Is there anything cuter than a precious little puppy? While they bring so much joy and we find them super adorable, there are some behaviours of a new puppy to look out for to keep them healthy and out of harm’s way, as well as the people around them, other pets and their entire surroundings.
Here are 4 Behaviours of a New Puppy To Look Out For
Chewing
Like babies, puppies go through a teething phase, which means their gums start to feel painful and itchy. They will have the urge to chew on anything, from shoes, sofa cushions, clothes, and even furniture, as a form of relief. To prevent them from chewing on items in your home, get them chew toys or big bones to gnaw on.
Nipping/Biting
Puppies still have little teeth, and while many find puppy nipping a harmless behaviour, even cute sometimes, it can cause bigger problems in the future when it turns into biting. When your puppy tends to nip, it’s important to train them in bite inhibition, especially once your puppy reaches 12 weeks old.
Tips:
- Say “ouch” or act like you’re in pain when they nip.
- Ignore them and walk away if they use nipping to get your attention.
- If the behaviour persists, seek professional help from dog trainers or your veterinarian.
Separation Anxiety
When you adopt a new puppy, you instantly assume the exciting responsibility of being their pet parent. They will look up to you as the person they feel safe with and form a bond with you. They will feel attached, so leaving them, even if you’re just going for a quick run at the store, can cause them to panic and exhibit separation anxiety.
Most common signs of separation anxiety:
- Barking excessively
- Howling
- Chewing
- Digging
- Pacing
- Urinating
- Defecating
Tips:
- Give them toys for entertainment.
- Avoid giving them hugs and kisses before leaving.
- Reward them with affection and playtime when you arrive.
- To desensitise your dogs to leaving cues, switch up your routine.
Jumping
A tiny puppy jumping up and down may be harmless, but when they grow into a large adult size dog, it can knock people over and cause injury and damage to items in their surroundings. It is also poor manners for dogs to jump in public. Some people can also find it annoying.
Tips
- Start training puppies with basic commands like “sit”, “lay down”, and “stay.”
- Do not reward jumping with treats unless you’re training them for it.
- Ignore them and walk away when they use jumping to get your attention.
Eating everything
Puppies are naturally curious and love to eat, which may not be the best combination because they tend to eat anything they see. Pay attention to what they are chewing and make sure they’re not putting anything in their mouth that they are not supposed to. Some human foods we consider safe are a big no-no for dogs, such as chocolates and onions.
Behaviours of a Puppy to Look Out For: Pay Attention and Start Training Them Young
Puppies are so irresistibly cute that it’s hard to believe there could be anything wrong with them. However, there are some behaviours of a puppy to look out for to keep them safe and healthy.
By being aware of the common dangers puppies face when they exhibit these behaviours and knowing how to prevent them, you can enjoy your new furry friend without worry and help them thrive every day.
