Understanding Puppy Behavior: What To Expect During The First 6 Months
(Part 9 of our “12 Pups Prancing: A Canine Christmas Countdown” Blog Series)
Bringing a puppy into your home can be so much fun and full of love, but it comes with its fair share of chewed shoes, sleepless nights, and ‘witching hours.’ Navigating through the puppyhood labyrinth requires a blend of patience, understanding, and a touch of canine psychology. It’s time to explore key developmental stages, decode the mysteries of puppy behavior, and unveil strategies to tackle common challenges.
8-12 Weeks: Bonding and Potty Training
This stage marks the beginning of your journey with a new puppy. At 8 weeks, your pup is likely to be weaned and ready to form a strong bond with you. Puppies are generally full of curiosity and playfulness, but personalities may vary. During this time, focus on introducing your pup to their new surroundings, establishing routines, and beginning basic training.
Expect some sleepless nights and a few potty training challenges as your puppy adapts to their new home. Establish a consistent schedule for potty breaks and keep a log to help track when your pup was last outside and when it’s time for them to go back out again. As soon as your puppy eliminates, celebrate with high value rewards and exuberant praise. Clean up mishaps without a hint of frustration. The days of scolding your pup for accidents and putting their nose in it are long gone. Consistency and positive reinforcement create a reliable foundation for your puppy to grasp the concept of designated bathroom spots.
12-16 Weeks: Exploring, Teething, and Nipping
From 12 to 16 weeks, your puppy is entering the exploration phase. This is when teething becomes more pronounced, and puppies may exhibit increased chewing behaviors. The teething phase is like a rite of passage for puppies, transforming even the most well-behaved furball into a voracious chewer. Those gnawed shoes and tattered furniture corners are not just random acts of defiance but rather a canine coping mechanism.
To navigate this stage, arm yourself with an arsenal of chew toys with a variety of textures and shapes to appease those little teeth. These toys not only provide relief to your teething pup but also redirects their natural urge to chew towards more appropriate outlets.
When your pup sets their sights on your favorite shoes, swiftly intervene and guide their attention towards the designated teething toy. Reinforce the notion that the satisfying crunch of their toy far surpasses the allure of fabric or wood. Praise, play, and perhaps a treat, help engrain the idea that chewing on appropriate items is not just accepted, but celebrated.
Nipping behavior typically starts around 8 to 10 weeks of age and can last until about 6 months, coinciding with the teething phase. Nipping is a natural instinct for puppies, akin to how human infants explore the world with their mouths. During play or excitement, they may use their teeth to engage with their surroundings, including their human family members.
To control puppy nipping, owners can employ several strategies, including the use of chew toys as mentioned above. Set boundaries with consistent training during playtime. If a puppy does nip, emit a high-pitched yelp or say "ouch" to mimic how a fellow littermate would express discomfort. This communicates to the puppy that their bite was too hard. Immediately redirect their attention to an acceptable chew toy and offer positive reinforcement when they choose appropriate outlets for their biting tendencies. If you need to take things a step further, implement a timeout and give the puppy time to settle down.
4-6 Months: Adolescence and Continued Training
As your puppy approaches the 4 to 6-month mark, adolescence begins. I find this is also the most common age range professional trainers receive calls for help. Both male and female puppies may show signs of increased independence and testing boundaries. Consistency in training is crucial during this period. You might notice a shift in behavior, and some puppies experience a temporary regression in training. Be patient, reinforce positive behaviors, and adapt training methods if needed.
Navigating the Fear Stages in Puppies: Understanding and Support
Puppies, like children, go through fear stages as a natural part of their development. These stages typically occur during specific age ranges, with the primary fear periods happening around 8-11 weeks and another around 6-14 months. During these periods, puppies may exhibit heightened sensitivity, displaying fear or anxiety in situations that previously seemed innocuous. This response is an evolutionary trait designed to make them cautious and alert in unfamiliar environments. You might notice sudden hesitancy, skittishness, or reluctance to approach new people or objects.
To help your puppy navigate these fear stages, a gentle and supportive approach is crucial. Avoid forcing them into situations that trigger anxiety, allowing them to approach new experiences at their own pace. Positive reinforcement is key—reward calm and confident behavior with treats and praise. Maintain a calm demeanor yourself, as dogs often pick up on their owner's emotions. Gradual exposure to new people, places, and objects in a controlled manner can desensitize them to potential fears. Enrolling in puppy socialization classes, where they can interact with other puppies in a supervised environment, can also build confidence. Patience and understanding during these fear stages lay the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog, capable of facing the world with resilience and assurance.
FRAPs (AKA Zoomies) and the ‘Witching Hour’: Decoding Puppy Energy
Ever witnessed your puppy darting around the room or yard like a furry rocket? Welcome to the land of Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAP) or the more commonly referred to name- “zoomies.”
FRAPs are a manifestation of excess energy needing an outlet. This exuberant display is often seen at a time when puppies seem to be possessed by an extra dose of playfulness and restlessness, typically occurring in the early evening from 5-8pm. This behavior is natural, often triggered by a combination of factors like anticipation of playtime, a burst of energy after a nap, overstimulation, or believe it or not, being overly tired.
The 'witching hour' is closely tied to a puppy's energy levels and the need for adequate rest. Puppies, like human toddlers, require frequent naps to recharge their batteries. In fact, puppies need an average of 18 hours of sleep daily! Naps are crucial for growth, development, and overall well-being.
To avoid overstimulation leading to the 'witching hour,' ensure your puppy has a consistent routine that includes sufficient, uninterrupted nap times. Additionally, moderate play sessions throughout the day can help burn off excess energy, reducing the likelihood of the evening energy explosion. Providing mentally stimulating toys and activities can also help channel their exuberance in a more controlled manner.
Wrapping It Up
Throughout these stages, gender differences might be subtle. Individual personalities play a more significant role than gender in shaping behavior. Male puppies may exhibit slightly more assertiveness, while females might lean towards nurturing tendencies. However, these are generalizations, and the unique temperament of each puppy remains the primary factor.
Understanding the developmental milestones and challenges during these crucial months allows new puppy owners to navigate this transformative journey with patience and informed care. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and consistent training will pave the way for a well-adjusted and joyful dog.
Want more personalized expert guidance?
The stages of puppyhood can be challenging for even the seasoned dog owner. If you're wanting more help with an issue, I invite you to book a 60-minute virtual consultation with me. In this tailored session, I’ll provide you with more in depth tips (and what mistakes to avoid) as you go through the various stages and nuances of puppyhood.
Email me today (Laura@absoluteangelva.com) to schedule and let's start this exciting adventure together!
