Welcoming a puppy into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. But along with the cuddles and playtime comes the responsibility of shaping your furry friend's behaviour. Puppies are adorable, but some of their habits, if not addressed early, can turn into long-term challenges. Here are five common puppy behaviours you’ll want to manage right away.

1. Play Biting

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which often leads to playful nips on your hands, feet, or clothing. While it may seem harmless now, those sharp teeth can hurt! Teach your puppy to associate biting with a firm "ouch" or redirect their focus to a chew toy. Consistency is key—reward gentle play and avoid games like tug-of-war that encourage rough mouthing.

2. Jumping Up

Jumping is a natural way for puppies to seek attention, but it can become problematic as they grow. Teach your pup to keep all four paws on the ground when greeting people. Turn away or ignore them when they jump, and reward calm behaviour instead. A polite "sit" should always be encouraged as the go-to greeting.

3. Barking for Attention

It’s natural for dogs to bark, but excessive barking for attention can quickly become a habit. Avoid reinforcing this behaviour by not reacting—no talking, touching, or eye contact when they bark. Instead, reward quiet moments and teach a "quiet" cue by marking the silence with a treat.

4. Resource Guarding

Guarding toys, food, or other items is a behaviour to tackle early. Encourage your puppy to feel comfortable with people approaching while they’re eating or playing. Practice trading valuable items for treats to teach them that giving up a treasure leads to a reward. This builds trust and prevents aggressive guarding as they mature.

5. Pulling on the Leash

Leash pulling can make walks stressful for both you and your pup. Begin leash training early, rewarding them for walking beside you. Stop walking if they pull, and resume only when the leash is slack. Over time, your puppy will learn that staying close gets them where they want to go.

Final Thoughts

Raising a well-behaved dog starts with consistent training and patience. By addressing these five behaviours early, you’ll set your puppy up for a lifetime of good manners and a stronger bond with you. Remember, every pup is unique—celebrate their progress and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.