Adopting a puppy may seem like a wonderful idea, with the promise of cuddles, play, and a loyal companion. However, a recent study published in PLOS ONE highlights that welcoming a puppy can bring considerable challenges, such as small bites, chewed furniture, shortened nights, and disrupted schedules. For some new dog owners, the experience can be more stressful than anticipated. Preparation is key to building a successful relationship between a dog and its new owners. Researchers interviewed hundreds of people in the United Kingdom who had acquired a puppy during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found a significant rise in first-time owners, many of whom were seeking emotional support, especially within families. While many reported feeling happy with their new pets, a third of the respondents said the experience was more difficult than they expected, both in terms of workload and care. Experts warn that adopting a puppy should not be the main reason for doing so, as not everyone benefits psychologically from the experience. While a dog can bring joy, caring for a puppy can be more demanding than expected, especially for those new to pet ownership. Each dog is unique, regardless of its breed, and should be treated as an individual with its own personality and temperament. Even genetically identical dogs, like those in Dog is Love (2019) by Clive Wynne, can develop different behaviors based on their life experiences. It is also important to understand how to interact safely with puppies, especially if you have children at home. A recent survey by Rowena Packer's team found that many caregivers allowed children to interact with puppies in ways that increased the risk of bites, such as hugging them or pulling their ears or tails. These stressful interactions were more common during the pandemic, as families spent more time at home. Family discussions about appropriate behavior and clearly established limits can help prevent accidents. Before adopting a puppy, it is important to discuss the distribution of responsibilities among household members. Rowena Packer and her colleagues were surprised to find that 95% of the people responsible for the puppies in their study were women. This responsibility can affect the entire household, as one mother reported feeling less patient with her child due to the stress of caring for the dog. Another mother said she felt frustrated when her children did not follow through on their promises to take care of the dog. Clive Wynne and others emphasize that future dog owners must ensure they can dedicate the necessary time to their dog. Unlike an electronic device, a dog cannot be left alone for long periods. It is also important to consider how one's behavior can affect the dog's long-term well-being. Research shows that puppies who experience neglect, abuse, or trauma are more likely to develop fears and problematic behaviors later in life. Although puppies are "incredibly cute," they can also be "a pain in the first few months," admits Clive Wynne. He recommends that dog lovers, especially beginners, consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter. While most owners loved their adopted puppies during the pandemic, 37% of households had difficulty adapting to their new dog, and about 30% reported that two or more aspects of welcoming a dog were more complicated than expected. Rowena Packer and her colleagues conclude that people should make the decision to adopt a puppy consciously, with proper preparation, even if it is frustrating. Clive Wynne and Katrina Holland support the study's conclusions but note a major limitation: the absence of a true control group (households that acquired puppies before the pandemic).