Is it normal to want to return a puppy?
Yes—wanting to return a puppy is a common feeling, especially when the work and stress of a new pet hit harder than expected. The feeling doesn’t make you a bad person, and deciding what’s best for both of you matters more than forcing yourself to keep going.
A new puppy can turn your routine upside down: house-training, interrupted sleep, chewing, and constant supervision are a lot. Plenty of people have a “puppy blues” moment and wonder if they made the wrong choice, even when they love the dog.
Give yourself a little time to settle in if it feels manageable, and ask someone you trust for help or advice. But if you genuinely can’t meet the puppy’s needs, returning them through the breeder, shelter, or rescue—following the agreement you signed—can be the responsible choice. Be honest with them so they can help find the puppy a good fit.