You've recently welcomed a new junior furry companion into your household, bringing joy and excitement to everyone. However, you may be puzzled by their incessant barking, tendency to nip and bite, or penchant for chewing on anything within reach. Despite these less-than-adorable behaviors, it's essential to exercise patience and empathy as you navigate this new journey with your furry friend.

Understanding the underlying reasons behind puppy behaviors, such as barking, chewing, and biting, is crucial for fostering a positive relationship. Delve into the following insights to discover what drives these behaviors and how you can effectively address them for a harmonious coexistence:

Barking

Is it feasible to request your child cease speaking altogether? Such a demand could be more practical and reasonable. Likewise, anticipating your canine companion to remain silent at all times is simply unrealistic. Barking is an inherent aspect of a dog's nature, serving as its primary means of communication with humans and fellow animals. Nevertheless, persistent and unbridled barking may indicate underlying concerns and signify your pup's attempt to convey distress or discomfort.

Outlined below are several prevalent causes for incessant puppy barking:

• Dogs naturally exhibit territorial behavior, often reacting unfavorably to perceived intruders in their space. When a young canine senses the presence of unfamiliar humans or pets nearby, they may feel insecure and respond by barking.
• As pack animals, dogs thrive on companionship. If your pet vocalizes excessively in your absence, it could be due to feelings of loneliness or separation anxiety.
• The sheer excitement of your return home can elicit barking from your canine companion as they express their joy at your presence.
• Fear or unease caused by unusual stimuli in their environment, such as unexpected sights outside the window or sudden loud noises, may prompt your puppy to bark in response.
• It's crucial to consider the possibility of underlying medical issues or pain that may not be immediately visible. Barking could serve as your furry friend's way of signaling discomfort or drawing your attention to a potential health concern.

Dos and Don'ts

Dos

• Teach your puppy a command like quiet, and train them to follow it.
• Reward them with a treat when they follow your instructions.
• Make them exercise enough to control anxiety.
• Consult a vet to check for any medical issues.

Don'ts

• Be calm and patient. Do not raise your voice and show anger.
• Take early steps. Do not linger on the action until uncontrolled barking becomes your puppy's habit.
• Do not appease your puppy when the barking is just grabbing your attention.
• Do not use different commands every time to quiet them. It can create confusion.

Biting

The endearing charm of puppy bites quickly fades as they grow older. They fail to train them to curb their biting tendencies while young, which can lead to chaos in adulthood, with their sharper teeth and increased reach posing more significant risks.

Explore some common reasons behind puppy biting behavior:

• Teething is a primary trigger for puppy biting. Discomfort from sore gums during this phase often drives them to gnaw on anything within reach.
• Bursting with energy, puppies naturally engage in play that may involve biting. Playful nips directed at you or other household pets are typical expressions of their vitality.
• For curious puppies, biting serves as a means of exploring the world around them. Through scent and taste, they familiarize themselves with their environment and gauge reactions, a crucial aspect of their developmental process.

Dos and Don'ts

Dos

• Train your puppy to follow a "No" Command in an authoritative voice to stop biting.
• When your pup bites during a play session, stop the play immediately to communicate that it is not OK.
• Keep the training, breaks, and exercise training scheduled to avoid anxious biting.
• Send your puppy to a gated area when they bite.

Don'ts

• Be authoritative, but do not get aggressive or do not raise your voice.
• Do not let them bite playfully to avoid sending mixed signals to your pup. If biting is not OK for one time, it is not OK at all.
• No matter how badly you are hurt, never give your puppy physical punishment.
• Instead of isolating your puppy, offer comfort and reassurance by sitting with them and providing a calming presence during moments of distress or agitation.

Chewing

Given their innate inclination to chew, puppies often exhibit a penchant for gnawing on anything within their line of sight. Without proper intervention, their exploratory chewing can wreak havoc on your household belongings, from toys to furniture and even shoes.

Consider the following common triggers for puppy chewing:

• Teething discomfort prompts puppies to seek relief by chewing on objects within reach.
• The high energy levels characteristic of puppies may lead to excess chewing as a means of expending pent-up energy when adequate exercise is lacking.
• Boredom can also drive puppies to engage in chewing behaviors as stimulation.
• Stress or anxiety may manifest in destructive chewing as puppies attempt to alleviate their emotional distress.

Dos and Don'ts

Dos

• Puppy-proof your home to avoid damage to things from chewing.
• Train your puppy to differentiate between what they can chew and cannot.
• Give them separate chewing toys, puzzles, or treat-filling toys to keep them occupied.
• Use a puppy crate when you are not around to save things not to be chewed.

Don'ts

• Do not let your puppy roam around the house unsupervised.
• Do not give confusing toys to chew. For example, a shoe-shaped toy can create confusion in your puppy about whether shoes are for chewing or not.
• Do not chase your puppy when they grab an object and run away to chew. It can encourage them to do it more often, thinking it is a play.
• Do not use harsh punishment, tactics. Be patient and train your puppy to control chewing.

The Bottom Line

Barking, biting, and chewing are inherent aspects of a dog's nature, especially in puppies still acclimating to the world around them. When welcoming a young furry friend into your home, patience and composure are key. Take the time to empathize with your puppy and allow it to familiarize itself with its new environment. Through consistent training, affection, and attention, your canine companion will undoubtedly blossom into an invaluable and cherished companion.