Puppies Aren't Born with Good Behaviour Built-In Your new puppy didn't come with good behaviour pre-installed. While the breeder may have introduced some initial toilet training, shaping your pet's behaviour is entirely up to you. The good news? Puppies are quick learners, so the sooner you start training, the better. By following some basic rules, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding relationship with your furry friend for years to come.
Always reward good behaviour
Whenever your puppy naturally exhibits good behaviour, make sure to reward them. Dogs of any age respond positively to rewards like praise, food, or both. When a puppy receives a reward, it reinforces that behaviour, making it more likely they'll repeat it in the future. Timing is crucial—the reward must be given within a few seconds, or your puppy might associate it with a different behaviour than the one you intended.
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Preventing vs. Ignoring Bad Behaviour
The answer to managing bad behaviour? A little of both. Take chewing, for example. It’s something you should expect as part of your puppy’s natural exploration and teething process. Chewing can stem from boredom, teething discomfort, attention seeking, or even stress from being left alone.
Favourite objects to chew often include pillows, shoes, and furniture legs, so it’s important to teach your puppy what they can and cannot chew. Since they aren’t born with a “mustn't chew the kids' slippers" instinct, you'll need to guide them.
To prevent destructive chewing, deny access to areas where damage might occur and provide plenty of chew toys. When your puppy chews on their toys, offer lots of praise and let them enjoy the experience. What about chewing the wrong things? Ignore it. That’s right—no shouting, no smacking, no angry face. Simply pretend your puppy isn’t there, and they'll soon get the message that chewing on the wrong items doesn’t get attention.
When Ignoring Isn’t an Option
Of course, there will be times when ignoring bad behaviour could be dangerous. For instance, if your puppy tries to chew through a live electric cable, you need to intervene. In this case, a firm, sharp "No" is enough to break their focus. You don’t need to shout or scold—just get their attention. As soon as they stop and pay attention to you, reward them with praise and a treat to reinforce the positive behaviour.
Managing Barking Before It Becomes a Problem
Did you know that as puppies reach maturity at around 6 or 7 months, they begin to guard naturally? Owners who aren't aware of this often accidentally encourage excessive barking, which becomes difficult to control later.
To avoid this, don’t encourage your puppy to bark. This doesn’t mean they won’t react to serious threats—they will, naturally, without being taught. But preventing excitable barking is key. For example, if your puppy barks with excitement before a walk, simply stand still and ignore them. Once they quiet down, resume preparing for the walk. This teaches your puppy that calm behaviour gets rewarded, not loud barking.
By consistently rewarding good behaviour and managing unwanted actions with patience and understanding, you’ll help your puppy grow into a well - behaved and happy companion. With time, practice, and plenty of love, your bond will only grow stronger.
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