Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience, but it often comes with a unique set of challenges. From nipping and jumping to excessive barking and destructive digging, many puppy owners find themselves at their wit’s end. This guide, drawing from expert advice, aims to provide clear, actionable strategies to help you navigate these common behavioral issues and foster a strong, positive relationship with your canine companion. While it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, remember that with consistency and the right approach, these behaviors can be managed and redirected.
Understanding and Managing Jumping and Nipping
Puppies often jump and nip as a natural way to explore their environment and seek attention. However, these behaviors can be problematic, especially when greeting visitors or interacting with family members. A common mistake is the “restrained recall,” where a puppy is held back and then released, leading to increased excitement and a more intense greeting.
Effective Strategies for Controlling Greetings
When visitors arrive, keeping your puppy on a leash is a crucial first step. Utilize leash pops, as taught in obedience classes, to prevent jumping. Ensure your guests ignore the puppy initially, avoiding any eye contact or interaction until the puppy has calmed down. Allow your puppy to sniff your guests, but immediately interrupt any jumping or nipping with a gentle leash pop. Guests should only pet the puppy once they are calm and settled, and should stop petting if any jumping recurs. This consistent redirection helps your puppy learn that calm behavior earns positive attention.
Tackling Unwanted Barking
Persistent barking, especially during the evenings, can be incredibly stressful for owners. Often, attempts to curb this behavior involve conflicting strategies, such as ignoring the barking one moment and then trying to comfort the dog the next. This inconsistency confuses the puppy and prevents them from understanding the desired behavior.
The Power of Consistent Ignoring and Attention Control
The most effective approach to barking is to consistently ignore the dog’s demands for attention. This means employing a “play hard to get” rule, where you only give your puppy attention when you initiate it. When your puppy barks for attention, pretend you don’t see or hear them. Even if they jump or nip during this process, maintain your detachment. If direct ignoring isn’t immediately successful, a gentle, non-engaging nudge with your knee or hand can be used, but crucially, without any verbal interaction or eye contact. Remember, the absence of attention is the key to extinguishing the behavior. You should also apply this principle at other times; even if your puppy approaches calmly, ignore them until they move away, then call them to you for affection. This teaches your puppy that attention is earned through calm, non-demanding behavior.
Addressing Destructive Digging and Chewing
Destructive behaviors like digging in the yard or chewing on household items often stem from boredom, excess energy, or a lack of appropriate outlets. While deterrents like chili powder may offer temporary relief, a more holistic approach is necessary.
Redirecting Energy and Providing Appropriate Outlets
To combat destructive digging, consistently reapply deterrents like chili powder to targeted areas if they prove effective, especially when the puppy will be unsupervised. However, a more comprehensive solution involves ensuring your puppy receives adequate exercise. Providing plenty of chew toys, such as bones or stuffed Kongs, can redirect their natural urge to chew. If destructive behavior occurs when you are present, teaching a solid “Leave It” command, often covered in Basic Obedience Class, is essential. Similarly, for excessive licking of household items, safe, non-toxic sprays can be used on surfaces, alongside increased exercise, appropriate chew items, and a strong “Leave It” command.
The Foundation of a Well-Behaved Dog
It’s important to understand that many “problem” behaviors in puppies are simply normal canine behaviors that humans may not appreciate. Young dogs possess a great deal of energy, require mental stimulation, need appropriate items to chew, and naturally explore their world through their mouths. As owners, our role is to fulfill these needs in ways that are acceptable and beneficial, rather than solely trying to suppress unwanted actions. Consistent training, ample exercise, and providing appropriate outlets for natural behaviors are the cornerstones of raising a well-adjusted and happy dog. If you find yourself struggling, consider additional private lessons or continuing with group obedience classes to reinforce training and gain further expert guidance.
Chad Culp – Certified Dog Trainer, Canine Behavior Consultant, Owner of Thriving Canine.
© Thriving Canine 2022
