Puppies are such beacons of joy and having one is a huge blessing especially when you get to watch them grow, mature and become aware of their personalities. Now, if you’ve ever raised a puppy, you know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sure, they might be the cutest thing on the planet but beneath that exterior is a whole lot of attitude, at least for most breeds that young. Now, rather than sulk in frustration, simply get with the program and try to understand your new puppy better. In that vein, here are common reasons why your sweet little furball may be acting up.
- Not enough exercise
As small as they may seem, puppies have a lot of energy and when this isn’t expended, they can resort to being mouthy or destructive. Hence, physical exercise is a necessity for growing puppies and it makes them happy. Anything from brisk walks on a leash to full runs and even obedience games at the park will do that for you. However, some puppy breeds require more exercise than others and you’ll need to be certain of your breed’s exercise requirements before embarking on any activity to prevent fatigue.
2. Routine changes
Your puppy is fresh out of the oven and thus, it’s still very sensitive to the changes around him. Hence, introducing a further change in his already chaotic environment may set him on the loose. This could cause anxiety and that is usually expressed as problematic behavior. Whatever the change may be whether a move to a new house, changes in your work schedules which affect the time you get home, a diet change or a new addition to the family, rather than cast your puppy away, be patient and help ease the adjusting process.
3. Poor, late or negative socialization
Being young, vulnerable and small, your puppy is bound to be afraid or act out when radically exposed to people, places or things. This is where socialization comes in. This process involves positively exposing your beloved furball to all sorts of environments, conditions, animals, and people in a controlled environment just as they begin to grow. Their youngest stage is the most critical one, thus, proper socialization is done early enough with commitment and it is key in streamlining your puppy’s temperament.
4. Inadequate mental stimulation
Puppies need mental stimulation as much as an exercise to be well rounded and balanced, else they exhibit destructive behaviors. Mental exercises may seem easy on paper, but it can just be as tedious as the physical ones. To ensure you have a well-rounded dog, practice some food-enrichment activities where you can hide your puppy’s food or leaving a food trial to see if he gets it.
5. Genes
Some puppy breeds are genetically predisposed to behavioral issues. This includes hyperactivity, hostility, or display of aggression. It really boils down to what your puppy inherited from its parents. This is why it’s imperative to inquire about the puppy’s parents before bringing him home. However, with proper and early socialization, you can override these temperamental issues.
Puppies are the cutest creatures ever but this doesn’t mean they don’t throw tantrums every now and then. This piece has highlighted a few reasons why your puppy may be acting out as well as solutions that could help him get back on track. Looking for puppies with great temperaments? PremierPups has a great selection of docile puppy breeds which will be perfect for your home.