as that had with a previous dog or current dogs or the type of bond anticipated which then leads to maybe some guilt of "why don't I love him/her enough, what's wrong with me?" There are more aspects that arise very specific to each family.
I thought I would point out that it is pretty common to have some puppy post-adoption depression syndrome (PADS). There are ways to help yourself through it, and it certainly ends in just a few months so persevere. You can do this!
Perhaps some personal stories might help and encourage those who are experiencing this and maybe prevent someone from giving up their puppy when this situation is just temporary.
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