Common puppy behaviours and what they mean
Having a puppy at home is cosy, fun, and entertaining. But the puppy phase can also bring up lots of questions, especially if you're a first-time owner. Why do they behave this way? What’s causing it? How should certain behaviours be understood? Below, we look at some common behaviours that might raise questions, uncertainty, or concern. Read on to learn more about puppy behaviour, what might be causing it, and what you can do to help!
My puppy barks when left alone at home – why?
If your dog barks when left alone, it’s most likely because they’re feeling scared, insecure, or lonely. If you haven’t practised leaving your puppy alone before, it’s a good idea to start doing so gradually if it’s something you plan to do often.
Why is my puppy shaking?
If your puppy is shaking, it could be due to several different things. First, check if there’s a medical issue – if this is a possibility, please contact your vet.
Other reasons include your dog being scared, stressed, or tense, or simply feeling cold. Think about what you were doing just before the shaking started, and use that as a starting point to help address it.
Why is my puppy whining?
A whining puppy is an unhappy puppy. Just as there are various reasons for shaking, there are various reasons for whining. Depending on the puppy, these can differ, but common causes include hunger, needing to go to the toilet, injury, or boredom. It can also be because they feel lonely and scared.
My puppy is panting, why?
Panting is common in both puppies and adult dogs. It might be because the dog is very hot and needs to cool down. However, heavy panting can also be a sign that your puppy is insecure, uncomfortable, or stressed. In some cases, it can also indicate illness.
My puppy is eating dirt, grass, or faeces – why?
It’s not unusual for puppies to start chewing and eating various things. Grass, dirt, and faeces are all things puppies might chew, often for reasons that aren’t as worrying as you might think. If your puppy eats grass, it might sometimes be because they want to be sick. More likely, though, they simply enjoy the taste of grass.
If your puppy eats faeces, this isn’t too concerning either, apart from being rather unpleasant. This behaviour might be learned from the mother, who eats her puppies’ faeces to keep the area clean. Finally, there’s dirt – puppies might chew this if they’re bored, curious, or just want to try something new. However, it can also be due to illness.
Why does my puppy roll in faeces?
As unpleasant as it might be for us, many puppies and dogs genuinely like faeces. This could be why they roll in it, but it might also be because they want to mask their own scent.
Chewing and digging?Puppies can suddenly start chewing furniture or digging in the garden. Chewing and digging are often signs of boredom, which itself can stem from under- or over-stimulation and a lack of activity. Digging can also be your puppy’s way of burying ‘treasures’, or trying to cool down if it’s hot. Chewing on furniture and similar items might happen because the dog feels insecure or anxious when left alone.
