Why is my dog making me miserable? (+5 New dog tips)
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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the…
The current article will be answering why your dog is making you miserable. We will also be checking out the different symptoms of post-puppy depression. In addition to this, we will also be listing a few tips that you can use to stop feeling miserable about your dog.
Why is my dog making me miserable?
Your dog may be making you miserable because of the following reasons,
- Since you are not a dog-person
- Because this is your first dog
- Because of a mismatch with your dog’s breed
- Because you don’t have time on your hands
- Because you don’t have energy
- Because you are suffering from mental health issues
- Because your relationship is struggling
- Because your dog is depressed
- Because you are not getting sleep
- Because you are excessively worrying about your dog
- Since you have too many dogs already
Since you are not a dog-person
The first and most common reason why your dog is making you miserable is simply because you are not a dog person. Sometimes, on a whim and a fancy, people get dogs without thinking if they really like to take care of such pets in the house all the time.
Because this is your first dog
Sometimes, if your dog is the first dog that you have brought home in your life, this can also make you miserable. This is mostly called post-puppy depression where the person may be overwhelmed because of the large responsibility a dog may bring to their lives.
Because of a mismatch with your dog’s breed
Another reason why your dog is making you miserable is because the breed of your dog is not exactly a match for you. For example, if you are an elderly person and have adopted a large and active dog breed, this can make it difficult for you.
Because you don’t have time on your hands
If you have adopted a dog as your pet before thinking about whether you have the time or energy to take care of it, this can also be a reason why your dog is making me miserable. This however, can also be a temporary feeling until you get more settled in with your new pet at home.
Because you don’t have energy
If you do not have the energy to take care of your dog, this can also lead you to feeling miserable all the time. Energy levels can dip when you are getting older, or if you have a very tight schedule otherwise.
Because you are suffering from mental health issues
If you have been suffering from mental health issues, this can also be a reason why your dog is making me miserable. Mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders can make you feel this way even when you counter very small stressors.
Because your relationship is struggling
Often, a dog becomes a part of a family where the responsibility is shared between the various family members. If the relationship with your partner is struggling, this can also make the dog feel like a heavy burden, leading you to feel miserable all the time.
Because your dog is depressed
Another reason why your dog is making you miserable is because your dog is depressed. Just like humans, animals also can have mental health issues. In the case of your dog being depressed, you may need to actively shower more attention and affection on your pet.
Because you are not getting sleep
If you have not been getting proper sleep, this is another reason why you may be feeling miserable because of your dog. Sleep disturbances can lead you to being in a funk all the time, which in turn can ruin your relationship with your pet.
Because you are excessively worried about your dog
If you are someone who is too worried about your dog, this can also lead you to feeling miserable. Sometimes, the excessive worry about your pet’s future health and general life with you can ruin the present relationship that you can create with your dog.
Since you have too many dogs already
If you have adopted a new dog into your family which already has numerous dogs, this can also lead to more stress and burden on your plate. This additional responsibility on your shoulders can make you feel miserable because of your dog.
Symptoms of post-puppy depression
The symptoms of depression that people pose after they freshly get a puppy are collectively called post-puppy depression. The main symptoms of post-puppy depression have been listed in the section below.
- You may feel a lot of anxiety when you think about your new puppy or dog in the family. The anxiety may be felt especially when you are left alone with your pet or when someone else asks you about your new puppy.
- You may also feel a lot of regret at getting your new puppy home or adopting your dog. This regret can also be fueled by the site of your puppy or when you have to feed them or clean up after them.
- Another main symptom of post-puppy depression is anger at yourself and maybe even your spouse or partner or the person who had originally suggested that you get a new puppy or a dog. You might also express or vent your anger on others.
- The most common symptom of post-puppy depression is feelings of guilt. The guilt can be especially felt if the puppy that you have has been adopted from a pound or if your dog is sick and feeble.
- Post-puppy depression can also lead to sleeplessness in people. You may find yourself staying up at night thinking about your dog or puppy and regretting your decision and may even make plans to give your pet away.
Tips to stop being miserable about your dog
If your dog is making you miserable due to some reason, there are a few things that you can do to cope with this feeling. Some tips to help you stop being miserable about your dog are:
Learning more about your dog’s breed
One of the best things that you can do when it comes to coping with your dog is by learning more about your dog’s breed. Every dog breed has its own peculiarities and behaviors which are common in every animal. Learning can give you an upper hand when it comes to your dog.
By giving it time
Time is the best tool when it comes to taking care of a dog. When a dog newly enters your life, many temporary changes can bring you temporary feelings. But, with time you and your dog will be able to adjust and live with each other peacefully.
Managing your dog uniquely
While certain dog breeds may share certain qualities and characteristics, every dog is different. And thus, you need to use techniques and words that your dog uniquely understands very well. You can also use strategies to match the peculiarities of your home.
Maintaining consistency
Another tip that you can use to help your dog and you adjust with each other in a better manner is to be consistent with your commands and your rewards or punishments. Many people tend to make the mistake of changing their commands often which can lead to a lot of confusion.
By consulting a dog trainer
You can also try consulting a dog trainer who is specialized in training your dog in basic commands. These commands can make it a whole lot easier for you and your pet to get along since they can understand in a better manner what you are trying to say.
Apart from just training your dog in basic and expert level commands, dog trainers will also help you understand the ways through which your dog is communicating with you. This can also make it a whole lot easier for you and your dog to manage the new relationship.
Conclusion
The current article has answered why your dog is making you miserable. We have also checked out the different symptoms of post-puppy depression. In addition to this, we have listed a few tips that you can use to stop feeling miserable about your dog.
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