Let’s be honest—bringing home a puppy is magical and totally overwhelming. Between 3 a.m. potty breaks, chewed shoes, and figuring out your new normal, it’s easy to forget that you matter too.
But dog mom life isn’t sustainable if you’re running on empty. Here’s how to take care of yourself while caring for your new fur baby—because the best dog moms are the ones who feel supported, rested, and well.
🧠 1. Give Yourself Permission to Not Be Perfect
Your puppy isn’t expecting you to be an expert—and no one else should either.
Dog moms often hold themselves to impossible standards, especially when they’re trying to “do it all.” Repeat after us: You’re learning. You’re doing great. Perfection is not the goal—progress is.
🕒 2. Create a Puppy Routine That Includes You
Structure is crucial for puppies, but it’s also your secret weapon for mental peace. Build your daily rhythm around your pup’s needs and your own.
Sample routine:
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Morning: Quick walk + solo coffee moment
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Midday: Puppy enrichment + 10-minute stretch or breathwork
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Evening: Short walk + screen-free quiet time
Pro tip: Use your dog’s nap times as scheduled you time.
🧴 3. Stock Up on Time-Saving Puppy Gear
The right gear = less stress.
Self-care starts with removing friction from your day. That means:
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Aesthetic slow feeders (for longer mealtimes = longer breaks)
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Smart collars like the DOGISTRY x Fi Collar to track steps without thinking
Bonus: Matching walk sets make you feel put together even if your hair’s in a claw clip and you're running on iced coffee.
💤 4. Prioritize Sleep (Even If It’s in Chunks)
Your puppy might not be sleeping through the night yet—but that doesn’t mean you can’t find pockets of rest.
Tips:
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Nap when your puppy naps (yes, really)
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Take turns with a partner or friend if possible
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Use white noise machines for both of you
Protect your sleep like your sanity depends on it—because it does.
🧘♀️ 5. Reframe Walks as Your Wellness Break
Don’t think of walks as just another chore—they can be your daily reset button.
Turn on a favorite podcast, pop in earbuds, and treat your walks like therapy on the move. Bonus points for:
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Comfortable shoes
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A bag that fits your essentials + poop bags in one cute package
💬 6. Talk to Other Dog Moms
No one gets it like another dog mom.
Join online communities, follow relatable dog mom creators, or even strike up convos at the dog park. Venting and laughing with people who understand can help you feel seen and supported—especially when your puppy just peed on your rug for the third time.
🫶 7. Build a “Puppy Village”
It takes a village to raise a dog—especially in the early days.
Lean on:
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Dog walkers or daycare (even once a week!)
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Family/friends for puppy sitting
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A trusted vet and trainer you actually like
Outsourcing a few things doesn’t make you a bad dog mom—it makes you a smart one.
🍎 8. Nourish Your Body Too
You’re probably hyper-aware of what your pup is eating—but what about you?
Stock easy, healthy snacks, stay hydrated, and eat real meals. It sounds basic, but it’s often the first thing to go when you’re juggling puppy care and life.
🧼 9. Keep a Clean Space (Without Losing Your Mind)
Puppies are messy. But chaos doesn’t have to rule your home.
Try this:
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Keep a mini clean-up kit by the door (wipes, towel, sanitizer)
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Use washable rugs and machine-washable harnesses
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Stick to 5-minute tidy-ups instead of marathon cleaning sessions
Small wins = big mental clarity.
🌈 10. Celebrate the Good Moments
Your pup learned “sit”? That’s a win. You made it through the day without Googling “am I a terrible dog mom”? Huge win.
Celebrate the little things. Take the cute photo. Share it with friends. Journal your progress. Puppies grow fast—and so do you.
Final Thoughts
Puppyhood can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to burn you out. With the right mix of boundaries, support, and daily self-care, you can show up as the loving, grounded dog mom your puppy needs—and the thriving human you deserve to be.
🛍️ DOGISTRY Favorites for New Dog Moms
From stress-free harnesses to smart collars that do the thinking for you, our gear is designed for moms who care deeply—and don’t want to lose themselves in the process.
Because you matter, too. 💛
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