August 4, 2025, 9:16 am | Read time: 4 minutes
A new dog moves in, and the joy is immense—but just a few weeks later, many new dog owners find themselves disillusioned. Instead of cuddle time and idyllic walks, they face sleep deprivation, uncertainty, and frustration. This phenomenon is well-known and has a name: puppy blues. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth understands these worries and doubts—and knows how to handle the emotional rollercoaster.
Between Euphoria and Reality
Dog trainer Katharina Marioth is well-acquainted with the puppy blues phenomenon and makes it clear from the start: “Most people have a romanticized view of the puppy phase. A cute dog moves in, and everything will be wonderful. But that’s simply not realistic.”
In reality, a young dog primarily means one thing: work. Going out every two hours, sleepless nights, initial illnesses, teething—all of this is part of the daily routine in the first weeks. Additionally, sudden behaviors such as destroying objects or wild play attacks can cause concern for owners. “Many call me in a panic because the puppy supposedly bites them. But that’s completely normal behavior in this developmental phase,” says Marioth.
Why Many Reach Their Limits
The stress is often exacerbated by external influences. According to Marioth, advice pours in from all sides, often from “self-proclaimed dog experts” among friends or acquaintances. Additionally, the media and many fellow trainers emphasize the importance of the puppy phase, which adds pressure. While it is indeed true that this phase is important, the dog trainer emphasizes: “A dog is not truly socially mature until about three years old. We have plenty of time to shape behavior.”
It becomes particularly tricky when existing conflicts within the family or relationship dynamics suddenly surface because of the dog. Marioth often experiences that issues previously suppressed come to light through the dog. “You’re no longer working on the dog, but suddenly on your partner or yourself,” she explains. Sleep deprivation, chaos in daily life, and emotional overload—all of this can lead to an extremely stressful time. “And anyone who says their puppy phase was only wonderful—probably never had one,” she says with a smile.
How Do I Prepare a Winter Puppy for Spring?
Trainer Warns: Many Dogs Get Too Little Sleep–With Serious Consequences
Seek Professional Help Early
So what can those affected do when they are in the midst of the puppy blues? Marioth advises being honest with oneself. It is perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed. It is important not to try to explain all problems through the dog’s behavior with statements like: “He doesn’t listen, he bites, nothing is working.” Instead, it is more helpful to admit: “I am currently overwhelmed.” For dog trainers, this openness is essential as it creates an authentic basis for working together.
But how do you know when it’s time to seek help? There is no simple checklist, says Marioth. But at the latest, when frustration and loss of control become overwhelming, action should be taken. Even people with dog experience can reach their limits in this situation. “Just because you had a dog as a child doesn’t mean you’re doing everything right today. Every dog is different,” the expert notes. She recommends not hesitating: even a single consultation can be enormously helpful. Thanks to digital offerings, help is now easily accessible. Short smartphone videos from daily life are often enough to assess behavior together.
What to Consider Before Buying a Dog
Those who are just considering getting a dog can certainly prevent the puppy blues. For Marioth, it is clear: the choice of dog is crucial. She advises future dog owners to seek extensive advice in advance. “I like to compare it to buying furniture—you plan everything carefully—so why not do the same when choosing a living being?” Whether it’s animal welfare, breeders, or shelters, all of this must be well thought out. It’s okay to take a year or more for this decision.
And when the dog finally moves in, the trainer recommends involving an expert in the first week. Early and close guidance can prevent many mistakes and save time, money, and nerves in the long run.
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the brand Stadthundetraining and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavioral assessor for dangerous dogs in the state of Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”