Photo by Kristen Baier

6. Your Puppy Is Going To Bite

It’s inevitable, puppies were born to bite.  That is how they play with their siblings when they’re little, and they are like babies.  The curiosity and developing knowledge makes it hard for them to remember what’s okay to bite and what’s not.  Especially when your puppy is teething, they will want to get their teeth on anything that soothes the uncomfortable feeling (which ends up being soft things, like your arm or clothes).  There are specific toys that are designed to help throughout teething, and to help establish what it is they are allowed to bite on.

5. It’s Okay To Let Them Be Curious.

Because they are so young, and the world is brand new to them, it’s okay to let them explore things for themselves and find things that interest them.  However, it’s important to monitor where they go and what they are doing where they explore. Many times if a puppy is in a new place they will sniff a lot to check out all the new scents, but also if they are in a different place they might mistake it for a place to go to the bathroom.  And of course, puppies are fascinated by everything, and they might try to see what they can bite on.  It can also be really fun to watch them explore. They are interested in many things that we take for granted, and most of the time it can be funny to watch their reactions.

Photo by Mikayla Klein

4.Training Is Easier The Younger They Are.

It is easier to set standards on what playing looks like between you and your puppy.  Don’t just let them bite you when they are playing because it is easier then trying to get them to engage with a toy– this will reflect later on when your puppy turns into a dog. Potty training rules in your house are important to set for your puppy also.  If you don’t turn them out enough times after they drink water, they will think that they can use your house as a bathroom.  In addition, it is going to be easier later on if you establish what commands or signals you are going to use to get them to come or sit. Your puppy will grow out of the puppy stage a lot quicker than you think, so if you create signals for commands and potty train them well right away, there will be fewer accidents later on, and a much higher chance at great obedience.

3. Setting Boundaries Is Healthy For Them.

Because puppies are curious, and want to go everywhere and see everything, it is healthy for them– and for you to establish where in the house they can go, and where they are allowed to go outside.  This can also go for sleeping arrangements, licking faces, and furniture they are allowed or not allowed on.  If you let your puppy know when they are young that they aren’t allowed into the bedrooms upstairs, or on your couch, then you will help them understand what they know they can do and what they can’t do.  Creating these boundaries and sticking to them ensures that your puppy knows clearly what is acceptable and what is not.  If you are a part of a family, it is necessary that these boundaries are universally enforced between each family member because this will limit the confusion you puppy feels, and it will also help them establish their conscience by being able to decipher for themselves what is wrong and what is right.  Some things like licking faces will take constant redirecting and reteaching, however after the first year or two, they will understand that it is not something they are allowed to do.

Photo by Anna Kenny

2. The Toys You Choose To Let Them Play With Are Important!

It is important to have your puppy play with toys that are made for them, or that you know will help them identify and decipher between what is an everyday item that isn’t for play, and what is.  By doing this you can further establish what playing looks like for them.  Make sure that before you have the puppy in your house that you have adequate toys for what a puppy will need.  If you choose to let them play with socks or old towels or other household items that each time they see one, they will pick it up even if it is not one that you designated for them to play with. While they can be expensive to buy, if you have one to five toys for them to be entertained by, they will stay entertained for the most part if you engage in play time with them.

Photo by Grace McCartney

1.The Best Thing You Can Do Is Love Your Puppy.

Puppies are just like babies, and they need as much love and nurturing attention as they can get.  While they can be naughty and do the wrong thing, it’s important to keep in mind that they don’t do it intentionally, and they simply are trying to entertain themselves or have fun.  If you find yourself becoming really frustrated with your puppy, take a minute to collect yourself, and then do your best to start loving them unconditionally again.  And the best part is? They will love you unconditionally, too!  If you forget to give them a treat after they do something good, if you don’t feel like being outside with them for very long in the winter, they won’t mind.  They love you just the same.