Puppies are little fluffy bundles of joy, but they can be a lot of work, too. Most dog owners recognize that their growing pets have physical needs, but do not realize that their behavioral needs are equally important. Behavior problems can crop up at any time, but ensuring you provide your puppy with the proper foundation can help. Our Madison Street Animal Hospital team is your best resource for dog behavior information, so we’re sharing our tips on raising a well-adjusted puppy. 

#1: Do your research before bringing your puppy home

Behavior is shaped in part by your puppy’s upbringing, but genetics also play a big role. Dog breeds have been developed and refined over hundreds of years to perform specific jobs, and they retain these characteristics as household pets. For example, herding breeds may nip at your heels, hounds follow their noses, and terriers may dig or bark excessively. If you’re looking for a purebred puppy, ensure you understand the breed’s characteristics, including energy level, grooming requirements, trainability, and potential health problems. If you like a particular breed’s look, but they aren’t a good match for your family, unmet needs can result in behavioral problems.

#2: Keep your puppy healthy

Keeping your puppy physically healthy provides the best foundation for developing good manners. Vaccines, parasite prevention, and regular wellness checks can prevent serious illness that could sideline your pet during peak socialization time. Some puppies experience joint issues or bone pain during rapid growth spurts, and the pain can lead to negative associations in new situations, which can lead to anxiety, phobias, or aggression. Taking your puppy to the veterinarian on their recommended schedule can ensure they stay healthy enough to participate in productive training and socialization.

#3: Invest in professional puppy training

While pet owners perform most of their pet’s training at home, many owners need a little help. Puppy classes are a great way to learn basic skills and provide opportunities for play and socializing. Private sessions with a trainer in your home can address your puppy’s specific needs and ensure the whole family stays involved and consistent. Look for trainers who practice positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training. 

A professional trainer can also help you teach your puppy “cooperative care.” This process teaches your puppy to willingly participate in medical and grooming procedures, and can help them learn to accept nail trims, baths, toothbrushing, injections, blood draws, and physical exams, and helps them look forward to these procedures rather than fearing them.

#4: Socialize, socialize, and socialize your puppy some more

Fear, anxiety, and aggression-related behavior problems often result from lack of socialization. From 3 to 14 weeks, your puppy is most receptive to new people, pets, novel objects, and new experiences. As soon as your puppy completes their first set of vaccines, take them to meet other fully vaccinated dogs of varied sizes. Whenever you can, let your puppy meet new people, including children, and introduce them to new things like the vacuum. Keep their experiences short and positive using treats and praise to help prevent your puppy from developing phobias or “stranger danger.” Learn more about puppy socialization here.

#5: Address puppy behavior problems as soon as they start

A small brown and white dog sits on a wooden floor, surrounded by torn-up white stuffing. The dog looks up, appearing as if it's just returned from a vet visit, with curiosity or guilt written all over its face amidst the mess.

Undesirable behavior in puppies and adult dogs must be addressed right away. The longer a puppy “practices” a behavior, the more deeply ingrained the problem becomes. The first step is called management, and involves finding a way to stop your puppy’s particular behavior. For example, if your puppy is chewing shoes, keep all shoes out of their reach. Then, reinforce them when they choose acceptable chew items. 

Puppies commonly struggle with the following behaviors that have simple solutions. They include:

  • Chewing — Keep your personal items out of reach, and when you catch your puppy with anything off-limits, trade the item for one of their own toys.
  • Jumping up — Don’t give your puppy attention when they jump up, and ensure others do the same. Turn your back when they jump, wait until they calmly sit down, then say “Hello,” and give them treats and praise.
  • Play biting — When your puppy gets too mouthy, immediately stop the game you’re playing, and calmly go away. Your pup will soon understand that play continues only when they keep their teeth to themselves.

When in doubt about your puppy’s behavior, consult your Madison Street Animal Hospital team for guidance. Contact us to learn more about what’s normal and what’s not, and to obtain recommendations for local trainers and puppy classes.