Nothing is more exciting than bringing home a brand new puppy but it can also be difficult. If you’re like most owners you’re probably asking yourself if you did something wrong or did you just wind up with a really bad dog? The answer in both cases is no, it’s most likely just natural puppy behavior. Here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO we can help you understand your puppy’s behavior and learn how to manage it so you can have a happy life with your new best friend.
Puppies have an awful lot to learn
Having a puppy can be fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting and frustrating. Behaviors like barking, chewing, jumping, or having accidents in the house can be challenging but they’re also quite common. Rather than being indicators of something inherently wrong, however, this is really just part of being a puppy and having so many things to learn.
The world is a big mystery for puppies and they learn about it in the only way they know how, by exploring and investigating using all of their senses. Unfortunately, while it’s part of their normal development, their behavior can often be problematic. It’s important that you realize they aren’t doing it on purpose. As we at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado emphasize, understanding that basic fact is the key to having a good relationship with your pup.
When it comes to dealing with puppy behavior the important thing to remember is that your puppy feeds off of your emotional responses. If you get frustrated or lash out in anger when your puppy has an accident or whines when you put him in his crate it’s liable to make the behavior even worse rather than correct it.
Puppies are usually born in litters so they’re used to having company from the moment they’re born. Crate training is perfectly acceptable but it can be jarring for puppies and whining and crying can be a natural reaction to suddenly being left alone. Likewise, having accidents is usually just a matter of your puppy being unable to control their very small bladder rather than acting out of spite.
The same holds true for other behaviors like chewing and jumping, pulling or having the "zoomies". These are just natural parts of being a puppy. There is so much to discover and learn and sometimes it can just become overwhelming for them. At other times, the excess energy may actually be a symptom of being overtired, like a toddler refusing to wind down at the end of the day. Again, it’s nothing they’re doing intentionally, they just don’t know how to control themselves.
Fortunately, most of this behavior will subside naturally as your dog gets older, but you can also help it along the way with proper training methods. Make sure your puppy has plenty of toys and treats to chew on safely and establish a regular routine for walks, play time and going out to do their business and stick to it as closely as possible. Spend plenty of time with your pup and as difficult as it may be, remember to stay patient and positive and you can build a strong bond that will last for a lifetime.
Remember, puppies are still learning and growing and there are bound to be some bumps along the way. So take a deep breath and try not to panic. Given time, training and patience your dog will likely outgrow their puppy behavior and if you need any help along the way, the professional staff at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO are here to answer all of your questions.
