Hey there, dog lovers! As a certified dog trainer, I want to dive into a topic that’s on the minds of many new puppy owners: puppy behavior. If you’ve recently welcomed a furry bundle of joy into your life, you might be experiencing some ups and downs when it comes to their behavior. But fear not! We’re here to reassure you that those challenging puppy behaviors won’t last forever. So, let’s wag our tails and get started!
Biting and Nipping
Puppies explore the world with their mouths—and that often means biting and nipping whatever they can get their paws on, including your ankles! While this behavior can be frustrating and even painful, it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of their development. With consistent training and gentle redirection, your puppy will learn that biting humans is a no-no. As your pup grows and teething ends, this behavior will gradually fade away.
One way to communicate to your puppy that nipping isn’t acceptable is to leave the room, go to another room with a door and close it behind you. (When you get up to leave the room, don’t look at, or talk to your puppy.) Stay there for a few seconds. Come back and re-engage with the puppy. (When you return to your puppy, wait until you get back to your original spot to re-engage.)
I guarantee your puppy will try to nip you again. Repeat the process of leaving the room for a few seconds. After several repetitions, your puppy will come to understand that every time it nips you, you disappear. Puppies, and adult dogs, crave your attention and if you remove it, they’ll eventually stop. But you must be consistent with your response.
Separation Anxiety
Oh, the heart-wrenching cries of a puppy who doesn’t want you to leave! Separation anxiety is a common issue among puppies, but with time and patience, it can be overcome. By gradually acclimating your pup to alone time, providing comfort through toys or a cozy crate, and practicing positive reinforcement, you’ll help them build confidence and independence. Your Puppy will soon realize that being alone doesn’t mean the end of the world.
You can help your puppy get used to being alone in his kennel by leaving for a few minutes at a time, then returning. Continue to increase the amount of time you’re gone. When you leave, say something like, “I’ll be back!” in an upbeat tone. Don’t lengthen your goodbye – if your puppy starts to whine or cry, you may want to stay and comfort him, which will make leaving the next time even harder for both of you!
House Training Woes
Accidents happen, and potty training can be a frustrating experience for both puppy and owner. But take solace in knowing that house training is a learning process that improves over time. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and establishing a routine will help your puppy grasp the concept of where to do their business. As you diligently stick to the training methods, those pesky accidents will become a thing of the past.
Watch for your puppy sniffing the floor and walking in circles; this is a signal that it’s about to pee or poop. At that point, scoop up your puppy and rush it outside for it to do its business in the grass! Be sure to praise and reward the puppy for finishing in the appropriate spot.
Chew, Chew, Chew
From your favorite shoes to furniture legs, puppies seem to have an uncontrollable urge to chew everything in sight. This behavior is driven by their teething stage and their desire to explore objects. Providing your pup with appropriate chew toys, redirecting them when they choose the wrong items, and gradually teaching the “leave it” command will help your puppy understand what’s fair game and what’s off-limits. Time and supervision will ensure that your belongings survive this phase intact.
Managing the environment will help as well. Keep items out of reach that the puppy can easily access. This may mean that your shoes you normally leave by your front door are now on top of the fridge! But soon, your puppy will end the teething process and not feel the need to chew on everything.
Boundless Energy
Puppies are like energizer bunnies on steroids, but don’t worry—this intensity won’t last forever. As your furry friend matures, their energy levels will naturally decrease. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and obedience training are key to helping your puppy burn off that excess energy and settle into a more well-behaved and balanced adult dog. So, lace up your shoes, grab the leash, and embark on many joyful adventures with your pup. A tired dog is a good dog, because it’s too tired to get into trouble!
Conclusion
When you’re in the thick of puppy behavior challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Just remember that patience, consistency, and positive training methods are your best friends during this stage. Keep your eyes on the prize—a well-mannered, adult pooch who will bring you years of love and joy.
So, dear puppy parents, take a deep breath, embrace the journey, and know that the not-so-puppy-like behaviors will soon be a distant memory. Trust the process, celebrate small victories, and enjoy this special time with your furry companion. And always remember, the puppy phase doesn’t last forever!
Paws up for puppy resilience!