Unlocking the Secrets to Puppy Training in Derby: Expert Guidance for Navigating Common Behaviours
Welcome, puppy parents!
You've embarked on an exciting journey with your new furry friend, and it's time to navigate the path of puppyhood together.
Understanding and managing specific behaviours is key to a harmonious life with your pup. Here, we'll dive into common canine quirks, shedding light on each behaviour and offering actionable tips to help you foster a well-trained companion.
Nipping and Puppy Biting: Understanding the "Why" to Shape the "How"
Reasons Puppies Bite:
Lack of Sleep/Overtiredness: Just like young children, puppies can become cranky and more prone to nipping when they’re tired.
Excess Energy: Puppies have bundles of energy, and without appropriate outlets, they can turn to biting as a way to release that pent-up energy.
Teething: As puppies lose their baby teeth and adult teeth come in, they'll chew to alleviate discomfort.
Excitement: Puppies often express their joy and enthusiasm through playful biting.
Actionable Tips for Each Reason:
When Your Puppy is Tired or Overtired:
Create a Quiet Space: Ensure your puppy has a comfortable and quiet place to rest without interruption.
Maintain a Sleep Diary: Keep track of your puppy's sleep patterns to better manage and recognise signs of overtiredness.
Establish a Routine: Regular sleep times help your puppy rest adequately, reducing cranky behavior.
For an Energetic Puppy:
Routine Exercise: Playtime, walks (when they’re old enough), and short training sessions through the day help burn off your puppy’s excess energy.
Mental Stimulation: Interactive toys or training games keep the mind engaged and reduce hyperactivity.
Structured Play: Have short, frequent play sessions throughout the day that can help manage energy levels.
To Help with Teething:
Provide a Variety of Chew Toys: Offer toys with different textures to soothe their gums. Refrigerated teething toys can be particularly comforting.
Rotate Toys: Keep your puppy interested by rotating their toys; a "new" toy is more exciting and distracting.
Reinforce Gently: Offer a chew toy with a calm, soothing voice. Harsh tones can increase their stress and the urge to bite.
Toilet Training: Patience Leads to Clean Carpets
Why Puppies Have Accidents:
Just like human toddlers, puppies have immature bladders and need time to learn where it's appropriate to do their business.
Actionable Tips:
Maintain a regular bathroom schedule, taking your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, drinking, playtime, sleep, excitement, and before bedtime.
Choose a designated bathroom spot during toilet training.
Celebrate successful outdoor toileting with treats and praise, making a positive association.
Barking: Communicating in Their Own Way
Why Puppies Bark:
Barking can signal anything from excitement to distress or even boredom, serving as a form of communication for your pup.
Actionable Tips:
Identify the triggers, such as strangers or loud noises, and desensitise your puppy through controlled exposure.
Ensure your puppy gets enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.
Lead Pulling: Exploring with Enthusiasm
Why Puppies Pull on the Lead:
The world is an exciting place full of scents and sights, and puppies often pull on the leash in their eagerness to explore.
Actionable Tips:
Reward your pup for walking calmly by your side with treats and praise.
Practise lead walking in a quiet, distraction-free environment to build good habits.
Digging: A Paws-on Approach to Discovery
Why Puppies Dig:
Digging can be a natural instinct for many dogs, driven by various factors such as hunting-like behaviour, comfort-seeking, hiding possessions, or escape.
Actionable Tips:
Provide a designated digging area in your garden where they are safe to dig - like a sand pit.
Deter digging in unwanted areas by preventing access to the area.
Engage your puppy in regular exercise, brain games and play to minimise excess energy that can lead to digging.
Join Our Local Puppy Training Classes in Derby
Understanding and addressing these behaviours early on sets the stage for a lifetime of good habits and companionship. If you're feeling overwhelmed or need a hand in guiding your puppy through these formative stages, our local puppy training classes and 1:1 puppy training sessions in Derby are here to help.
Visit Our Training Classes Page
You don’t have to tackle puppy training alone! Join a community of local puppy parents and learn from experienced trainers who can guide you every 'paw' of the way. To better understand your puppy’s behaviour and for guidance tailored to your furry friend’s unique personality, reach out to us directly via WhatsApp 07476 903840 or email info@lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk
Begin the transformative journey from rambunctious pup to poised pooch. Your Derby puppy training experience starts here!
