What is Normal Puppy Behaviour? A Guide for New Owners

Bringing a new puppy home to the Sunshine Coast is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with a side of 'is this normal?'. From midnight zoomies to using your ankles as chew toys, puppy development can feel chaotic. This guide explores typical puppy behaviours, explains why they happen, and helps you distinguish between growing pains and issues that need professional support. You will learn how to manage these natural instincts using positive, fear-free methods that build a lifelong bond with your new best friend.

Key takeaways

• Most 'naughty' puppy behaviours are actually natural instincts like chewing, digging, and vocalising.
• Biting and mouthing are normal parts of the teething process and sensory exploration.
• The 'zoomies' are a healthy release of energy, often triggered by overstimulation or the time of day.
• Positive reinforcement and redirection are more effective than punishment for changing behaviour.
• Adequate sleep (18-20 hours) is essential for a well-behaved, calm puppy.
• Professional support like puppy school can help you navigate these developmental stages with confidence.

The 'Land Shark' Phase: Mouthiness and Biting

One of the most common questions we hear at puppy school is about biting. It is important to remember that puppies explore the world with their mouths. They don't have hands, so they use their teeth to investigate textures, tastes, and boundaries.

Puppy mouthing is entirely normal, especially during teething. Between four and six months of age, those needle-sharp milk teeth fall out to make way for adult teeth. This process is uncomfortable, and chewing helps relieve the pressure in their gums.

• Redirect the energy: Always have a toy or appropriate chew nearby. If those teeth touch your skin, calmly swap your hand for a soft toy or a chilled rubber chew.
• Avoid 'No': Instead of scolding, which can be confusing, simply remove your attention. If they continue to nip, step behind a baby gate for 30 seconds to show that biting ends the fun.
• Enforced naps: Over-tired puppies bite more. If your puppy is 'sharking' more than usual, they probably need a quiet sleep in a crate or playpen.

The Witching Hour and the Zoomies

Does your puppy suddenly sprint around the lounge room like a Greyhound at dusk? These Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), commonly known as the 'zoomies', are a standard part of puppyhood. It is often a way for them to release pent-up energy or stress after a big day of learning.

On the Sunshine Coast, we often see this happen just as the weather cools down in the late afternoon. While it looks wild, it is a healthy expression of joy and energy. However, it can sometimes signal that your puppy is overstimulated or needs a final toilet break before bed.

To manage the witching hour, try to pre-empt it with a calming activity. A Lickimat, a snuffle mat, or a gentle 'find it' game in the grass can help lower their heart rate. If they are already zooming, clear the path of any trip hazards and let them burn it off safely. Never chase them, as this encourages high-arousal chasing behaviour that is hard to stop later.

Digging: A Natural Instinct

Many Australian backyards feature a few 'excavation sites' once a puppy moves in. Digging is a natural canine behaviour. Some breeds do it to find a cool spot in the dirt during a humid Queensland summer, while others do it because they hear grubs or lizards moving underground.

Rather than punishing your puppy for a hole in the lawn—which they won't understand—it is better to provide a legal digging outlet. This satisfies the instinct without ruining your landscaping.

• Build a sandpit: A dedicated shell pool filled with sand or loose soil is a lifesaver. Bury toys or treats inside it to encourage them to dig there instead of your garden beds.
• Check the temperature: Ensure your puppy has access to cool tiles or a fan. Sometimes a puppy digs because they are genuinely struggling with the heat and are trying to reach the cooler earth below.
• Boredom busters: If your puppy is digging out of boredom, increase their mental enrichment. Our private sessions can help you design a 'home alone' plan that keeps their brain busy while you are at work.

The 'Velcro' Puppy: Following You Everywhere

It is perfectly normal for a young puppy to follow you from room to room, even into the bathroom. In the wild, a lone puppy is a vulnerable puppy. Their instinct tells them that staying close to their 'provider' equals safety. This is often referred to as 'shadowing'.

While this is sweet, it is important to gently teach them independence so they don't develop separation anxiety. We recommend using 'stationing' exercises. Place a comfortable mat in the room where you are working and reward your puppy for staying on it while you move around. This builds confidence that even if you move, you aren't leaving them forever.

If you find your puppy becomes distressed (barking, panting, or scratching) the moment a door closes, it may be time to look into our specialised online courses for separation confidence. Early intervention is key to raising a relaxed, independent adult dog.

Vocalisation: Whining, Barking, and Growling

Puppies use their voices to communicate. A whine might mean they need the toilet, a sharp bark might mean they want you to throw a ball, and a low growl during play is usually just them 'talking' as they wrestle. Understanding these nuances helps you respond appropriately.

Barking at the fence line or at new noises (like the local magpies or a passing mower) is a part of their socialisation journey. They are alerted by something new and aren't sure how to feel about it. Instead of shouting 'Quiet!', which just sounds like you are barking along with them, acknowledge the sound and redirect them to a task.

In our puppy school classes, we focus heavily on 'calmness around distractions'. We teach puppies that they don't need to react to every sound in the neighbourhood. If the barking seems fearful or excessive, a private behaviour consultation can help identify the root cause and provide a fear-free desensitisation plan.

Jumping Up to Say Hello

Puppies jump up because they want to get closer to your face—that is where the 'greeting' happens in the dog world. While a 3kg puppy jumping on your shins is cute, a 30kg adult dog doing the same can be dangerous, especially for children or elderly family members.

The best way to handle jumping is to 'reward the feet on the floor'. Ignore the jump by turning your back and becoming very boring. The moment all four paws touch the ground, drop a treat or give them praise. This teaches the puppy that they only get what they want (your attention) when they are standing or sitting calmly.

Consistency is vital here. Ensure every family member and visitor follows the same rule. If one person allows the puppy to jump up for cuddles, it creates 'intermittent reinforcement', which actually makes the behaviour harder to stop. We cover polite greetings extensively in our level one training modules.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for my puppy to sleep 18 to 20 hours a day?

Yes, absolutely! Puppies are like human infants; they do a massive amount of growing and brain development while they sleep. Lack of sleep often leads to 'naughty' behaviours like excessive biting or zoomies. Ensure your puppy has a quiet, safe space where they can nap undisturbed throughout the day.

My puppy eats poo. Is this a health problem?

This behaviour, called coprophagia, is quite common in puppies. It can be a leftover instinct from their mother cleaning the nest, or simply curiosity about textures. While usually harmless, you should check with your vet to rule out nutritional deficiencies. The best fix is 'scooping the poop' immediately and teaching a strong 'leave it' cue.

Why does my puppy growl when we play tug-of-war?

A playful growl during tug is perfectly normal and is often just 'play-talk'. Look at the rest of their body: if their tail is wagging, their body is wiggly, and they keep coming back for more, they are having fun. However, if the body becomes stiff or the growl sounds very deep and guttural, it's time to take a break and lower the arousal levels.

How do I know if my puppy is being aggressive or just playing?

True aggression is very rare in young puppies. Play is often fast, bouncy, and involves 'self-handicapping' (taking turns being on top). If your puppy is showing teeth, snapping at air, and has a stiff body, they might be feeling overwhelmed rather than aggressive. If you are worried, record a video and show it to your trainer for a professional assessment.

Is it normal for my puppy to hump toys or other dogs?

Humping is rarely about 'dominance'. In puppies, it is almost always a sign of over-arousal or excitement. Their brain is 'overflowing' with big feelings and they don't know where to put that energy. Simply distract them with a different activity or give them a quiet 'time out' with a chew to help them settle down.

Keep reading

• Puppy Behaviour Guide