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Bringing home a new pup but concerned about common puppy habits? Similar to two-legged babies, four-legged fur family members bring us joy BUT they also sometimes cause us a bit of grief. The good news is puppies tend to correct their behavior with age, making them more well-behaved grown ups. You just have to get through the rearing stages! Here are 3 things dogs do as puppies but thankfully grow out of as adults:

Chewing & Gnawing:

Puppies go through a teething stage just like human babies do, which is why they tend to be nippers, biters and chewers. Nipping, biting and chewing are ways they try to soothe their gums as teeth come in. Help curb this habit by getting your pup some cool new chew toys! We have a huge selection of “Puppy-Approved” toys at our store.

Fear of Separation:

You take the place of a puppy’s parent, which is why he or she will depend on you for basic needs. But this dependence usually rears its head in the form of separation anxiety. If your puppy gets anxious when you’re not around, you may want to get him or her a companion, look for a dog sitter or seek the advice of a professional trainer.

Humping, Mounting:

Embarrassed by your pooch because he or she is constantly mounting friends, family and other dogs? According to studies, there are a number of factors that can cause that humping urge, but vets typically recommend spaying or neutering your puppy as a first step to stop the humping. Make sure to also correct the behavior as it happens, familiarizing your puppy with the word “Stop!” And don’t forget to reward positive behavior. Pet Wants Cincy West has plenty of treats to choose from during this training period.

Raising a puppy can be just as challenging as raising a child. The next time you get frustrated with your pup’s chewing, anxiety or humping, remember he or she will most likely grow out of it. The puppy years are hard to get through, but the rewards of a canine’s companionship are priceless. If you have any more questions about your pets, don’t hesitate to stop in and talk with us anytime!