Rehoming is an option, but most common puppy behavior issues are temporary and can be resolved with consistent training and professional support.
The first few weeks with a new puppy can feel overwhelming. You might be dealing with sleepless nights, chewed furniture, or accidents on the carpet, and the thought crosses your mind: you need to know how to get rid of puppy. It’s a surprisingly common feeling among new pet parents.
The good news is that most puppy behaviors are temporary, and there are structured steps to take before making a final decision. Rehoming is a valid option, but many trainers and rescue organizations recommend exhausting training, management strategies, and community support first. This article walks through those options so you can make the best choice for both you and your puppy.
Check Your Options Before Surrendering Your Puppy
Start by knowing your full framework. Certified professional dog trainer Cathy Madson outlines five options before rehoming: doing nothing, managing the environment, implementing a behavior modification plan, rehoming, or considering behavioral euthanasia as a last resort. Most common issues fall into the first three categories.
Many owners skip straight to surrender without realizing that some agencies offer “safety net” programs. These programs can provide temporary foster care, food assistance, or low-cost veterinary care to help families keep their pets during a crisis.
Contacting the breeder or rescue organization where the puppy originally came from is also a critical first step. Many have contractual agreements requiring the dog be returned to them before going elsewhere.
Why the Overwhelmed Feeling Hits New Owners
The term “puppy blues” describes the wave of regret, anxiety, or overwhelm that new puppy owners commonly experience. While it’s widely discussed in dog-owning communities, it’s not a formal clinical diagnosis—just a very common emotional experience. Knowing this phase is temporary can make a huge difference in how you approach the situation.
Most of the frustrations that make an owner want to give up a puppy fall into predictable categories. Here are some of the most common challenges and how they tend to resolve:
- House soiling: Most puppies don’t have full bladder control until 4-6 months. Consistent potty breaks every 20 minutes usually solves this within a few weeks.
- Chewing and destruction: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Proper chew toys and crate training can redirect this energy safely.
- Jumping and mouthing: These behaviors are often normal play. Training that rewards calm greetings is highly effective for most pups.
- Separation anxiety: Gradual desensitization and confidence-building exercises help many puppies learn to settle alone without distress.
- General exhaustion: Burnout is real for owners. Dog walking services or doggy daycare can provide a much-needed break while the puppy gets exercise.
How to Try Training and Professional Help First
Before deciding to rehome, investing in professional dog training is a practical step. A combination of professional sessions, dog walking services, and doggy daycare can teach a puppy better behaviors, burn off excess energy, and give you a much-needed break from constant supervision.
Experienced owners suggest that consistent training is the key to resolving puppy behavior issues. Strategies include not leaving the dog unsupervised, taking them out every 20 minutes, waiting with them, and using crate training for safety and structure. Many shelters, rescues, and national charities like those listed by the national rehoming charities have programs designed to keep people and pets together, often free or low-cost.
Common Puppy Problem Solutions
| Puppy Problem | Simple Management Strategy | Professional Training Focus |
|---|---|---|
| House soiling | Potty breaks every 20-30 minutes | Crate training and schedule building |
| Destructive chewing | Provide safe chew toys like Kongs or Nylabones | Teaching “leave it” and “drop it” |
| Jumping on guests | Keep puppy on a leash at the door | Reinforce calm greetings (four on the floor) |
| Nipping and mouthing | Yelp and walk away when teeth touch skin | Bite inhibition and redirection exercises |
| Pulling on leash | Use a front-clip harness | Loose-leash walking foundation skills |
Steps to Rehome Responsibly If You Must
If you’ve exhausted training and professional help, rehoming is a valid and sometimes necessary option. The goal is to place the puppy in a safe, loving environment where their needs will be met. Follow these steps to ensure the transition is as smooth and ethical as possible:
- Contact the original breeder or rescue: Many have a clause requiring the dog to be returned to them first. This is often the safest option for the puppy.
- Screen potential adopters thoroughly: If rehoming directly, ask for a rehoming fee to deter bad-faith adopters. Provide a detailed profile of the dog’s temperament, medical history, and daily routine.
- Be honest about behavior issues: Shelters need the full picture. Disclose any bite history or aggression issues honestly to ensure proper placement and safety for everyone.
- Never abandon a dog: Abandonment or leaving a dog at a shelter without proper intake can result in it being classified as a stray, which may lead to euthanasia.
Some shelters can also help facilitate a direct rehoming while keeping the puppy out of the kennel environment. This is often called a “courtesy post” on their website and allows the transition to happen privately.
When Rehoming Becomes the Right Call
There are situations where rehoming is genuinely the best decision for everyone—especially the dog. If a puppy has serious behavioral issues that pose a safety risk, or if the owner’s life circumstances have changed permanently, finding a new home is an act of responsibility.
Understanding the puppy blues definition helps distinguish between temporary overwhelm and a genuine mismatch. If you’re experiencing the blues, the first step is always to pause and seek support. If the mismatch is permanent, rehoming is the right choice for the puppy’s wellbeing.
How to Choose the Best Option
| Rehoming Path | Best For | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Return to breeder | Breeder has contract or interest | Usually the fastest, safest option |
| Surrender to shelter | Owner has no other options | Be honest about history for best placement |
| Direct rehoming | Owner finds a vetted new family | Screen thoroughly and ask a rehoming fee |
The Bottom Line
Deciding to rehome a puppy is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be a rushed decision. Before you act, explore training, management strategies, and community support. Most puppy challenges are temporary, and the resources to work through them are more accessible than many people realize.
If you’re feeling stuck, your veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation. If rehoming is the right path for your family, local rescue organizations and national rehoming charities are there to help you do it responsibly and safely for your puppy.
References & Sources
- Co. “I Dont Want My Puppy Anymore” National charities such as Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, SSPCA, or USPCA, as well as local rescue centers, can help owners rehome a puppy they no longer want.
- 3Lostdogs. “Thinking of Returning Your New Puppy to the Shelterbreeder Please Read This First” “Puppy blues” is a term used to describe feelings of regret, anxiety, or overwhelm that new puppy owners commonly experience.