Keep in mind that aggressive and fearful behavior, such as growling, snapping, biting, stiffening, and cowering are not normal behaviors in puppies. A healthy and psychologically sound puppy should be naïve and at least somewhat eager to interact with people and animals.
Undesirable behavior exhibited by dogs between puppyhood and adolescence, such as destructive chewing, jumping on people, and play biting, is medically referred to as pediatric behavior problems. Though these behaviors may be perceived as a “normal” trait of a puppy, it is often not acceptable behavior for a pet.
Besides stealing and playing keep-away, common puppy behavior problems include lack of house-training, hyperactivity, nipping, chewing, eating feces and getting sick in the car. Lack of house-training usually stems from giving the puppy too much freedom too quickly.
Undesirable behaviours such as barking, chewing, counter surfing, house-soiling and jumping up commonly begin to occur at around 3-6 months of age. Your puppy will not grow out of these behaviours. On the contrary, it is more likely that these behaviours will worsen if not addressed early on.
Puppies begin learning from as soon as they are born, and a good breeder will have exposed the puppy to handling and socializing. Some training can begin immediately, like potty training, but for best results, you can start teaching the basics like "sit," "down," and "stay" from as young as seven to eight weeks of age.
Be consistent.
Correct bad dog behavior immediately and firmly every time it happens with a firm voice, a loud noise like a hand clap, or through redirection, like offering them a chew toy when they exhibit biting behavior. Don't forget to praise them for following your commands.
If a reprimand is needed, an immediate (during the act) verbal "no" or “off” or a sharp noise is usually sufficient to distract a puppy so that you can then redirect the puppy to the correct behavior.
Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Chewing, teething and general destruction
One of the biggest frustrations new puppy owners should be ready for is not knowing what clothing, furniture, plants and other household items are going to last through the first months or year of having a new puppy. This is perhaps where your patience will be tested the most.
Allow your puppy to chase other dogs, cats, or other animals. Confine your puppy for long periods of time during the day. Allow your puppy to chew, nibble, or bite on people. Allow your puppy to play with or chew on toys that aren't on the approved toy list (listed in section 3-5).
For a dog who is acting out of fear or frustration (for example, a dog who is barking and lunging on leash), using the word 'no' to stop the behavior without helping to alleviate their fear or frustration will often lead to an escalation in behavior, such as growling, air snapping, or biting.
Alpha dogs are also more likely to hold your gaze rather than look away when they feel stressed, giving them a greater feeling of control over the situation. In social settings, you can identify dominant dogs by behavior such as mounting other dogs and being aloof rather than playful.
OK—this one isn't necessarily your fault, but the way you respond to it can make a difference in your dog's behavior. Like humans, dogs go through a rebellious “teenager” phase (around 5 months to 18 months).
There is so much you're trying to teach your new puppy, that it can feel overwhelming: house-training, sleeping through the night, not to nip, not to chew, and all the other household rules you've established. Add to that a puppy's natural curiosity and energy, and you might start to feel as if he'll never get it.
Aim to give your dog at least 20-30 minutes of meaningful playtime each day.
A 3-month-old puppy can learn boundaries and good manners, potty training, and basic commands. They're also learning to love you—this is when the bond between you and your pup is solidified.
The one thing to keep in mind is that in most cases puppy blues is only temporary. It probably doesn't feel like it, but puppy blues tend to fade away somewhere between a few weeks and a few months until you can barely even remember having felt overwhelmed. Give it time.
Keep in mind though, that it generally takes about three weeks for a dog or puppy to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature. This is an activity you should do before you get your dog or puppy home.
And remember, if you have moments where you regret getting a puppy, that is fine! It is a totally normal feeling! Here are 5 things to do to help you when times are tough with your pup and you're feeling regret. The relationship you can form with your puppy can be one of the most important relationships in your life!
Shouting or yelling at your dog can fill them with fear—of you, of their environment, of certain behaviors—and even lead to reactive behavior. Again, yelling and scolding in an angry tone is too vague. Screaming at your dog won't prevent her from chewing the shoe next time. She'll simply do it where you can't see her.
Interrupt Commands
When your dog is doing something bad, it can be helpful to have an interrupt command the dog is trained to obey. You may use "Stop!" "No!" "Drop it!" or "Leave It!" to get your dog's attention and let them know their behavior is unacceptable.