​Managing Your Puppy's Behaviour

​Puppies go hand in hand with certain behaviours, such as weeing and pooing wherever and whenever they need to

go, chewing everything and anything they can get their mouths on, reacting when left alone by crying, whining or barking, jumping up, 'zoomies' and play-biting.​These are all normal behaviours for any puppy but not so acceptable

For your puppy to learn to chew only on their own toys (and not your furniture or arm), toilet outside, be happy in their own company, greet  both people and other dogs without jumping up and play without being mouthy, it's up to us to shape the puppy's behaviour with positive reinforcement. Puppies need careful management which takes a lot of time and even more patience!​

• Ideally, keep your puppy in one room initially (such as the kitchen). This will help with cleaning up after them and supervision easier. The more space you give them, the harder toilet training will be.

• Make the room or environment they are in 'Puppy Proof'. It will make life alot easier for both you and your puppy if the room is as clear from objects they can pick up as possible. 

• Be constanly on hand to supervise your puppy, that way you can intervene if they need redirecting on where they are toileting or indeed what they are chewing. Praise them with your voice and a tasty treat for getting things right. NEVER tell them off, they are just learning what is appropriate and what is not. 

• Help your puppy get it right by providing them with chew toys and praise when they are using them. 

• Take your puppy out regularly (every 30 minutes for a young puppy) and praise and reward them immediately when they have done their 'business' outside. 

• Get them used to being left alone very gradually by coming and going lots of times for very short periods, all done very matter-of-factly, i.e don't heavily engage with your puppy, just keep 'pottering' in and out of the room they are in. Puppies often don't like to be shut in behind a closed, solid door so stairgates often work well as a good room divider.

• Tired puppies are better-behaved puppies. Think mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Teach them basic behaviours with treats, play fetch, tug, find the kibble, hide & seek with their toys, stuffed kongs or licky mats to keep them entertained. When they are allowed, take them out daily for walks and runs, go to new places and give them regular opportunities to play with other dogs for that all important socialisation and let them sniff and explore their world! 

• If you work long hours, consider a dog-walker to either walk or visit your puppy whilst you are out or doggy day-care. This way you come home to a happy, tired dog.