Puppy Behavior
New puppies look adorable and may act 'adorable' for a few weeks, but every puppy begins to develop their personality and learn behaviors based on their environment and training. Good dogs that are well behaved and pleasant to be around must be socialized and intentionally trained. This takes time and a little patience. Behaviors like jumping on people and furniture, guarding food and toys or barking can be corrected with a little advanced planning and encouragement. Do not accept undesirable behavior in your small puppy. That behavior can be a real problem with your adult dog.
The 'Good Dog'
Socialization
Puppy socializing is essential for their development and well-being. This helps them learn how to interact with other dogs and people, building their confidence and reducing anxiety. Take your puppy to parks, puppy classes, or arrange playdates with other vaccinated dogs. Introduce your puppy to humans of all shapes and sizes. Exposure to various types of noise and a variety of social situations is helpful in reducing the chance of fear and timidity. The more positive experiences they have, the better adjusted they will be as they grow.
Jumping
Training a puppy not to jump on people requires patience and consistency. Start by teaching your puppy the "sit" command, rewarding them with treats when they remain calm. Whenever your puppy tries to jump, redirect their energy by asking them to sit or offering a toy. The "Off" command is useful to use when your puppy is getting ready to do something undesirable, such jumping on the counter or a person. Remember, positive reinforcement is key to building good habits!
Guarding or Agression
Litter behavior such growling, wrestling and biting is normal for small puppies. Competition for food and toys leads to natural instincts to protect what is theirs. Dogs usually never truly bite until after 7 months, but sharp puppy teeth hurt when they try to play with your hand. A puppy that growls over his food bowl, may look aggressive, but is more likely common guarding from littermates. This negative behavior is easily fixed if dealt with early. Teach your puppy that humans are not a threat to his food. Sit with them while they eat, petting them and offering small pieces of food.
Manners
Puppies are adorable, but teaching them good manners is essential for a harmonious home. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, which help establish boundaries and improve communication. Teach your puppy to walk on a leash beside you, not pulling you. Having a dedicated crate or bed in the home that your puppy can access when they need space or you need a break is essential. Use the 'place' command when they are to go to this area. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key—reward them with treats and praise as they follow commands.
Adolescence
Puppies depend on you for all basic needs. As they grow these needs will change depending on their environment. Food, bedding, toys and training will need to be adjusted as the puppy grows. Male and females develop differently. Males may be larger in size and become bolder and more independent. Females coming into season can have dramatic changes in mood. Remember, preparation and prospective is the key to managing these changing behaviors. Don't get frustrated and angry as your growing puppy goes through the many stages of development. Young puppies can be difficult to live with, but with patience and training, they will become the perfect companion.
