As exciting as it is to bring a new puppy into your home, caring for a small bundle of energy can be quite challenging. Puppies require around-the-clock supervision and attention during their first few months to learn how to behave properly and become good companions. But with the right guidance and patience, puppies will eventually mature into well-mannered dogs that are easier to manage and take care of.
Knowing what to expect from your puppy as they develop can help you better prepare for the challenges and may even prevent common issues, such as destructive chewing and excessive barking.
Brain Training for Dogs
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to effortlessly train your puppy, take a look at our recommended online dog training course, Brain Training for Dogs. It works on dogs of all sizes and ages. You can find our Brain Training for Dogs review here or simply visit the Brain Training for Dogs website.
When do puppies get easier?
1. 8-10 Weeks
At around 8 to 10 weeks old, puppies become more independent. They can now control their bladders and bowels better and should be able to stay alone for a few hours without having accidents. Puppies also understand basic commands and respond better to training during this stage.
2. 4-6 Months
Puppies have become more confident and self-assured at around 4 to 6 months old. They are usually better at following commands and learning new behaviors and begin understanding the consequences of their actions. This is also when most puppies start losing their baby teeth in favor of adult ones.
3. 9-12 Months
When puppies are between 9 and 12 months old, they should be fully house-trained and better able to control their impulses. During this stage, puppies become more independent and can stay alone for several hours without getting into trouble. This is also a good time to introduce them to other dogs, as they will understand normal canine behavior better.
Common Puppy Behaviors and How to Handle Them
1. Chewing: It’s perfectly normal for puppies to chew on things as they explore the world around them. To prevent your puppy from destroying your furniture, it is important to provide them with plenty of appropriate chew toys and to focus on positive reinforcement when they use them.
2. Howling: Puppies may howl or bark if they feel anxious, bored, lonely, or scared. To reduce howling, provide your puppy with plenty of activities and enrichment that keep them mentally stimulated throughout the day. This could include puzzle toys, obedience training classes, and short play sessions.
3. Digging: Puppies naturally have a strong instinct to dig, so it is important to provide them with an area in your yard where they can do this safely and without damaging your plants or flowerbeds.
4. Jumping: It’s natural for puppies to jump up when they get excited, but this can quickly become a problem as they grow older. To prevent your puppy from jumping on people, focus on teaching them to sit when meeting new people instead.
5. Mouthing: Puppies often use their mouths to explore the world around them and may accidentally bite. To reduce mouthing, focus on redirecting your puppy’s attention to appropriate chew toys whenever they start putting their mouth on you or your belongings.
6. Inappropriate toileting: Puppies usually learn to control their bladders and bowels between 8-10 weeks of age, but accidents may still happen from time to time. To prevent these issues, watch for signs that your puppy needs to go outside, such as pacing or whining, and take them out immediately when you see these behaviors.
7. Excessive barking: Puppies bark for many reasons, from alerting you to a potential intruder to expressing excitement. To reduce excessive barking, focus on teaching your puppy an alternate behavior, such as sitting down or going to bed when they start barking.
8. Separation anxiety: Puppies may start showing signs of separation anxiety if they are left alone too often or for too long. To prevent this, gradually increase your puppy’s time alone while providing plenty of activities that keep them entertained throughout the day.
9. Fearful behavior: Puppies may become fearful in certain situations or when meeting new people and animals. To help your puppy overcome their fears, focus on building positive associations by slowly introducing them to new people and animals, offering treats, and rewarding them for calm behavior.
10. Leash pulling: Puppies often pull on the leash when walking because they are naturally curious about their environment. To prevent leash pulling, focus on teaching your puppy to walk calmly beside you instead.
Conclusion
Puppies can be energetic and unpredictable, but they will soon become calm and obedient adult dogs with the right guidance and patience. While it may take some time for puppies to mature into fully grown adults, following these tips should help new owners manage their puppy’s behavior during this transition period. With consistency and regular training, owners will soon see their puppy’s personality emerge, and they can look forward to many enjoyable years together.