Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with challenges. Puppies are naturally curious, playful, and full of energy, sometimes in ways that can be frustrating or even overwhelming. Without proper training, those cute puppy behaviors can quickly turn into bad habits that are harder to break as they grow.
At Always Pawsitive Dog Training, we help puppy owners in Durham, NC, build a strong foundation for a well-mannered, confident dog. But how do you know if your puppy needs training? Here are three clear signs it’s time to invest in professional puppy training.
1. Excessive Nipping and Chewing
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means nipping, biting, and chewing are all normal behaviors. However, if your puppy’s biting is persistent, painful, or difficult to redirect, it’s time for training.
Common signs of problem biting and chewing:
- Biting hands, feet, or clothing during play
- Gnawing on furniture, shoes, or household items
- Struggling to stop biting, even when given appropriate chew toys
Puppy training can teach bite inhibition, helping your puppy learn to control their mouth pressure and understand what is and isn’t acceptable to chew. Proper training also provides mental stimulation, reducing destructive chewing due to boredom. If your puppy is showing these signs, contact us about our puppy training programs.
2. Trouble With Potty Training
Accidents happen, but if your puppy isn’t making progress with potty training, professional guidance can make all the difference. Inconsistent potty habits can lead to frustration, stress, and unnecessary messes in your home.
Signs your puppy needs potty training help:
- Frequent accidents inside, even after being taken outside
- No clear understanding of where to go potty
- Struggles to hold it overnight or for short periods
A structured puppy training program will help establish a consistent potty routine, teaching your puppy when and where to go. We focus on positive reinforcement and clear communication to make house training easier and stress-free.
3. Ignoring Basic Commands
If your puppy doesn’t listen or struggles to follow basic cues, it’s a sign they need more structured training. Puppies thrive when they have clear guidance and expectations, and early training sets the stage for lifelong obedience.
Does your puppy:
- Ignore their name or fail to come when called?
- Pull on the leash during walks?
- Jump on people instead of greeting politely?
These behaviors might seem minor now, but as your puppy grows, they can become major problems. Professional training helps puppies develop essential skills like sit, stay, come, leash manners, and polite greetings, making life easier for both of you.
Give Your Puppy the Best Start
If any of these signs sound familiar, puppy training can help prevent frustration and build good habits from the start. At Always Pawsitive Dog Training, we offer puppy training programs designed to teach obedience, manners, and confidence, helping your dog grow into the ultimate companion.
Get in contact with us today to find out more about our Durham puppy training programs at Always Pawsitive.