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Puppy Behaviour

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family! With so many new sounds, sights, and smells, it can be overwhelming for puppies. Understanding common puppy behaviours can indicate how your puppy is feeling. Take a look at some common puppy behaviours below and what your puppy could be trying to tell you.

Chewing

Puppies are notorious for chewing anything they can get their paws on! Usually, this offers relief for puppies who are teething, but it is also a key part of their development as they learn more about the world around them.

However, at some point a line needs to be drawn before your puppy destroys your whole house! Offering chew toys will provide the relief your puppy might be seeking in a safe and less destructive way. Be sure to praise them when they chew the toy, so they make a positive link with the toy.

Biting

Similar to chewing, puppies will also nip or bite their owners or other pets. This is something worth correcting at a young age.
A solution for this is also offering them chew toys and gently teaching them that biting isn’t acceptable. Showing that it hurts when they bite you usually begins to show them this is incorrect behaviour, remember to reward any interaction that doesn't involve them biting you too.

Licking

Cute at first, but not the most hygienic practice, there is a reason why your puppy is keen to lick you! This is something their mother would have done to them to show affection and care – which is now what they are offering to you! However, excessive licking can be signs of stress, fear or attention seeking, so make sure you monitor what is normal for your dog and be aware of these signs.

Crying

custom imageThis isn’t very nice sound for any dog lover; however, it is a common communication tool between dogs. Crying is usually a sign of anxiety or upset in dogs, although they may also cry with excitement (note the different pitches for this). For many puppies, they have been used to the constant company from their siblings and mother from the moment they were born. When they move to their forever homes, this is not always the case. It’s important to teach your dog that you won’t abandon them, and you will return (with lots of cuddles and kisses when you do!). If you do not teach your puppy this at an early age, this will lead to separation anxiety and further crying. Ensuring they have enough exercise and crate training can help with this.

Howling and Whining

Slightly differently to crying, it is more likely that your puppy may howl or whine in excitement, such as when feeding them their favourite dinner, playing, or greeting you. It is important to begin to learn what is normal for your puppy, so you know what they are trying to communicate with you.

Chasing Their Tail

This is very common in puppies as they begin to explore the features of their growing bodies as well as entertain and feed their curiosity! Substituting this for a new toy can usually deter them and give them a safer option too.
custom imageKeep an eye that your puppy is not excessively chasing their tail to make sure they are not chewing or trying to lick a wound. Tail chasing can also be a sign of health conditions like tape worms or gland issues.

 

If you ever have concerns about your dog’s behaviour, it is best to schedule an appointment with your vet. We hope to see you and your new puppy in store soon!

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