4 Puppy Behaviours to Nip in the Bud Early

Bringing home a new puppy can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one. Puppies are curious, playful, and full of energy, but they can also exhibit certain behaviours that can be frustrating and even harmful if left unchecked. In this guide, we will discuss five common puppy behaviours that should be addressed early on to prevent them from becoming long-term habits.

1.      Biting and Nipping

Biting and nipping are common puppy behaviours, but they can be painful and cause injury, especially as your puppy grows and develops stronger jaws. To nip this behaviour in the bud early, you should start by setting clear boundaries with your puppy.

When your puppy bites or nips, make a sharp, high-pitched yelping sound and immediately withdraw your attention. This mimics the response of a littermate, and your puppy will quickly learn that biting or nipping results in the loss of playtime or interaction. Once your puppy stops biting or nipping, reward them with praise and a treat.

It's important to note that this behaviour is often a result of teething, so provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys to redirect their chewing and biting urges.

2.      Jumping Up

Jumping up is another common puppy behaviour that can be frustrating and even dangerous, especially if your puppy jumps up on young children or elderly individuals. To address this behaviour, you should start by teaching your puppy the “sit” command.

When your puppy jumps up, turn away and cross your arms, refusing to give them any attention or affection. As soon as your puppy's paws are back on the ground, tell them to “sit” and reward them with praise and a treat.

Consistency is key, so make sure that all members of your household are on the same page when it comes to teaching your puppy not to jump up. Additionally, be sure to give your puppy plenty of attention and affection when they are behaving appropriately and not jumping up.

3.      Chewing and Destructive Behaviour

Puppies love to chew, and it's important to provide them with appropriate chew toys to satisfy their urge to gnaw. However, some puppies may exhibit destructive behavior and chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items.

To address this behaviour, you should start by puppy-proofing your home and removing any items that your puppy may be tempted to chew. You should also provide your puppy with plenty of appropriate chew toys, such as rope toys or KONGs, and rotate them regularly to keep your puppy interested.

When your puppy chews on something they shouldn't, interrupt the behaviour by making a loud noise or clapping your hands. Immediately redirect your puppy to an appropriate chew toy and reward them with praise and a treat.

4.      Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common behaviour in puppies, and it can manifest as barking, whining, howling, or destructive behavior when you leave the house. To prevent separation anxiety from becoming a long-term issue, it's important to start by teaching your puppy to be comfortable with alone time.

Start by leaving your puppy alone for short periods of time, gradually increasing the duration as your puppy becomes more comfortable. Provide your puppy with a comfortable and familiar space, such as a crate or a designated area in your home, and leave them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied.

It's important to make your departures and arrivals low-key, without making a fuss or giving your puppy too much attention. This will help your puppy learn that being alone is a normal part of life and that you will always return.

Nataly Komova, fitness and nutritionist expert

Human Nutrition & Health, BSc Hons

Company: JustCBD

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