(7/19) Bringing home a new puppy is always exciting, but puppies often exhibit undesirable behaviours like nipping, barking, jumping, or having accidents inside. It's important to start training and socialising them early to correct these behaviours before they become ingrained habits. This article provides guidance on addressing common puppy behaviour issues like mouthing, lack of housetraining, excessive barking, chewing, and jumping up. With time, consistency, and early intervention, you can modify unwanted puppy behaviours to end up with a polite, well-trained dog.
Dealing with Nipping and Biting
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so nipping and biting is common. When they nip, let out a loud "Ouch!" to startle them, then ignore them for 20-30 seconds. This teaches them that biting makes playtime stop. Redirect them to chew a toy instead and praise them when they do. Consistency is key. Some biting is normal until around 6 months old when their adult teeth come in. If you are struggling to control their mouthing and biting beyond this age, look for specialist dog training East London. Classes for dog training East London are usually fun and interactive, yet they can help your dog stop biting in as little as 5 weeks.
Preventing Jumping Up
Puppies love to jump up in excitement when greeting people. This can be cured through training. When your puppy jumps, fold your arms and turn away. Only give them attention when all four paws are on the floor. Ask guests to help by ignoring jumping. Reward calm greetings with treats and affection. Practice "sit" and "stay" commands before approaching people. Persistence and consistency are vital.
Curbing Excessive Barking
Some puppies bark a lot and it can become a nuisance. First, understand why they are barking. Are they bored? Do they need more exercise or mental stimulation? Are they barking for attention? Once you identify the cause, take steps to address it. Make sure they get adequate physical and mental exercise. Ignore attention-seeking barking. Reward them with treats when they are quietly calm. Discourage barking by saying "Quiet!" in a firm tone.
Housetraining Your Puppy
Puppies need housetraining and will have indoor accidents at first. Take them out frequently and praise them lavishly when they go outside. Clean any indoor accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to prevent re-soiling. Watch for pre-potty signals like circling or sniffing. When they indicate that they need to go, whisk them outside immediately and reward them for pottying outside. Crate training also helps with housetraining. Be positive and consistent. With time and effort, your puppy will learn.
Stopping Unwanted Chewing
Puppies tend to chew on everything, from shoes to furniture. This is normal teething and exploratory behaviour. Discourage inappropriate chewing by offering plenty of chew toys and safe, edible chews. Use a stern "No chew!" when catching them in the act, then redirect them to a toy. Spray or coat off-limit items with deterrent sprays. Restrict access to tempting items. Crating your puppy when unsupervised can prevent destruction.
With early socialisation, positive reinforcement-based training, and consistency, you can get your puppy off to the right start and correct unwanted behaviours before they become ingrained habits. Be patient and proactive during these important first months and you'll end up with a happy, well-mannered dog.
