October 21, 2026, 4:09 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The joy of having a new dog is great, but after a few weeks, many new dog owners experience a reality check. Instead of cuddle time and relaxing walks, sleep deprivation, uncertainty, and frustration suddenly dominate daily life. This emotional low is known as puppy blues. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth understands the worries and doubts and explains what can help those affected through this challenging time.
Between Euphoria and Reality
Dog trainer Katharina Marioth is well-acquainted with the phenomenon of puppy blues and makes it clear right 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.”
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In reality, a young dog initially means one thing above all: work. Going outside 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 this is completely normal behavior in this developmental phase,” says Marioth.
Why Many Reach Their Limits
Stress is often exacerbated by external influences. According to Marioth, advice comes from all sides, often from “self-proclaimed dog experts” among friends or acquaintances. Additionally, the importance of the puppy phase is heavily emphasized in media and by many fellow trainers, which adds pressure. While it is indeed true that this phase is important, the dog trainer emphasizes: “A dog is only truly socially mature at about three years old. We have plenty of time to shape behavior.”
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It becomes particularly tricky when existing conflicts within the family or relationship dynamics suddenly surface because of the dog. Marioth often sees that issues previously ignored 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, 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.
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Utilize Professional Help Early
But what can those affected do when they are in the midst of 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—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.
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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,” says the expert. She recommends not hesitating: Even a single consultation can be extremely helpful. Thanks to digital offerings, help is easily accessible today. 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 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 animal welfare, breeder, or shelter—all of this must be well thought out. It’s okay to take a year or longer to decide.
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And when the dog finally moves in, the trainer recommends bringing in an expert in the first week. Early and close guidance can prevent many mistakes and save time, money, and nerves in the long run.
You can watch the entire interview with Katharina Marioth in the video.
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.”