Some puppy behaviors may seem cute now, but they can become an actual problem if not curbed early on in their development. Just like human babies, puppies need to be taught that certain behaviors are undesirable. For instance, you may think puppy bites are adorable because it doesn’t hurt you, but an adult dog you bites people is cause for concern. Here are 5 puppy behaviors to curb sooner rather than later.
Biting/Nipping
As discussed above, biting or nipping is a behavior that should be unlearned as a puppy. Ways to stop your puppy from biting or nipping are:
- Use the “leave it” command whenever your puppy bites you.
- Make a loud noise like “OW” when your puppy bites, letting them now that hey are hurting you.
- Redirect their biting by offering them a toy to chew on instead.
Excessive Barking
Barking is a dog’s main form of communication, but excessive barking is a problem that should be addressed. Two main causes of excessive barking are boredom and separation anxiety. Ways to curb this behavior are:
- Providing your puppy with toys that hide treats in them before you leave home. This will keep their mind occupied and reduce their stress.
- Take your pup on extra walks, or one long walk before you leave to get their energy out.
- Use Dog City NYC Daycare! Attending daycare at least a few days a week will not only curb excessive barking at home, but also socialize your puppy and help make them confident adult dogs.
Destructive Chewing
Puppies can get destructive when left to their own devices, and no one wants to come home to destroyed furniture or other personal belongings. Boredom, stress, and anxiety are often to reasons for destructive chewing. To curb this behavior:
- Leave your pup with plenty of chew toys to play occupy their time
- Make sure that your puppy gets lots of daily exercise and attention.
- Use negative reinforcement to discourage the behavior.
Aggression
Aggression is a huge problem and the main reason why most dogs are surrendered to shelters. Puppies usually act out in aggression because of fear, possessiveness, or out of excitement. It may seem confusing at first as to why a dog would act aggressively when they are excited, but when a dog is really excited and doesn’t know what to do with all of those feelings it can come out different ways. Early socialization is the best way to prevent aggression. Being constantly introduced to new people, dogs, and situations will make your dog less stressed about new things. Professional training is highly recommended if your dog is behaving aggressively. Also remember, never punish your dog for acting this way. It can make your dog fearful of you and exacerbate the problem.
Eliminating In The Home
One of the most common issues puppy owners have is that their dog eliminates in the home. This is normal as puppies haven’t learned how to hold it in and wait until they go outside, but it’s something that should be unlearned as soon as possible. Taking your pup on frequent walks, especially after eating and drinking, can prevent them from eliminating in the home. Praising them for eliminating outside will teach your dog that that’s where they should “go”.
Written by Vincent M.
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