Getting a new puppy can be an exciting and joyous experience. However, it can also be full of challenges. Puppies may exhibit a variety of behavioral problems that need to be addressed early on before they become ingrained habits.
Here are five common puppy behavioral problems you should address right now:.
1. Biting and Chewing
Puppies explore their world with their mouths, and this includes biting and chewing everything they can get their teeth into. However, this behavior can become destructive and dangerous if not addressed early.
Make sure your puppy has plenty of chew toys and redirect their biting behavior onto appropriate objects. Also, give them regular exercise and attention to prevent them from getting bored and destructive.
2. Separation Anxiety
Puppies are social creatures and can become extremely anxious when left alone. This can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and even self-injury.
To alleviate this, start leaving your puppy alone for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration. Provide them with plenty of toys and a comfortable place to rest while you’re away. Also, try to keep your departures and arrivals low-key to avoid making your puppy overly excited or anxious.
3. House Training
Potty training your puppy can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, but it’s essential for a happy and healthy home.
Start by establishing a consistent feeding and potty schedule, and reward your puppy with praise and treats when they successfully go outside. Be patient and consistent, and don’t punish your puppy for accidents – they need positive reinforcement to learn what behavior is expected of them.
4. Excessive Barking
All puppies bark, but excessive barking can be annoying to you and your neighbors. To address this, identify the trigger for your puppy’s barking and remove it if possible.
For example, if your puppy barks at other dogs outside, close the blinds or move them to a different room. Also, train your puppy to stop barking on command and reward them when they comply.
5. Jumping Up on People
Puppies are energetic and love to jump up to greet people, but this behavior can be dangerous and overwhelming. To address this, train your puppy to sit and stay when greeting people, and reward them for calm and controlled behavior.
Also, be sure to give your puppy plenty of exercise and attention to reduce their excitement and jumping behavior.