It’s a question that has plagued mankind for centuries: at what age do puppies become the naughtiest? Some say it’s when they’re 3 months old, others claim it’s when they reach 6 months while according to a recent study, puppies are the naughtiest at around 7 months old.
If you’re having trouble with obedience training, now is the time to ramp up your efforts! In this article, we will discuss the behavior of puppies at different stages of development and offer some tips on how to keep them in line.
Have difficulty with your puppy’s behavior?
Like any other pet, dogs also follow a certain sequence of changes as they age. Dog owners must understand these changes in dog’s life to provide the best care for their pets.
Puppies are the most adorable creatures on Earth. They’re also one of the most mischievous. It is imperative that a puppy’s life revolves around a routine to ensure their well-being and development.
Is it normal for puppies to be naughty?
Veterinary behaviorists say that puppies go through a “fear period” around 14-16 weeks of age. This is when they’re most likely to be scared of new people, animals, and experiences. It’s also when puppies are the most likely to bite out of fear or anxiety.
This is when the puppy reaches his “teenage” stage. Puppy owners must be prepared for the challenges that come with this age.
We may consider it the absolute worst phase of a puppy’s life, but this is when your pup is growing and learning the most.
What are the dog’s life stages?
Puppies go through different life stages during their first year of life. Here are the key puppy development stages:
Puppy Phase
The puppy phase is the earliest stage of a dog’s life. It begins at birth and lasts until the pup is around 12 weeks old. This is the time when most puppies develop a bond with their mother and learn basic survival skills.
A puppy’s life revolves around eating, sleeping, and playing.
At this stage, puppies are very curious and like to explore their surroundings. They’re also very active and have a lot of energy. Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement, so this is the time to start obedience training.
Teenage Phase
The teenage stage is the second stage of a dog’s life. It begins at around 12 weeks old and lasts until the dog is around 18 months old.
At this stage, puppies are going through a lot of changes. They’re growing up and becoming more independent.
The teenager phase on dogs can be challenging for dog owners. Dogs at this stage are more likely to act out and test their limits. They’re also more likely to get into trouble because they’re not yet fully grown and their brains are still developing.
Adulthood
The adulthood stage is the third and final stage of a dog’s life. It begins at around 18 months old and lasts until the dog is around eight years old.
At this stage, adult teeth start to come in and the dog’s bones and muscles continue to develop.
Dogs reach full maturity at this stage and are able to reproduce. Dogs hit their sexual prime at around two years old.
Adult dogs are typically calmer and more relaxed than puppies and teenagers. They’ve usually learned obedience training and are well-behaved.
Puppy Destructive Behavior
A puppy’s life, whether they are rural dogs or urban dogs, is full of opportunities to explore and chew. Pet parents just got to be prepared for this stage and everything will be just perfectly fine.
Here are some of the most common destructive behaviors puppies exhibit and how to deal with them:
Destructive chewing
Destructive chewing is one of the most common destructive behaviors puppies exhibits. Puppies chew to explore their environment and relieve boredom or anxiety. Months of age, all the way up to about eight months, is when puppies are the most prone to this type of destructive behavior.
How to avoid it:
The best way to deal with destructive chewing is to provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys and bones. Puppies need to chew to relieve the pain of teething, so it’s important to give them something to chew on that is safe and won’t damage your belongings.
You should also avoid scolding your puppy for chewing. This will only make them anxious and more likely to chew on something they’re not supposed to.
Stealing food
Puppies are notorious for stealing food off countertops and tables. This is usually done out of excitement or hunger. Puppy blues is a real thing and it can cause your pup to steal food when they’re feeling down.
How to avoid it:
The best way to deal with a food-stealing pup is to keep your counters and tables clear of any tempting food. A small dog might still try to steal food, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
You can also try training your puppy with the “leave it” command. This will teach them to not take food that isn’t theirs.
Jumping up
Jumping up is another common destructive behavior puppies exhibit. Puppies jump up to greet people or to get attention. This behavior can be dangerous, especially if the puppy jumps up on someone who is not expecting it.
Other dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund, and Beagle are also known to jump a lot.
How to avoid it:
The best way to deal with a jumping puppy is to ignore them when they jump up. Most dogs will eventually stop jumping if they don’t get the attention they’re looking for.
You can also try to train your puppy with the “sit” command as many puppies will sit down before they jump up.
Climbing on furniture
Puppies like to climb on furniture to get a better view of their surroundings. This behavior is usually harmless, but it can be dangerous if the puppy falls off the furniture.
About two weeks after getting your puppy, you should start to see less of this behavior as they become more comfortable in their new home.
How to avoid it:
Training dogs during the teenage puppy stage can help. But arranging furniture in a way that puppies can’t easily access it, is the most foolproof method.
Barking
Puppies bark for many reasons, including boredom, fear, anxiety, and hunger. This behavior can be annoying, but it’s usually harmless. Barking is not only a problem for the pet owner and other pets in the house, but also for the neighbors.
How to avoid it:
The best way to deal with a barking puppy is to ignore them. Puppies will usually stop barking if they don’t get the attention they’re looking for. A dog park might be the best place to socialize your puppy and avoid this behavior.
You can also try to train your puppy with the “quiet” command. This will teach them to be quiet when you tell them to. House training will also help to reduce the amount of barking as puppies will learn that they shouldn’t bark inside the house.
Dog Training for Puppies
Nothing is more adorable than a bouncing, tail-wagging puppy. But those first few months can be trying for both you and your new furry friend. The key to a well-behaved dog starts with proper training from the beginning.
Here are some of the most effective dog training you can do with your puppy:
Crate training
Crate training is a great way to potty train your puppy and to keep them out of trouble when you can’t watch them.
How to do it:
- The first step is to get your puppy used to the crate. You can do this by putting their food in the crate or by giving them a toy to chew on. Once they’re used to the crate, you can start using it for short periods of time.
- The next step is to put them in the crate when you leave the house. This will teach them that they can’t have free run of the house when you’re not there.
- You can also use the crate to potty train your puppy. When they have to go, put them in the crate and take them out as soon as they’ve gone.
A crate-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a happy owner.
Potty Training
Potty training is an essential part of dog ownership. The sooner you start, the better.
How to do it:
- The first step is to create a potty schedule. Puppies need to go every few hours, so make sure you take them out frequently.
- The next step is to create a potty place. This can be either inside or outside, but it should be somewhere that’s easy for your puppy to get to.
- Once you have a potty place, the next step is to take your puppy there frequently. When they go, make sure to praise them.
A potty-trained puppy does not have to be a hassle. With a little patience and consistency, you’ll have a dog that goes where they’re supposed to in no time. Potty-trained dogs become happy and healthy dogs.
House Training
Training begins the moment you bring your puppy home. House training is one of the most important things you can do for your new furry friend.
How to do it:
- The first step is to create a schedule. Puppies need to go every few hours, so make sure you take them out frequently.
- The next step is to create a potty place. This can be either inside or outside, but it should be somewhere that’s easy for your puppy to get to.
- Once you have a potty place, the next step is to take your puppy there frequently. When they go, make sure to praise them.
A house-trained puppy will never give you hassle in or outside of your house. They will be a loyal and obedient friend for years to come.
Socialization
Puppyhood is a very trying stage of life. Dogs at this age are prone to a lot of behavioral problems, the most common being separation anxiety and aggression.
Although older dogs that haven’t been properly socialized are more likely to have behavior problems, so it’s important to start early.
How to do it:
The best way to socialize your puppy is to take them to a dog park. This will allow them to interact with other dogs and get used to being around people.
You can also socialize your puppy by taking them on walks and to different places. This will help them get used to different environments and people.
How to Start Training Your Puppy
The best time to start training your puppy is as soon as you bring them home. Puppies have a short attention span, so it’s important to start training them early.
The most important thing to remember when training your puppy is to be consistent. Dogs learn best through repetition, so the more you work with them, the better they’ll be at following commands.
When training your puppy, make sure to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding them when they do something good. The best way to do this is with treats, but you can also use praise or petting.
How Positive Reinforcement Works?
Puppyhood is indeed a challenging time both for the dog owner and the pup. However, with proper training, your puppy will develop into a well-mannered dog.
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to train your puppy. It is a method that focuses on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior.
Positive reinforcement follows the following principles to be effective:
- A pet should be given immediately after the desired behavior is displayed.The pet should be given in such a way that the puppy associates it with the desired behavior.
- The pet should be given consistently after the desired behavior is displayed. Puppies learn best through repetition and positive reinforcement. The more you work with them, the better they’ll be at following commands.
- When using positive reinforcement to train your puppy, make sure to use treats, praise, or petting as rewards. These rewards will help your puppy associate the desired behavior with something positive.
- Aversive punishments should not be used when training your puppy. This includes scolding, yelling, or hitting. These methods will only serve to scare or hurt your puppy and will not effectively train them. Remember, puppies are not born knowing how to behave. It is up to you, the owner, to teach them .
Puppyhood is a short but very important stage in a dog’s life. With proper training, your puppy will develop into a well-mannered dog that you can be proud of.
Preparing for Puppy Training
One of the most crucial things you can do to prepare for puppy training is to create a schedule. This schedule should include when you will feed your puppy, take them out to potty, and work on training.
It is also important to create a positive environment for learning. This means having patience, using positive reinforcement, and being consistent with your commands.
Pet owners should prepare the following before starting puppy training:
- A schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and training.
- Positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, or petting.
- Patience, consistency, and lots of love!
Puppyhood is definitely a lot of work, but the rewards are well worth it. By following these simple tips, you can set your puppy up for success in training.
Creating a Schedule
Creating a schedule for your puppy is important for two reasons. First, it will help keep you organized and on track. Second, it will help your puppy know what to expect.
When creating a schedule, be sure to include when you will feed your puppy, take them out to potty, and work on training. It is also important to be consistent with the schedule. This means sticking to the same times every day.
Here is a sample schedule for a puppy:
- 08:00AM Breakfast
- 08:30AM Potty Break
- 09:00AM Training Session
- 09:30AM Free Play
- 010:00AM Potty Break
- 010:30AM Lunch
- 02:00PM Potty Break
- 02:30PM Training Session
- 03:00PM Free Play
- 05:00PM Potty Break
- 05:30PM Dinner
- 08:00PM Potty Break
- 08:30PM Bedtime
With consistency, your puppy will learn what to expect and will be better able to focus during training sessions.
Other Supplementary Activities for Dogs and Pups
Aside from training your dogs and pups with the given above, there are other activities that you can do to spend time with your furry friend.
- Play fetch: this is a great way to burn off energy and have fun at the same time.
- Go for walks: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to get some exercise.
- Go to the dog park: this is a great way to socialize your dog and to let them burn off some energy.
- Give them a bath: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to keep them clean.
- Brush their teeth: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to keep their teeth healthy.
- Cut their nails: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to keep their nails healthy.
- Take them to the vet: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to keep them healthy.
- Give them a massage: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to relax them.
- Go on a car ride: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to explore new places.
- Play tug of war: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to have some fun.
- Go swimming: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to have some fun.
- Go hiking: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to explore new places.
- Go camping: this is a great way to bond with your dog and to explore new places.
Try these activities for all age ranges of dogs to have a great time with your furry friend. These promotes good behavior and less bad habits for both adult and smaller dog.
Can Dog Diet Affect Their Behavior?
The short answer is yes. Just like humans, what dogs eat can affect their behavior. Dogs that are well-nourished are less likely to be anxious or stressed. This is because they have the energy and nutrients they need to feel good.
Dogs that are poorly nourished, on the other hand, may be more prone to anxiety and stress. This is because they don’t have the energy or nutrients they need to feel good.
Poor nutrition can also lead to other problems, such as aggression, hyperactivity, and Separation Anxiety.
Best Puppy Diet
For a well-balanced diet, puppies need:
- Protein: This is essential for growth and development. Puppies need more protein than adult dogs.
- Fat: This is essential for energy and cell development.
- Carbohydrates: This is essential for energy and fiber.
- Vitamins and minerals: This is essential for overall health.
- Water: This is essential for all body functions.
A diet that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates is best for puppies. This will give them the energy they need to grow and develop properly.
Types of Puppy Diet
There are many different types of puppy diet. The most important thing is to find one that is complete and balanced. This means it contains all the nutrients puppies need to grow and develop properly.
Here are some of the most popular types of puppy diet:
- Raw diet: This is a diet that consists of raw meat, bones, and organs.
- BARF diet: This is a diet that consists of raw meat, vegetables, and fruits.
- Canned diet: This is a diet that consists of cooked meat and vegetables.
- Dry diet: This is a diet that consists of dry kibble.
Puppy food should be high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. This will give them the energy they need to grow and develop properly.
When To Switch Your Puppy To Adult Dog Food?
Puppies should be switched to adult dog food when they reach 12 months of age. This is because they will no longer be growing and their nutritional needs will change.
Many puppies will self-regulate their food intake and will eat less as they reach adulthood. This is because they are no longer growing and their energy needs are lower.
If you are unsure about when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, ask your veterinarian.
How Often Should Puppies Eat?
Puppies should eat three to four times a day. This is because their stomachs are small and they need to eat more often than adult dogs.
As puppies grow, they will need to eat less often. By six months of age, most puppies will be able to eat two meals a day.
If you are unsure about how often your puppy should eat, ask your veterinarian. Puppies are a lot of work but they are also a lot of fun. With the right diet and exercise, your puppy will grow into a healthy and happy dog.
Dog Breeds that are Easily Trained
It is true that naughtiness is normal to most puppies especially when dogs hit the teething stage. But as they reach adulthood, some dog breeds are more likely to be less naughtier than the others. If you are looking for an easily trained dog breed, here are some of the best ones:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Bulldog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs are known for being intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. They are also great family dogs that get along well with children and other pets.
Dog Breeds that are Naughtier than Others
While some dog breeds are easier to train than others, there are also those that tend to be naughtier. If you are looking for a dog breed that is a little more challenging to train, here are some of the best ones:
- Pug
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Shih Tzu
- Bichon Frise
- Miniature Schnauzer
These dogs are known for being independent, stubborn, and difficult to train. They are also great companion dogs that enjoy being around people.
5 Wayts to Puppy Proofing Your Home
If you have a puppy, it is important to puppy proof your home. This means making sure that all of your belongings are safe from chewing and that your puppy has a safe place to play.
Puppies learn through dog training, but few months of age may not be the best time to introduce some serious obedience commands.
Here are some tips for puppy proofing your home:
- Keep all small objects out of reach: this includes things like coins, buttons, and small toys.
- Keep all food and garbage out of reach: this includes things like food wrappers, garbage cans, and even pet food.
- Keep all toxic substances out of reach: this includes things like cleaning supplies, medications, and even plants.
- Create a safe space: this is a place where your puppy can go to relax and be safe. This can be a crate, a playpen, or even just a designated area in your home.
- Supervise your puppy: this is the most important tip of all. Puppies are curious and mischievous, so it is important to always supervise them when they are exploring your home.
Puppies are a lot of work, but they are also a lot of fun. By taking the time to puppy proof your home and supervise your puppy, you can help them grow into a well-behaved adult dog.
FAQs
Q: What age do puppies stop being naughtiest?
Most puppies will stop being naughtiest between six and twelve months of age. This is the time when they are growing the most and learning new things.
Q: What breed of dog is the naughtiest?
There is no one breed of dog that is the naughtiest. All dogs are different and will have their own personalities.
Q: How can I stop my puppy from being naughty?
There is no one sure way to stop a puppy from being naughty. However, you can try Puppy proofing your home, supervising your puppy, and providing them with plenty of exercise.
Final Thoughts
Puppies are a lot of work but they are also a lot of fun. By taking the time to puppy proof your home and supervise your puppy, you can help them grow into a well-behaved adult dog. If you have any questions about your puppy, be sure to ask a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.
Most behavior problems can be avoided if you raise your puppy properly. Dogs are social animals and need to be around people to be happy. If you provide your puppy with plenty of socialization, exercise, and training, they will be less likely to develop behavior problems.