From 10 Weeks to 16 Weeks
Puppies at this age may still have a lot of playful energy. They are also starting to test their boundaries. Like teenagers, they may seem to “forget” the rules or commands they once followed.
This is normal developmental behavior for puppies in this juvenile phase. Some of the behavior may be due to teething as puppies begin to lose their first set of teeth around three to four months of age.
You may notice your puppy likes to play-fight with other dogs around this age. This is how puppies start to identify where they fit in with a group. This is expected behavior.
It’s also around this age when some puppies show fear. If your puppy does show fear, it’s best to ignore the behavior and build their confidence through training and positive experiences.
While your puppy may now look like a full-grown adult dog, he’s still a puppy. At this age, you might see bursts of puppy energy levels and continued boundary testing.
That’s why it’s essential to make sure your puppy still gets plenty of structured play and exercise. Training and socialization with other dogs are continued necessities.
Congratulations! Your dog has graduated from puppyhood. As your puppy nears age one (up to two years for a large breed), they’re beginning to look and act more mature. They will probably still be playful, but now they’ve learned the ropes and are much better at following the rules.
Is it normal for puppies to have a lot of energy?
Yes! Just like babies, puppies are curious creatures looking to explore the world and figure out their boundaries.
They’re learning every day – whether that’s by zooming around the room to explore their new surroundings, or using their mouths to examine whatever they can get their paws on (more often than not, that might include your trainers!).
But there are other factors that can impact your pup’s energy levels, such as their breed, gender and social structure.
They Don’t Know How to Calm Down
It might seem weird to say that puppies don’t know how to calm down. But knowing how to settle down is actually learned behavior.
Many puppies struggle with calming down initially because they just don’t know how to do it. Instead of lying down for a little rest, your puppy might think that it’s better to race around and terrorize your household.
Teaching your puppy how to be calm is one of the most important things you can do—for both your puppy’s health and for your sanity!
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