Raising a puppy alone (no partner) – how did you survive the puppy stage?

Hi everyone. I really need some support and stories from people who raised a puppy completely on their own (no partner).

I have a Havanese puppy, she just turned 3 months old. I got her when she was 10 weeks old. I’ve always dreamed of having a dog. Before getting her I read a lot, planned my life so I could stay at home (I work from home), and tried to set up a good routine and learn how to train and socialize her “the right way”.

She’s been with me for almost a month now. During the first weeks I cried almost every day. Even with all the preparation, the reality was very different. Now it’s a bit more manageable: we kind of have a routine, and in my head I understand she’s just a baby learning how to live in this world with me. In some ways she already makes me a better person. But honestly, I still get so tired and overwhelmed sometimes.

I also realized that my “old life” is gone. It’s funny to think how I imagined I could just keep my evening activities (like dance classes) and simply “fit the dog in”. In reality she can’t stay home alone for long yet, and that changes everything.

I used a pet sitter once, because I really didn’t want to miss an important event and completely disappear from my social life. When I came back, I didn’t feel guilty, I actually felt relieved and happy to see her – which maybe is a sign that this balance is possible.

I read a lot about dogs, training, schedules, etc., and sometimes it feels like I’m not doing enough, and other times like I’m doing way too much. I just can’t find that golden middle. People keep saying “enjoy the puppy stage, it goes so fast”, but honestly sometimes I just can’t wait for her to grow up a bit so life feels less intense and I can get at least some parts of my old life back.

My parents live in another country, and they’ve been very emotionally supportive – we talk more now and it actually brought us closer, which is a big positive thing. But I still cry sometimes (way less than before, but it still happens).

I’m not trying to complain or say I regret it. I fully accept the responsibility, and I already feel like she’s part of my home and family. I just really want to hear from people who also got a puppy while living alone:

• How did you cope emotionally?
• When did it start to feel easier?
• What happened to your social life?
• Were you able to go back to hobbies / classes / evenings out?
• What helped you not feel “trapped” at home all the time?

Thank you so much to anyone who reads and shares their experience 💛