Naughty Things Puppies Are Often Allowed to Get Up To

Puppies are delightful bundles of energy and curiosity, but their playful antics can sometimes lead to behaviours that owners inadvertently allow, potentially causing trouble later on. Early training is essential to help puppies grow into well-adjusted, content adult dogs. In this guide, we'll explore some of the naughty things puppies are often allowed to get up to and offer gentle, effective ways to manage and correct these behaviours.

1. Mouthing & Nipping

Young puppies explore the world with their mouths, naturally mouthing and nipping as a form of play and communication with their littermates. However, their sharp teeth can hurt humans if this behaviour is allowed during play. It’s important to teach puppies that play biting is not acceptable, especially around children.

A recommended method is to clearly but calmly say "ouch" in a loud voice when your puppy nips you, which surprises them and makes them stop. Immediately praise them when they cease the behaviour, without over-exciting them, and redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Teaching everyone in the household, including children, about this training technique ensures consistent messaging to your puppy.

2. Barking & Whining

While barking and whining are normal puppy behaviours used to communicate needs or discomfort, uncontrolled or excessive vocalisation can become a nuisance. It’s important to differentiate when a puppy’s bark or whine signals distress or a real need, and when it is merely seeking attention.

Teach your puppy commands like "quiet" or "shush" by calmly saying the word whenever they bark unnecessarily, rewarding obeying with treats and praise. When puppies whine for attention, it’s often best to ignore the behaviour if they are safe, as giving in can reinforce whining, making it a hard habit to break later.

3. Digging at Carpets, Furniture, or Lawns

Digging is an instinctive behaviour for many dogs, serving functions like cooling down or creating a comfortable resting spot. However, digging indoors or in prized garden areas can cause damage and frustration.

Redirect this impulse by providing designated digging areas outdoors or plenty of enrichment activities to reduce boredom. If you catch your puppy digging indoors or at the garden beds, gently discourage this with consistent "no" commands, possibly using a lead to guide them away, and praise them when they stop. Regular exercise is key to preventing boredom that leads to destructive digging.

4. Chewing Household Items

Chewing is essential for puppy’s dental health and exploration, but they must be taught what is appropriate to chew. Allowing puppies to chew on furniture, children’s toys, or household objects can lead to destructive habits.

Never scold a puppy after the fact, since they don't connect the reprimand with the action. Instead, supervise your puppy and take them outside when you notice chewing on the wrong items. Equip them with plenty of safe chew toys, and crate them when unsupervised to prevent damage. Avoid leaving puppies alone for long periods, as this can lead to boredom and naughty behaviour.

5. Jumping Up Behaviour

Jumping up on people is a common and problematic behaviour that can be difficult to untrain if allowed early on. Not only can it be dirty and disruptive, but it might also cause injuries if the dog is large or excitable.

Start training your puppy from an early age to keep all four paws on the ground by gently saying "no" or "off" and rewarding calm behaviour. Inform visitors and family members about this rule so they can support your training efforts. Consistency and patience from everyone involved are vital.

6. Begging at the Table

Begging for food is an intelligent and common puppy habit that can be encouraged unintentionally by giving in to their pleading eyes. Feeding puppies table scraps not only reinforces this behaviour but can endanger their health, especially with foods toxic to dogs such as chocolate and onions.

Keep puppies away from the dining area during mealtimes and provide them with alternatives like chew toys or special treats to keep them occupied. Being firm and consistent in not sharing your food helps prevent the development of a difficult begging habit.

7. Too Much Freedom Too Soon

Granting puppies unrestricted access to the home and expecting immediate good behaviour can lead to challenges. Overexcitement, lack of boundaries, and unsupervised interactions often result in naughty behaviours.

Set clear and safe boundaries gradually, using pens or gates to limit free roaming while supervising. This approach helps puppies learn household rules in manageable steps, promoting confidence and good behaviour.

Conclusion

Puppies are adorable and naturally curious, but the behaviours they get away with as young pups can turn into significant problems if not addressed with kindness, consistency, and patience. Training techniques such as gently discouraging mouthing, managing barking, redirecting digging and chewing, and setting boundaries help shape puppies into well-behaved adult dogs. Remember, early intervention combined with positive reinforcement and clear communication with everyone in the household, including children and visitors, makes all the difference.

For finding a reliable source for your new puppy, consider choosing reputable breeders or adoption centres that prioritise health and temperament. Responsible ownership and training begin from day one to ensure a happy life together with your furry friend.

For those interested in finding puppies, you can explore reputable breeders and available pups here.