Discover why your fluffy puppy gets zoomies, chews everything, and how to train them effectively. Vet-approved solutions for energy management, teething relief, and socialization—all in one guide!
Why Puppies Behave This Way
Puppies aren’t being “naughty”—their behaviors are natural developmental stages. Understanding these helps you respond with patience and effectiveness.
The Science Behind Puppy Energy
A puppy’s brain develops rapidly in the first 6 months. Their bursts of energy (zoomies) and sudden naps are due to:
- Spiking cortisol levels (stress hormone)
- Rapid muscle growth requiring rest
- Curiosity-driven exploration
Pro Tip: Puppies sleep 18-20 hours daily—never skip naps!
Zoomies: Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs)
Those wild sprints around your house have a scientific name. Here’s what triggers them:
Common Zoomie Times
- Morning: After waking from deep sleep
- Post-Meal: Blood sugar spikes from food
- Evening: Built-up energy from the day
How to Manage Zoomies
- Create a “zoom zone” with non-slip rugs (no sharp objects)
- Stick to a schedule (play at 7 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM)
- Avoid overstimulation (turn off loud TVs)
Did You Know? Most puppies outgrow extreme zoomies by 12 months old.
Teething: Survival Guide (3-6 Months)
Puppies lose 28 baby teeth during this phase. Chewing relieves gum pain—here’s how to protect your furniture.
Teething Timeline
| Stage | Age | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 3-4 months | Mild chewing, drooling |
| Canines | 5 months | Intense chewing, whining |
| Molars | 6 months | Final phase, hardest toys |
Top Teething Solutions
✔ Frozen toys (try wet washcloths or rubber Kongs)
✔ Cold carrots (supervise to prevent choking)
✔ Bitter apple spray for forbidden items
Vet Warning: Avoid ice cubes—they can crack teeth!
Socialization: The Golden Window (3-16 Weeks)
This critical period shapes your pup’s future temperament. Miss it, and they may develop fears or aggression.
Must-Have Experiences
People:
- Men with beards/hats
- Children (supervised)
- People using wheelchairs/canes
Environments:
- Car rides
- Stairs/elevators
- Different floor surfaces (tile, grass, gravel)
Sounds:
- Doorbells
- Thunderstorms (use recordings at low volume)
Red Flag: If your puppy hides or tremors, go slower.
Training Basics:
https://householddog.com/ First 30 Days
Start with 5-minute sessions, 3x daily. Always end on a success!
Essential Commands
- “Sit”
- Hold treat above nose
- Move it backward over their head
- Reward when bottom touches floor
- “Come”
- Use high-value treats (boiled chicken)
- Never punish when they arrive—even if late!
- “Leave it”
- Place treat under foot
- Reward when they stop sniffing
Crate Training Schedule
| Day | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Meals in crate (door open) | 10 minutes |
| 4-7 | Door closed during naps | 30 minutes |
When to Call the Vet
🚨 Emergency Signs:
- Refusing all chew toys (may indicate oral pain)householddog.com
- Zoomies lasting over 30 minutes
- Hiding from all people/other dogs
FAQ Section
Q: How long do puppy zoomies last?
A: Usually 1-5 minutes, decreasing as they age.
Q: What’s the best teething toy?
A: Frozen rubber toys (like Kong Puppy) soothe gums best.
Q: Can I use human toothpaste?
A: Never! Use dog-specific toothpaste (human versions contain xylitol, which is toxic).
Final Tips
- Consistency is key—train daily
- Praise good behavior (ignore bad habits)
- Document progress with photos/videos
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Related Reads:
Best Puppy Toys for Heavy Chewers
House Training in 7 Days
