Understanding Puppy Behavior

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The first stage- "I'm going to stay with Mom"

Puppy behavior develops in the first six to eight weeks of life. It is important for puppies to stay with their mom for at least eight weeks. This allows them to learn the socialization skills that set the foundation for the rest of their lives.

The play time and interaction with their mom and siblings teaches the puppies to share with each other, and to learn the proper submissive behavior towards their mom.

Puppies need to be contained in an area where they are safe from things that may do them harm. They love to explore and chew on anything they can get in their mouth. It is our responsibility to correct the problem behavior, sometimes we have to get down at their level and see what they see. Remove such items that may be chewed. Correct problem puppy behavior such as chewing inappropriate items, by giving the puppy a Greenies Dog Chews at DogToys.com chew toy instead. Do not give old socks or shoes, this will only confuse them.

The second stage- "let's go outside"

After eight weeks, preferably twelve, the puppies can be weaned and separated from their siblings. By this time they've adapted to being handled by humans. The puppies have experienced the outdoors, various noises such as; cars, planes, children playing, other dogs, and many other intriguing sights and sounds.

In some situations, puppies may act afraid, this is normal puppy behavior. What you don't want to do is appease or coddle. Instead you talk in your your puppy in a happy voice, and show no fear of the situation. Also, get excited and act as though it's the most fun ever. This teaches confidence and prevents them from becoming fearful of the little things.

Stage three- "who's in charge now"

At three to six months puppies begin to realize that they have purpose. This is when they start to show rank. At this stage puppies will become either submissive or dominant within the pack, and with humans. You must let puppies know who is in charge. Let them know that you go first when entering or leaving the room. This is a good time to start training them with a collar and leash.

Stage four- "You sit, stay, and come. I'm going to chase something"

Six to eighteen months of age is when puppies start to challenge the humans in their search for dominance. This is the adolescence period, otherwise known as the brat stage. With the obedience training you have been doing, there should be no more puppy behavior problems right?

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