Puppies are full of energy, and while their playfulness is adorable, it’s important to set boundaries early to prevent bad habits. This week, we’ll cover how to encourage appropriate play, manage puppy biting, prevent jumping up, and introduce impulse control—all essential for raising a well-mannered dog.
Teaching Appropriate Play
Play is a great way to bond with your puppy, but it needs to be structured and controlled to prevent overexcitement and unwanted behaviours.
🎯 What Makes Play Appropriate?
✅ Taking breaks before play gets too rough
✅ Encouraging calmness between play sessions
✅ Using toys instead of hands
✅ Rewarding calm disengagement (e.g., puppy choosing to stop on their own)
🚫 Signs of Overstimulation in Play:
Excessive mouthing or biting
Zoomies that escalate into rough play
Ignoring cues to stop
🐾 Games That Teach Good Play Behaviour:
🎾 Tug with Rules – Play tug, but teach a solid “drop it” cue to maintain control.
🐾 Chase & Retrieve – Throw toys instead of using hands as a target for biting.
🛑 Stop & Start Play – Teach your puppy to pause during play and reward calm behaviour before resuming.
📝 Tip: If play gets too rough, stop the game immediately and ignore your puppy until they calm down.
Managing Puppy Biting
Puppy biting is a natural phase, but they must learn to control their teeth.
🎯 How to Reduce Biting:
Redirect: If your puppy bites your hands, immediately swap for a toy.
Teach Bite Inhibition: If they bite too hard, say “ouch!” in a calm but firm voice, then stop all interaction for a few seconds.
Reward Gentle Play: Praise and treat when they play without biting.
Prevent Overstimulation: Most biting happens when puppies are overtired or overstimulated—make sure they get enough rest.
🚫 What NOT to Do:
Never punish biting with physical corrections—it can make the behaviour worse.
Avoid rough play with hands, as this encourages biting.
📝 Tip: If your puppy is especially bitey, check if they need a nap—overtired puppies bite more!
Preventing Jumping Up
Jumping up is common because puppies naturally greet others with enthusiasm. Teaching an alternative behaviour is the best way to prevent it.
🎯 How to Stop Jumping Up:
Ignore & Turn Away: If your puppy jumps, turn your back and avoid eye contact until they have all four paws on the ground.
Reward Calm Greetings: As soon as they sit or stand politely, reward them.
Teach an Alternative: Train your puppy to sit for attention instead of jumping.
Be Consistent: Make sure everyone (family, guests, strangers) follows the same rules—no rewarding jumping!
🚫 What NOT to Do:
Don’t push them off—this can make jumping more fun.
Avoid kneeing them or shouting—this can create fear.
📝 Tip: If your puppy is especially excitable, greet them calmly—high-energy hellos encourage jumping!
Introducing Impulse Control
Impulse control helps puppies make better choices instead of acting on impulse.
🎯 Exercises to Build Impulse Control:
🐾 The “It’s Your Choice” Game
Hold a treat in your hand.
If your puppy tries to snatch it, keep your hand closed.
The moment they stop trying, open your hand and reward.
🐾 Wait Before Eating
Ask your puppy to sit before placing their food bowl down.
Slowly lower the bowl—if they rush forward, lift it back up.
Only let them eat once they stay seated.
🐾 Doorway Manners
Before opening a door, ask your puppy to sit.
Open the door only when they remain calm.
📝 Tip: Puppies learn faster when they self-regulate rather than being physically controlled. Let them figure out that calm behaviour gets rewards!
What’s Next?
This week, you’ve helped your puppy develop better play habits, reduced biting, prevented jumping, and introduced impulse control.
In Week 8, we’ll tackle settling at home and handling separation anxiety!
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