Top 5 Common Puppy Behavior Issues and Solutions to Help Your New Furry Friend

Welcoming a new puppy into your home brings joy and excitement, but it also comes with challenges. Puppies often display behaviors that can test your patience and make daily life tricky. Understanding these common issues and knowing how to address them early can set the stage for a happy, well-adjusted dog. This guide covers the top five behavior problems new puppy owners face and practical ways to resolve them, helping you build a strong bond with your furry friend.

Puppy chewing on household items, a common behavior issue

1. Chewing on Everything

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which often leads to chewing on furniture, shoes, and other household items. This behavior can cause damage and frustration.

Why it happens:

Chewing relieves teething pain and boredom. Puppies also use chewing to learn about their environment.

How to fix it:

• Provide plenty of chew toys that are safe and appealing. Rotate toys to keep interest high.

• Redirect your puppy to chew toys whenever they start biting inappropriate items.

• Use bitter sprays on furniture or shoes to discourage chewing.

• Make sure your puppy gets enough physical and mental exercise to reduce boredom.

• Puppy training classes often include tips on managing chewing and teaching bite inhibition.

  
  

2. Excessive Barking

Puppies may bark excessively due to excitement, fear, or attention-seeking. This can become a problem if it disturbs your household or neighbors.

Why it happens:

Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate. Puppies may bark when they feel anxious, lonely, or want to play.

How to fix it:

• Identify what triggers the barking and remove or reduce exposure to those triggers.

• Teach the “quiet” command by rewarding your puppy when they stop barking on cue.

• Avoid yelling at your puppy to be quiet, as this can increase anxiety and barking.

• Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation to reduce excess energy.

• Puppy training sessions can help reinforce calm behavior and control barking.

  
  

3. Potty Training Accidents

House soiling is one of the most common frustrations for new puppy owners. Puppies have small bladders and limited control, so accidents are normal but need consistent management.

Why it happens:

Puppies don’t yet understand where it’s appropriate to go. They may also have trouble holding it for long periods.

How to fix it:

• Establish a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks, especially after eating, drinking, and waking up.

• Take your puppy to the same spot outside to build a routine.

• Praise and reward immediately after your puppy eliminates in the right place.

• Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners to remove odors that encourage repeat accidents.

• Puppy classes often include potty training guidance and support.

  
  

Puppy sitting outside waiting for a bathroom break

4. Jumping on People

Puppies jump on people to greet them or get attention, but this behavior can be overwhelming or unsafe, especially around children or elderly individuals.

Why it happens:

Jumping is a natural way for dogs to get closer to faces and show excitement.

How to fix it:

• Ignore your puppy when they jump and only give attention when all four paws are on the ground.

• Teach an alternative behavior like “sit” to replace jumping. Reward compliance consistently.

• Ask visitors to follow the same rules to avoid confusing your puppy.

• Consistent puppy training helps reinforce polite greetings and reduces jumping.

  
  

5. Nipping and Biting

Puppy mouthing can quickly turn into biting if not managed. While some nipping is normal during play, it should never hurt people.

Why it happens:

Puppies use their mouths to explore and play. They also learn bite strength from their littermates, but need guidance from humans.

How to fix it:

• Teach bite inhibition by letting out a high-pitched “ouch” when your puppy bites too hard, then stop play briefly.

• Redirect biting to appropriate chew toys.

• Avoid rough play that encourages biting.

• Enroll in puppy classes where socialization and bite control are key lessons.

  
  

Starting puppy training early and attending puppy classes can make a huge difference in managing these behaviors. These classes provide structure, socialization, and expert advice that help puppies grow into well-behaved dogs.

Every puppy is unique, so patience and consistency are essential. Celebrate small wins and remember that your puppy is learning how to live in your world. With the right approach, you can prevent many behavior problems and enjoy a loving, respectful relationship with your new companion.

If you’re struggling with any of these issues, consider reaching out to a professional trainer or enrolling in puppy classes. Early intervention sets your puppy up for success and makes your life together more joyful.