Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Just like toddlers, puppies are curious, energetic, and prone to testing boundaries. While some behaviors are cute at first, they can become problematic if not addressed early.

The good news? Most common puppy behaviors can be corrected with consistency, patience, and the right training approach. Below, we’ll explore the top five puppy behaviors that new dog parents encounter and provide tips for how to fix them before they become habits.

1. Nipping and Biting

The Behavior:
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Nipping is normal, especially during teething, but it can escalate into painful biting if not corrected.

Why It Happens:

– Teething discomfort

– Playful excitement

– Lack of bite inhibition

– Seeking attention

How to Fix It:

– Redirect the bite: Offer a chew toy or frozen treat when your puppy starts nipping.

– React appropriately: Let out a gentle “yelp” or say “ouch” and immediately stop playing. This mimics the response they’d get from other puppies.

– Use time-outs: If nipping continues, calmly walk away and ignore your puppy for a few minutes.

– Avoid rough play: Wrestling or using your hands as toys encourages mouthy behavior.

Pro Tip: Encourage positive chewing with teething-safe toys and rotate them to keep your pup interested.

2. Jumping on People

The Behavior:
Puppies often jump to greet you or express excitement, but this habit can become dangerous or annoying as they grow.

Why It Happens:

– Excitement and lack of impulse control

– Seeking attention

– Natural puppy greeting behavior

How to Fix It:

– Ignore the jumping: Don’t give eye contact or attention when your puppy jumps.

– Reward calm greetings: Praise and treat when your puppy sits or keeps all four paws on the ground.

– Teach “sit” as a greeting: Practice with family and friends to reinforce proper greetings.

– Stay consistent: Everyone in your household must follow the same rules—no exceptions.

3. Chewing Everything in Sight

The Behavior:
Destructive chewing is one of the most common complaints among new dog owners. From shoes to baseboards, nothing is safe.

Why It Happens:

– Teething discomfort

– Boredom or lack of stimulation

– Separation anxiety

– Lack of supervision

How to Fix It:

– Puppy-proof your home: Keep valuables, cords, and tempting items out of reach.

– Provide chew alternatives: Invest in high-quality chew toys (KONGs, Nylabones, etc.) and rotate them.

– Crate train: When unsupervised, use a crate or playpen to limit your puppy’s access to chewable items.

– Exercise and engage: Physical activity and mental stimulation can curb destructive behavior.

Pro Tip: Avoid punishing your puppy after the fact, they won’t understand. Focus on prevention and redirection instead.

4. Excessive Barking

The Behavior:
Some barking is normal, but constant yapping can be disruptive and hard to stop once it becomes a habit.

Why It Happens:

– Boredom

– Attention-seeking

– Alerting or guarding instincts

– Lack of stimulation

– Anxiety

How to Fix It:

– Determine the cause: Is your dog bored? Frustrated? Overstimulated?

– Teach the “quiet” command: Wait for a pause in barking, then say “quiet” and reward.

– Avoid yelling: It may sound like you’re barking back and escalate the problem.

– Increase stimulation: Long walks, puzzle toys, and games like “find it” help keep your puppy’s mind busy.

Pro Tip: Be patient…barking can take time to untrain, but a consistent approach will pay off.

5. Ignoring Commands

The Behavior:
It may feel like your puppy is ignoring you on purpose, but more often, they simply don’t understand or aren’t motivated to listen.

Why It Happens:

– Short attention spans

– Lack of consistency

– Competing distractions

– Training not reinforced enough

How to Fix It:

– Start small: Focus on one command at a time. Use short sessions (5–10 minutes).

– Use high-value treats: Especially during early training or in high-distraction environments.

– Be consistent: Use the same word and hand signal every time.

– Reward immediately: Timing is everything, praise and treat the moment your pup complies.

Pro Tip: Don’t repeat commands multiple times. Instead, help your dog complete the task, then reward.

 

Final Tips for Successful Puppy Training

– Socializing early and often: Exposure to new people, places, and other animals helps reduce fear-based behaviors.

– Use positive reinforcement: Harsh punishment creates fear and confusion. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and play.

– Stick to a schedule: Routines help puppies learn faster.

– Celebrate small wins: Training is a journey, not a sprint. Every good behavior is a building block toward a well-mannered adult dog.

 

When to Call a Professional

If your puppy’s behavior is escalating or causing harm, don’t hesitate to seek help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. Early intervention can make all the difference.

 

Conclusion: Start Strong for a Lifetime of Good Habits

Correcting puppy behavior early doesn’t just make life easier, it builds trust, communication, and confidence in your growing dog. Whether you’re dealing with barking, biting, or simply teaching the basics, your time and effort now will pay off for years to come.

AtPUPS Pet Club, we’re here to support every step of your pet parenting journey. Want more puppy training tips, health advice, and seasonal care strategies? Follow us on social media and learn more here!