Bringing home a new puppy is pure joy, the wiggly tail, the big eyes, that puppy breath you can’t get enough of. But let’s be honest: along with the cuddles come a few behaviors that, if not addressed early, can turn from cute quirks into lifelong habits.
One of the first things new dog parents notice is nipping. It’s adorable at first, those little teeth barely breaking skin—but puppies use their mouths to explore, and if they’re not taught boundaries, those playful bites can turn painful. Redirecting their chewing to toys and calmly saying “no bite” goes a long way in teaching what’s acceptable.
Then there’s the jumping, those leaps of excitement when you walk in the door. While it’s endearing now, imagine your full-grown dog doing the same thing to your guests! Encouraging calm greetings and rewarding all four paws on the floor helps your pup learn better manners early on.
Excessive barking can also creep up before you know it. Puppies bark for attention, excitement, or just because they’ve discovered their voice. Teaching quiet moments through patience and consistency helps keep your home peaceful and your neighbors happy.
Chewing, of course, is part of every puppy’s growing pains. Shoes, furniture, and even chair legs can become prime targets. Having plenty of chew toys and supervising playtime can save both your belongings and your sanity.
And while it’s easy to laugh off a puppy ignoring simple commands, setting boundaries early makes a huge difference later. Teaching “sit,” “stay,” or even just responding to their name helps build trust—and keeps your furry friend safe in tricky situations.
Consistency and patience are truly your best tools in raising a well-mannered dog. The more structure you create early on, the more confident and calm your pup will be as they grow.
At Smart Scoops, we know life with pets can get a little messy—literally. Whether it’s cleaning up your yard or helping you spend more time enjoying your pup (instead of cleaning up after them), we’re here to make pet care a little easier. Because when you can focus less on the mess, you can focus more on what matters: building that happy, lifelong bond with your best friend.
