Many problem behaviors we see in mature dogs develop from a lack of socialization and preventative work done early on. These problems are often not visible when your dog is still a puppy.
Committing the time and effort in the early stages of your dogs life is time well invested that will help ensure your dog is easy to live with and well adjusted around other dogs and people.
It’s easy to believe these cute, fun puppy behaviors won’t be problematic as your dog reached maturity. This is your golden opportunity to get the behavior you are looking for in your dog.
My Puppy goes wild biting me and grabbing onto my pant legs
Often this type of behavior is due to too much free, unsupervised time. You need to provide guidance and structure for your puppy. Direct them to something they should be chewing on, such as a ropy/ tug toy. You can also ask him for a sit. Teach these habits from day one.
Why does my puppy pee as soon as he comes indoors after being in the backyard? My puppy keeps having “bathroom” accidents in the house.
The key to a successful house training is complete supervision. It is super important that you go outside with your puppy so you know if he is empty or full when he comes back in. I recommend restricting access to the house until they are completely potty trained. Crate training is key in potty training and helps you safely manage your puppy all the time.
My puppy is destroying rugs and furniture legs
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. As their teeth develop they have a strong desire to gnaw on things. This is where managing your puppy’s environment by supplying appropriate chew toys and limiting access to inappropriate objects
My Puppy Chases Children
This is not an appropriate behavior for ANY breed. It is vital you always properly supervise your puppy and their interactions with children. This is a safety issue as puppies are hard wired to chase, catch and chew. Children often over stimulate dogs by being themselves. Teach your puppies how to behave appropriately around children from day one. Appropriate behaviors are : Place, recall, leave it and more.
I can not crate my puppy because he barks in the crate
Why is the barking happening? Are they barking to get out? Are they looking for attention? Do they need to go the bathroom? Use their favorite toys and surprise food treats to help them get accustomed to it. It is important to teach the puppy that they crate is a wonderful and comfortable place.
My puppy is frightened of the vacuum cleaner
When your puppy is frightened of an object, person or another dog it is important to change the meaning of the situation to that of a pleasant association. This is socialization which is accomplished through a gradual process.
My puppy pees every time he meets someone new
Submissive urination is common in puppies. This behavior must be completely ignored any attempt to reprimand the puppy will make the situation worse. The pup will out grow the problem as they mature and develop more confidence.
My puppy picks up everything in his mouth when we are on a walk
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. It is natural for them to pick things up they encounter on the ground. At this stage you want to condition your puppy not to guard found objects and to happily release anything in their mouth. Work on Trade it/Drop it. Also work on With me or Let’s go.
My puppy bites when I try to groom him or clip his nails
Remember in the wild there were no beauty salons or dog groomers. This is an important time to learn how to condition your puppy to look forward to this kind of handling and much more.
My puppy is not intended in toys or doing work with me. In general he ignores me.
This is a very common problem that can be overcome. This is where structure is important and finding the right toys and engagement for your specific puppy.
My puppy is restless and whines and barks when he goes in the car
Take the time to teach your puppy to be calm in the car. Using a seatbelt or crate are great safety tools to use in the car as well. The more you expose them to the car with positive visits the more comfortable they will be in it.