Anticipating a Canine Companion: Insights on the Realities of Rearing a Fresh Puppy
Puppyhood in a Snap:
Dog years move fast, and it's easy to forget that puppies are still babies – especially when they start acting like zooming, scampering, ball-obsessed whirlwinds. In reality, it's best to lower the pressure and enjoy the chaos while walking a young pup.
Juliana DeWillems, a renowned trainer and the genius behind JW Dog Training & Behavior, recently dissected that chaos in an enlightening Instagram post. Let's jump in and see what she had to say.
A photo posted by on
"Puppy perfection? Pfft!" quips DeWillems. "Our high-and-mighty expectations for these little ones are often misguided and unrealistic. It's society's hype of early correction that steers us astray, not understanding that certain behaviors often normalize as puppies develop."
DeWillems champions a focus on bonding, exposing your furry baby to the wonders of the world, and reinforcing the behaviors you want to see as they grow into well-rounded adults. Sage advice, right?
"Cementing these three areas creates a sturdy foundation for the future," she concludes.
Puppy Predictions
So what can you expect from your newly acquired, wriggling bundle of furball energy?
Your Inbox, Made Furry Friendlier.
Join our newsletter for top advice, the latest tech, and more!
- 'Flop' and Drop: Your pup might abruptly halt in its tracks to take a break, enjoy a play session, or seek your affection – all quite normal.
- Grabby Paws: Puppies explore with their mouths, so don't be surprised if they test out various items with their teeth, especially during teething phases. Our article “I Tried this Clever Trick” could be a helpful companion on that journey.
- Bush Buddies: Some pups take pleasure in nosing around bushes, while others enjoy the sensation of leaves on their bodies. They might also be seeking shelter or relieved that they've found a quick place to rest.
- Nose Knows: Like puppy paw-trolling, sniffing is instrumental in helping them learn about the world. Find out “Why Your Dog Needs to ‘Sniff, Sniff’” for more information.
"These behaviors are often totally natural!" says DeWillems. "Trying to suppress or alter them might generate more frustration for both you and your pup."
Of course, if something's making you worry, consult a vet. Be patient with them, as they're just beginning their adventure in our human-populated world. To learn more about what to expect, explore our articles on the differences between a puppy and a dog, as well as fascinating facts about puppies.
- During the puppyhood stage, you might observe occasional breaks or play sessions in your pup, as this is a normal part of their behavior.
- Puppies often explore their environment with their mouths, which could include testing out various items with their teeth, especially during teething phases.
- Some puppies might show interest in nosing around bushes or leaves, possibly seeking shelter or a quick place to rest.
- Sniffing is crucial for puppies to learn about the world, and understanding this behavior can help you appreciate your puppy's exploration.
- DeWillems advises against suppressing or altering natural puppy behaviors, as it could lead to more frustration for both the owner and the puppy. Instead, focus on bonding, exposure to new experiences, and reinforcing desired behaviors.
