Reasons Why Puppy Parents Can Struggle

• Inconsistent communication:  New puppy owners often unintentionally use different command words for the same behavior (e.g., “down” versus “lay down”), which confuses the puppy.
• Relying on punishment: Scolding or punishing a puppy after an accident or bad behavior is ineffective because the dog doesn’t connect the punishment to the misdeed. It can also create fear and anxiety, damaging the bond of trust and causing your puppy to run away from you.
• Assuming the puppy is being “bad”: New parents may view unwanted behaviors such as chewing or nipping as acts of defiance rather than as normal, instinctive puppy behaviors. They fail to realize the puppy is simply communicating a need for more stimulation, or a need for rest, a need to teethe, or a lack of understanding of what is expected of them.
• Expecting too much, too soon: Puppy training requires patience. New puppy parents often get frustrated when a puppy doesn’t master a command or potty training quickly, not realizing that a puppy’s attention span is short and learning takes time. Short, frequent, and fun sessions are more effective than long, intense ones. The primary goal for young puppies is forming positive emotional connections. Obsessing about rules does not serve this purpose.
• Not managing the environment: You can prevent many problems by proactively managing the puppy’s environment. Leaving shoes or other tempting items within reach gives the puppy an opportunity to rehearse bad behavior. Tools like crates, tethers, or baby gates can set a puppy up for success by preventing mistakes.
• Overlooking the “puppy blues”: Some new puppy owners experience stress and anxiety, known as “puppy blues,” which can strain their patience. Trainers may need to help clients understand that this feeling is normal and that prioritizing self-care is essential for both the owner and the puppy. It’s okay to hire a dog sitter or send your puppy to a friend or family member’s house for a weekend vacation.

The Top 6 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Socializing Before the Full Vaccination schedule is completed because socialization is vital to ensure your puppy develops into a well-adjusted adult dog. Socializing your puppy can be done safely; we adhere to the AVSAB position statement.
2. Constantly Taking Objects Out of Their Mouth Instead of removing items constantly, redirecting to appropriate chew toys can help teach your puppy. Worse, chasing after them when they got something “off limits”, like your puppy took your sock and ran off with it.
3. Saying “No” Too Frequently: Avoid negative reinforcement, especially in the first 16 weeks. Focus on positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.
4. Giving Too Much Freedom Too Soon: Limit access to the home initially to prevent unwanted behaviors and ensure your puppy feels secure.
5. Not Monitoring Sleep Leading to Sleep Deprivation. Puppies require more sleep than adult dogs, typically sleeping between 18 and 20 hours a day. Without proper monitoring, owners may not recognize when their puppy is not getting enough rest. Sleep deprivation in puppies can result in behavioral issues, increased anxiety, and developmental problems. This article delves into the critical reasons why monitoring your puppy’s sleep is essential, the signs of sleep deprivation to watch for, and effective strategies to ensure your furry friend gets the quality rest they need.
6. Roughhousing or Playing With Your Hands/Feet: Don’t do it, or tease your puppy with fast movements that mimic prey animals! Puppies can easily become overwhelmed with too much excitement or noise, and learn that their hands and feet are chew toys. Humans are not their siblings, and it’s confusing to your puppy. If allowed, expect your puppy to roughhouse with everyone, even when you don’t want to play. Set your puppy up for success and be fair by teaching engaging play with lots of toys—the longer the toy, the safer your hands. Examples: Snake Durablez Snake Large by Outward Hound, Springy Thingy by Cycle Dog, a Flirt Pole.

What You Can Do Right Away Without a Trainer:

• Focus on Management First: Before beginning any formal training, learn how to prevent unwanted behaviors by managing your puppy’s environment—using gates, crates, and leashes. This will be more effective than correcting mistakes after they occur.
• Meet Their Needs: For the first five months, concentrate on fulfilling their basic needs. This includes creating a schedule for potty training, sleep, feeding, training, physical exercise, and mental enrichment. Mental enrichment can encompass training, socialization, field trips, new experiences, and engaging with food or outdoor games.
• Simplify communication: Pick a few easy yet important commands to teach your puppy.
  • Their Name for Attention
  • Sit
  • Touch (nose to hand target)
  • Whistle Recall or Any Recall (life-saving)
  • A positive interrupter word or sound, like a kissy or smoochy sound or pup pup!
• Reward Manding: Manding puppy is a training technique that teaches a puppy to politely request things, such as attention, food, or affection, by offering a specific behavior, like sitting, rather than jumping or other undesirable actions. It’s a powerful form of communication in which the puppy learns that a specific action leads to a desired outcome, fostering a stronger relationship and good manners. This resource from IAABC Foundation explains in depth anddemonstrates puppy-manding: the puppies are rewarded for sitting calmly rather than jumping up for treats.
• Understand your puppy’s “why” behind their behavior: Learn to understand that a puppy’s actions are driven by instinct and communication, not a malicious desire to be naughty. Explaining that nipping might be a sign of overtiredness or that chewing is a natural way to explore helps shift your perspective from frustration to empathy and to better problem-solving.
• Emphasize consistency over intensity: Schedule several short, fun training sessions per day (5–10 minutes each) rather than a single long, exhausting session. Remember, consistent daily practice is more important than the intensity of weekly classes.
• Learn About Puppy Development: Puppies are often like toddlers exploring their new world, and understanding their development can help you communicate and bond with them effectively. Research shows that their brain scans reveal an immature state, characterized by greater gray matter and underdeveloped left- and right-hemispheric regions. However, as puppies grow and reach around 16 weeks of age, their brains begin to mature, exhibiting less gray matter and more clearly defined left- and right-hemisphere brain regions. It’s important to be aware of the various fear periods puppies experience as they age, as this knowledge can help you manage their behavior. Remember, navigating these challenges is normal, and learning takes time and patience.
• Seek out a support system: If overwhelmed (most puppy parents are), I suggest practical solutions, such as enforced naps in the crate to give yourself a break. I recommend connecting with a community of other puppy owners or seeking assistance from a dog walker or sitter for a few hours, or recruiting a friend or family member to keep your puppy for the weekend. 

Need a little guidance?

We’re here with puppy powers — no one stands alone in their puppy tower.

Your certified puppy trainer, Shelly Haines, is a graduate of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy, where she spent countless hours working to obtain her certification as a qualified professional dog trainer (VSA-CDT), Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP), and member Professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).

Fetch Worthy’s Puppy Training Program is unique in Austin, Buda, and Kyle. There is no other service like it. You will learn more than in a puppy class, with one-on-one attention, meeting sessions, and touch-base calls as needed.

While we cannot ethicallly guarantee results, we can guarantee our friendly, motivating delivery, professionalism, and use of the most modern methods.

Private Training Options:

• $2720 for 20 private sessions
• $3750 for 30 private sessions
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• Sometimes we run promotions!

Added Value:

Each program includes in-person sessions and support check-in calls.

• 1-month subscription online puppy training course
• Clicker, recall whistle, and don’t nip me puppy toy
• Detailed training handouts and personalized training videos
• Certificate of Completion and ongoing support.