Hello! I recently welcomed Winnie, my adorable two-month-old puppy, into my home just two days ago. She is such a cuddly little bundle of joy, always seeking closeness and affection. While I try to train her with basic commands like her name, sit, and stay using treats, she often prefers climbing onto my lap for snuggles instead. I would appreciate any tips you have to address this behavior and strike a balance between cuddling and other forms of engagement. Thank you! – Amelia
Hello Amelia! Congratulations on the newest addition to your family, Winnie! It’s evident that she is a very young pup who enjoys being close to you. Each puppy is unique in their behavior and development, with factors like breed, temperament, genetics, and upbringing influencing their actions. While Winnie’s affection is heartwarming, it’s essential to ensure she also explores her surroundings, gains confidence, and doesn’t solely rely on physical closeness for engagement. Encouraging her to interact with the environment and strike a balance between cuddling and independence will be beneficial in the long run. If the behavior persists, taking steps to prevent excessive dependency will help avoid future separation-related issues.
As puppies grow into adulthood, it is crucial for them to interact with a wide range of people and explore their surroundings rather than constantly seeking to be held. If a puppy persistently seeks to be held and becomes excessively clingy, it can lead to problems. It is important to monitor this behavior and try to understand why the puppy is so insistent on climbing into your lap, even when offered treats.
It is important for puppies to learn how to self-soothe and remain calm even without being in someone’s lap. If a puppy only wants to be held all the time, there could be various reasons behind this behavior that need to be addressed.
1. Feeling Unwell: If a puppy is lethargic and not acting playful, it could be a sign of illness. It is recommended to have the puppy checked by a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
2. Feeling Cold: Puppies, especially those that have been separated from their littermates and mother, may feel cold and seek warmth. Providing a warm surrogate such as a Snuggle Puppy can help them feel more comfortable.
3. Feeling Stressed: Transitioning to a new home can be stressful for puppies, leading to clingy behavior. Using pheromone-based products can help comfort and calm anxious puppies during this adjustment period.
4. Feeling Fearful: Puppies between 8 and 10 weeks of age may go through a fear period, causing them to be more easily startled. Providing a safe and secure environment can help them feel more at ease during this stage.
Understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for a puppy’s constant need for being held can help them develop into well-adjusted and confident adult dogs.
Reacting to normal objects and experiences is a common behavior for puppies. It’s crucial to recognize what may be causing fear in your puppy. For instance, when I cared for puppies that were raised in a barn, they would easily startle and run towards me when I turned on the dishwasher. Therefore, it’s essential to observe your puppy’s body language and environment to determine if she is reacting to something that is troubling her.
If your puppy seems confused during training and climbs onto your lap, it could indicate that she finds the training unclear, overwhelming, or mildly stressful. Some sensitive puppies may feel uncomfortable with us looming over them or making direct eye contact, common practices during training. Climbing onto your lap could be her way of diffusing any confusion or perceived threats. She might be seeking to appease you or simply looking for security and connection.
To address a puppy that always wants to be held, it’s important to rule out any medical issues and address underlying needs or problems. Monitor her behavior closely to prevent excessive dependence and encourage confidence-building activities. Comforting your puppy by holding her in the initial days is generally acceptable as it helps her feel secure and establishes a bond of trust. Over time, she should develop more independence and willingness to explore her surroundings.
Encourage your puppy’s independence by praising and rewarding her when she shows signs of confidence. Engage her in activities that promote exploration and provide mental stimulation. Split treats into smaller pieces if your puppy is young or struggling with solid food, to maintain her interest. The ultimate goal is to motivate her to engage with treats and activities independently.
Encouraging Puppies to Explore and Learn
When working with puppies, it is important to keep training sessions short and enjoyable. Aim for 1 to 2 minutes maximum, maintaining a low-pressure environment. Remember to smile during training to make it a positive experience. Use high-value treats for motivation, but if your puppy responds better to social interaction, reward them with petting or verbal praise. You can also utilize activities your puppy enjoys, such as climbing into your lap, as a reward for good behavior.
Avoid using outdated dominance-based training methods, as they can harm the relationship between humans and animals. Instead, opt for positive reinforcement techniques recommended by experts in animal behavior.
Consider using a DAP (dog-appeasing pheromone) collar during puppy classes to help your furry friend feel more relaxed and adapt better to new experiences. Research has shown that puppies who wore an Adaptil pheromone-based collar during their early weeks continued to display signs of being well socialized months later.
While it’s natural for puppies to seek comfort and security from humans, it’s also important to foster their confidence and independence through exploration and interaction with their surroundings. Avoid over-reliance on being held, as this can hinder their learning experiences.
Remember that puppy training and socialization are crucial for building a strong bond between puppies and their owners. By providing a nurturing environment and positive reinforcement, you can help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted and socialized companion.
The content provided by behavior professionals in online articles serves solely for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for personalized, professional intervention. It is essential to understand that by utilizing this information, you are assuming complete responsibility for your dog’s behavior and absolving any liability claims associated with their actions. In the event that your dog exhibits concerning behaviors, it is imperative to promptly seek professional assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of both your pet and those around them.
