New research reveals a growing ‘puppy blues’ crisis in the UK. Nearly six in ten (58%) new owners admit feeling anxious, unprepared, or overwhelmed in the early weeks with their puppy, and 1 in 4 (25%) have even considered giving up or rehoming their dog due to stress and early behavioural challenges.
The research from leading puppy training app Zigzag, surveying 500 puppy owners, highlights a worrying connection between a lack of pre-puppy preparation and the behavioural problems that often lead to high rates of puppy abandonment.
While bringing a puppy home is a huge responsibility, the research shows many owners feel unprepared – only half (50%) were confident in preventing common issues like chewing and barking, nearly one in five (19%) did little or no research before getting their puppy, and almost a quarter (23%) waited until after the first month to start training
This lack of research and preparation by new puppy owners can lead to behavioural issues, which could have been managed, with four in ten (41%) owners admitting that their lack of knowledge and attention around puppy training and care was a contributing factor to the behavioural issues experienced by their puppy.
Nearly six in ten owners reported that their puppy displayed unwanted behaviours in the early days, with toileting indoors (45%), chewing (36%), and separation anxiety or nighttime crying (27%) among the most common challenges.
Zigzag’s research comes as the UK faces record levels of animal abandonment. The RSPCA received 22,503 reports of animal abandonment last year, more than in any year since the pandemic began. For puppies, behavioural issues that manifest in the early days of ownership are the leading cause of abandonment.
To tackle the growing ‘puppy blues’ crisis, Zigzag is launching Pre-Pup School, the UK’s first free, antenatal-style classes for future puppy owners. The sessions teach early-life training, socialisation, and home preparation to help owners avoid the stress and mistakes that often lead to behaviour problems.
The free classes will be held in London on 14th November, in the UK region where 44% of puppy owners have considered giving up or rehoming their dog due to early challenges.
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. That’s why we’re launching Pre-Pup School: to give future owners the knowledge and confidence they need before their puppy even arrives. With the right support from the start, puppyhood can be joyful again.”
To sign up to Zigzag’s Pre-Pup School, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/zigzag-pre-pup-school-tickets-1870635193219?aff=oddtdtcreator