Dealing with a young puppy’s challenging behaviors can be overwhelming, often pushing even the most devoted owners to their limit. This article addresses common issues such as jumping, nipping, excessive barking, destructive digging, and constant licking, offering practical advice grounded in canine behavior principles. Understanding the root causes of these behaviors is the first step toward effective training and a harmonious relationship with your dog.
Understanding Puppy Behavior: It’s Normal, But Needs Guidance
Puppies, especially during their adolescent phase around seven months old, exhibit behaviors that are natural for dogs but often unappreciated by humans. These include a high energy level, a need to explore their environment through chewing and digging, and a desire for social interaction. The key is to channel these natural instincts into acceptable outlets rather than solely suppressing them.
Managing Jumping and Nipping at Visitors
When guests arrive, a common and frustrating behavior is a puppy jumping up and nipping. Attempting to have visitors ignore the puppy initially, only to have the dog resort to biting, indicates a misunderstanding of how dogs perceive attention.
- Why “Ignoring” Fails: Turning your back can be perceived as an invitation to play, not as a sign of being ignored. This can intensify the dog’s excitement and drive to engage.
- Effective Strategy: Keep the puppy on a leash when visitors arrive. Use gentle leash pops, as taught in obedience classes, to interrupt jumping. Guests should initially ignore the puppy, not making eye contact or touching. Once the puppy is calm and has had a chance to sniff the guest, they can be calmly petted. If the puppy jumps during petting, guests should stop.
Dealing with Nipping at Legs and Ankles
When owners turn their backs to ignore a puppy, the puppy may nip at their legs or ankles, mistaking this for a game.
- The Misunderstanding of “Ignoring”: Simply turning your back is not the same as ignoring the dog. It can often be interpreted as an invitation to a game of chase or keep-away, leading to more intense engagement from the dog.
- Consistent Ignoring: To truly ignore the dog, act as if you don’t see or hear them. This means no eye contact, no talking, and no touching. While the jumping may continue initially, most dogs will eventually disengage if their actions don’t elicit a response. If the behavior persists, a gentle, non-engaging nudge with a knee or hand can be used, but without any verbal cues or direct eye contact.
Addressing Excessive Evening Barking
Persistent barking, especially in the evening, can be incredibly stressful. Conflicting training methods, such as trying to ignore the dog one moment and then attempting to soothe them the next, lead to inconsistency.
- The Importance of Consistency: When faced with conflicting commands or attempts at correction, dogs become confused, and training efforts are undermined. A consistent approach is crucial for the dog to understand expectations.
- “Play Hard To Get” Rule: Apply the principle of “play hard to get” consistently. Only give your dog attention when you initiate it. This means ignoring demands for attention through barking, jumping, or nipping. Even when the dog approaches calmly, ignore them until they move away, then call them back for affection. This teaches the dog to seek attention in a controlled manner.
Mitigating Destructive Digging and Chewing
Destructive behaviors like digging in the yard and chewing on inappropriate items are often due to boredom and excess energy.
- Addressing Digging: While deterrents like chili powder can offer temporary solutions, they lack consistency. A more holistic approach involves ensuring the puppy receives adequate exercise and has appropriate items to chew on, such as bones or stuffed Kongs. For targeted digging spots, reapplying deterrents consistently when the dog is unsupervised can be effective. Teaching a solid “Leave It” command, as covered in basic obedience classes, is also vital.
- Preventing Licking: Similar to digging, excessive licking of household items can stem from boredom or a need for sensory stimulation. Using safe, non-toxic sprays on household items can deter licking. Again, proper exercise, chew toys, and a strong “Leave It” command are essential.
Fulfilling Your Puppy’s Needs
It is crucial for dog owners to understand that many “problem behaviors” are simply normal canine actions that need to be redirected into acceptable channels. Young dogs possess a significant amount of energy, a need to explore, and a desire to play. Providing sufficient exercise, mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys, and opportunities for safe exploration will significantly reduce undesirable behaviors. Fulfilling these needs in ways that you approve of is more effective than constantly trying to suppress their natural instincts.
Chad Culp – Certified Dog Trainer, Canine Behavior Consultant, Owner of Thriving Canine.
Thriving Canine offers in-person training in the San Francisco Bay Area and virtual consultations worldwide.
- In-person training
- Virtual consults
Join our community:
- Newsletter
- YouTube
- Thriving Canine University private Facebook group (please read the rules before joining)
Related Topics: