Why they do it: When puppies play with their littermates, they learn "bite inhibition", how to control the pressure of their jaws. They are simply trying to play with you in the same way they would with another puppy. This is a natural behaviour and not a sign of aggression.What to do: Teach them that human skin is sensitive.
When your puppy's teeth make contact with your skin, let out a high-pitched "Ouch!" and briefly withdraw your attention and the game. When they are calm, you can resume play. This mimics how their siblings would react and teaches them to be gentle. Always redirect their mouth onto a toy.
3. The "Zoomies" (Frenetic Random Activity Periods)
Why they do it: The zoomies are a normal way for puppies to release pent-up energy. They often happen at predictable times, like in the morning or evening. It's a joyful, explosive burst of running, spinning, and playful antics.
What to do: Enjoy them! The zoomies are a sign of a happy, energetic puppy. Just make sure the area is safe by clearing away any obstacles they could run into. If the timing is inconvenient, you can sometimes pre-empt the zoomies with a structured training session or a puzzle toy to burn off some of that mental and physical energy.
4. Jumping Up to Greet People
Why they do it: Jumping is an enthusiastic, attention-seeking behaviour. Your puppy is simply excited to see you and wants to get closer to your face to say hello.
What to do: This is a behaviour that is often unintentionally reinforced. Pushing your puppy down or even telling them "no" is still a form of attention. The most effective method is to calmly turn your back or fold your arms and ignore the jumping. The moment all four of their paws are on the floor, reward them with calm praise and petting. They will quickly learn that keeping their paws on the ground is what earns them the attention they crave.
Patience and consistency are your two greatest allies during puppyhood. By understanding the normal developmental reasons behind these behaviours, you can guide your puppy with empathy and positive reinforcement, building a foundation of good manners that will last a lifetime.
