What if I don't want my puppy anymore?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on August 28, 2026
If you want to give up your dog, there are a couple of options you could try: Contact a dog rehoming centre. You could try one of the national charities such as Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, SSPCA or USPCA, or a local rescue organisation.
Is it cruel to get rid of a puppy?
In addition, it's illegal to abandon your dog in most areas under animal cruelty laws. It's not fair to just get rid of your dog. It is your responsibility to make sure your dog is cared for properly. Sometimes life gets rough and we have to make serious choices.
Is it normal to regret getting a puppy?
It's not unusual to feel annoyance, frustration, even regret after getting a new puppy. It's okay to think about whether your puppy is a good fit for your household, or if you may actually need to return or rehome them.
Is it normal to not like your puppy?
He may have some accidents at first, but this is normal. Realise that when time passes the bond between you and your new puppy will slowly grow and strengthen. You won't necessarily love your puppy straight away and this is normal. One day, buying a puppy might be the best thing you ever did!
How do I get rid of my dog I don't want?
The best way to get rid of a pet you don't want is to take it to your local animal shelter. There are many non-profit groups that run shelters for animals you can no longer care for. By simply opening the phone book or doing an internet search you can easily find one.
28 related questions foundWill my dog miss me when I give him away?
Your dog will most likely miss you for a bit if you give him away. Good puppy parents are hard to forget! But, if you're sending your dog to a new, equally loving home, his love is sure to grow and include the members of his new family.
How do I cope with giving my dog away?
How To Handle Dog Rehoming Guilt
- Accept the Situation. ...
- Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself. ...
- Remind Yourself That You Did What's Best for the Dog. ...
- Give Yourself Time. ...
- Find a Distraction. ...
- Find a Relevant Community. ...
- Pour Out Your Feelings in Words. ...
- Hold a Send Forth Ceremony.
What is the hardest puppy stage?
Most puppies will go through a very trying stage when they turn about 5 months of age. Dogs often don't out grow that teenager phase for 2-3 years depending upon the breed. Many experts agree that the most challenging time is between the ages of 8 months to about 18 months.
At what age do puppies get easier?
Opinions vary, but on average, you should expect things to ease up in between six and twelve months. The truth is, there isn't a set age for when pups get easier. It depends on the dog breed and each pup's character and personality.
How long does the annoying puppy stage last?
Puppies typically develop the emotional maturity and temperament of an adult dog between twelve and eighteen months of age, although they may continue to occasionally exhibit puppy behavior like chewing and nipping until they're about two years old.
How long does puppy regret last?
This really depends on the person, but the blues should go away once you are able to gain some control over the situation. Generally the first two or three weeks are the hardest. This is when you are getting little sleep and you are still working on potty training.
How long do puppy blues last?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that puppy blues are generally most intense in the three weeks following their onset. After that, symptoms may remain but feel more manageable, often resolving entirely within three months.
Is it cruel to rehome a dog?
It's normal to feel guilty about having to rehome a dog. But it's often not warranted. What is this? If you've done all you can do to make the placement work and are out of options, you shouldn't feel guilty rehoming your dog.
When should you give up on a dog?
Signs It May Be Time to Re-Home Your Pet
- Physical inability to exercise him properly.
- Inability to drive or use public transit to purchase food and supplies or take him to the vet.
- Injury while attempting to care for him.
- A depletion of energy due to medical treatment, making it increasingly difficult to provide care.
Do dogs feel sad when you give them away?
It's not unusual for dogs to grieve the loss of a person they've bonded with who is no longer present. While they might not understand the full extent of human absence, dogs do understand the emotional feeling of missing someone who's no longer a part of their daily lives.
How do I prepare my dog for rehoming?
Put your pet's best paw forward
- Take a good color photo of Fluffy or Fido. If you already have a good photo, make it readily available for use. ...
- Prepare a brief description/biography. List any training your dog or cat has had: house-, crate-, and/or obedience training. ...
- Be honest. ...
- Prepare your pet.
What age does a dog calm down?
Most dogs are going to start calming down at around six to nine months of age. By the time they've reached full maturity, which is between one and two years of age, all that excessive puppy energy should be a thing of the past! Of course, every dog is different.
Is the first week of having a puppy the hardest?
The first month of owning a puppy is probably the hardest, and knowing what to expect and help you to decide whether you are ready, and let you know what you are in for!
Whats the worst age for a puppy?
Puppy difficulty at ages 2-3 months
A smaller percentage of owners voted 8-12 weeks as the toughest age. The common difficulties at this age are mainly related to potty-training and not sleeping through the night.
At what age do puppies show their personality?
In conclusion, one can learn things about a puppy's temperament as early as 4-5 weeks, although the older they get the more you can learn and the more reliable a temperament test. By 6-8 weeks, a breeder should be able to tell you many details about your pup's personality.
Do puppy personalities change?
The evolution of 'puppy dog eyes'
"Dogs that are active and curious when young will remain active and curious when they get old, but only compared to other dogs. A dog's personality changes over time, and, on average, every dog becomes less active and less curious as they age."
How does rehoming affect a dog?
When a dog is rehomed he may experience moods such as being anxious and scared. Anxiety can manifest itself in excessive whining and barking. A dog that came from neglectful owners will appear shy and reluctant. It is essential to remain patient with your dog and keep calm.
How long does it take for a dog to bond with new owners?
There are some things we can do to help them settle and feel safe in those first few days. Keep in mind though, that it generally takes about three weeks for a dog or puppy to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature.
Will my dog remember me after 2 weeks?
In my experience, the short answer: YES! Your dog will definitely remember you. As I mentioned earlier after raising a puppy for 12-18 months, puppy raisers have to return their puppies to school for formal training. Puppy raisers may not see their puppies again for 6-12 months, sometimes even longer.
Do dogs know you love them?
"Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have actually hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway that is normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.