Bringing a puppy into your family and home is a joyful experience but can also be overwhelming. Puppies can often present various training issues ranging from minor inconveniences to major problems. These issues can confuse many puppy owners and make them unsure of how to train a puppy effectively.
Preparing to manage common puppy issues will ensure a smooth transition to help your new friend adapt to an unfamiliar environment. To help make navigating the puppy-raising journey more manageable, here are five standard puppy issues and some tips on handling them.
1. Chewing
While chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, it can quickly become a destructive habit that needs to be addressed. Chewing hazardous items can cause harm to your puppy, who can’t yet distinguish between chew toys and items to avoid.
Provide your puppy with plenty of age-appropriate chew toys and supervise them closely while they explore your home. Reward your puppy when they chew on appropriate items. If your puppy continues to bite rather than play with their chew toys, stop playing with them and allow them to calm down. Doing this will help your puppy learn that chewing means no more playtime.
2. Jumping
Puppies tend to have a lot of energy, often expressing it by jumping around. While this can be cute at first, it can quickly become a problem as your pup gets older and bigger, and depending on their size, your dog could cause unintentional harm as they grow bigger and continue jumping.
To prevent your pup from jumping on people, teach them an alternative behavior, such as sitting. Whenever someone comes to the door, have them give the sit command and reward them with a treat when they comply. Additionally, if your puppy is jumping around, do your best to remain calm and patient.
3. Barking
If you find your puppy barking constantly, you should take action and identify why your dog is barking so often
To prevent your pup from barking excessively:
- Make sure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.
- When they bark, give them a firm “no” and ignore them.
- Don’t get angry with your puppy for barking, but make sure that you reward them when they stay calm for a specific period.
4. Potty Training
Potty training can be an incredibly challenging issue in puppies. Successfully training your pup will seem like a never-ending battle if you do not implement a specific routine and schedule for outdoor walks.
To navigate potty training your puppy, follow your schedule and reward them when they behave correctly. The process might take a few months, but you’ll see improvements in your pup’s behavior in time. When taking your puppy for a walk, give them ample time to do their business and get comfortable.
5. Separation Stress
Separation stress is a common issue in puppies, and it can be very distressing for the pup and its owner. However, some signs of separation and other common puppy issues overlap, making it difficult for some pet owners to identify the problem. Signs of separation stress in your puppy may include:
- Excessive pacing and whining when you are preparing to leave
- Chewing, biting, and other disruptive behaviors
- Bathroom accidents in the house
- Panting, barking, and howling more than usual
To help prevent your pup from developing separation stress, make sure they have plenty of time to bond with their owners, exercise, and provide them with safe and comfortable places to stay when you’re away.
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