Breaking down due to changes in routine after getting puppy

Support Needed (Kind Advice and Commiseration)

My partner and I got an 8 week old puppy at the end of June, who is now 15 weeks old. It has been a rollercoaster from the start and I have cried so many times due to being overwhelmed, frustrated, and honestly in pain from the biting (and then also trying to ignore the puppy to not encourage biting).

I knew from the start it would be extremely hard, and I knew our lives would be flipped upside down, but what I did not think about was how extremely hard it would be to not have my usual routines.

I have a strict night routine where I want to finish the evening by 9.30, wash my face, prepare coffee for the morning, lay out an outfit etc. and then be in bed by 10, and then read from 10-10.30. 10.30 sharp I always go to sleep, and then wake up 6.30.

Obviously with the puppy, this has never happened. I try to schedule everything so that I could start with my routine like I want to, but it never happens. I cry every night because I go to bed at a different time than I want to, even though it’s like 20 minutes later. It takes SUCH a mental load for me when my expectations are failed and when changes needs to be done, and I feel like such a burden to my partner for being upset every night while he stays up late to take care of the puppy. He does not have a routine at all (not in any way or scenario) so he does not understand at all, but I see that he is trying to make it easier for me.

It’s so hard to explain this to non-autistic people, and I feel ridiculous for letting this be such a big deal. But I honestly breakdown every night when I see the time is 10 and I can just now start getting ready.

Can anyone relate to this? And if so, did something help or make it easier? Also, If you got a puppy, how did you experience routines and changes?

Posted Aug 13, 2026, 8:28 PM UTC

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