5 Common Puppy Behaviors and Ways to Deal With Them

Dogs have a lot of energy. They are super active and playful animals. Dogs are curious creatures and want to learn about the environment around them constantly. However, this means that they will often exhibit behaviors that can seem strange or even frustrating to their owners. 

Knowing what to expect from puppies can help you deal with these issues before they become big problems. Here is a list of five common puppy behaviors and what you can do about them.

• Barking 

Every puppy is different, but most of them bark only when they want something, such as food or a trip outside the house. Barking is a normal behavior. So you should avoid scolding your pet when they are barking. Instead, give your pet what it wants and then spend some time in training so that your pup stops barking for unnecessary things in the future.

• Chewing on household items

Nothing is surprising if your puppy loves to nibble onto something that is not food. Dogs often use their mouths as a way of exploring the world around them. However, the problem arises when pets cannot distinguish between objects that are okay to chew on and those that aren’t.

The best way to deal with this is to ensure that your puppy has plenty of safe toys to chew on. Whenever you spot your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, try to redirect the attention.

• Biting and Nipping

Like chewing, biting is a natural behavior for dogs, especially during playtime. When dogs do this with their siblings, they learn social rules about when it is okay and not okay to bite. However, sometimes the behavior needs to be corrected when your puppy starts interacting with humans.

To stop your pup from biting, you need to start by teaching your pet that biting and nipping is unacceptable. When your pup nips you, give a loud yelp and immediately walk away. This will show your puppy that you are not happy with that behavior.

• Potty Training Accidents

Puppies do not instinctively know that passing stool or urine just about anywhere is not acceptable in the house. So they will often have accidents in the house. This is normal even after you have potty trained your pup. 

The best way to deal with potty training accidents is to consistently praise your puppy when it goes to the bathroom in the right place and cleans up any mess quickly. If you catch your pup in the act, say “no” in a firm voice.

• Separation Anxiety

When left alone for long hours, dogs may undergo separation anxiety. Moreover, a lack of proper training can cause separation anxiety. It can lead to various undesirable behaviors. They might whine, howl or bark, chew on the furniture or do their business in the house. Therefore, make sure your puppy knows that once you leave, you will return. Also, try leaving your pet with a familiar toy or blanket and shower them with plenty of praise when you return. Another technique is to systematically desensitize your pup by keeping them alone and gradually increasing the amount of time it spends without you.  

These are just a few common puppy behaviors that may puzzle owners who never dealt with pets earlier. But with proper socialization and care, your pets will begin to understand you and your house rules better.