Why Does My Puppy Do That? Decoding Your Pup’s Quirkiest Behaviours

Bringing a new puppy home to the Sunshine Coast is a whirlwind of cuddles and, quite often, total confusion. One minute they are sleeping like angels, and the next they are doing high-speed laps around the lounge room or trying to eat your favourite thongs. You might find yourself asking, 'Why on earth do they do that?' This guide dives deep into the 'why' behind common puppy quirks, helping you understand their world so you can build a stronger, fear-free bond through every stage of their development.

Key takeaways

• Most 'weird' puppy behaviours are rooted in natural instincts or sensory exploration.
• The zoomies are a healthy way to release pent-up energy and stress.
• Mouthing and chewing are essential for exploring the world and soothing teething pain.
• Fear periods are normal; patience and positive reinforcement are key to building confidence.
• Behaviours like humping are usually signs of over-stimulation rather than dominance.
• Consistent, fear-free training helps bridge the communication gap between you and your pup.

The Mouth as a Third Hand: Why Everything Ends Up in Their Jaws

If it feels like your puppy is a land shark with a vendetta against your ankles, you aren't alone. Puppies don't have hands to pick things up, so they use their mouths to explore the world. This is a vital part of their sensory development. They learn about textures, temperatures, and whether something is edible or fun to play with by tasting it first.

Teething is another major factor. Around four to six months of age, those needle-like baby teeth start falling out to make room for adult teeth. This process is uncomfortable, and chewing helps soothe their sore gums. Providing a variety of safe, frozen chew toys can offer immense relief during this time.

It is important to remember that mouthing is rarely about aggression. In our Puppy Behaviour Guide, we discuss how puppies learn bite inhibition. When they play with littermates, a sharp yelp from a sibling tells them they bit too hard. At home, we use similar gentle redirection to show them that human skin is fragile and not for chewing.

The 'Zoomies': Understanding Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs)

You’ve likely seen it: your puppy suddenly tucks their tail, rounds their back, and starts sprinting in circles like they’re racing at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. These are known as FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), or more commonly, the zoomies. It is a completely normal way for puppies to release pent-up energy or pent-up stress.

Zoomies often happen at 'witching hour'—usually early morning or early evening. They can also occur after a bath or a particularly stimulating training session. It’s like a pressure valve releasing all that extra adrenaline. While it looks chaotic, it is actually a sign that your puppy feels safe enough in their environment to let loose.

To manage the zoomies, simply clear a path so they don't crash into sharp furniture. If they happen outdoors, ensure the area is secure. If your puppy starts getting 'mouthy' during a zoomie session, it’s a sign they are over-tired. Just like a human toddler, an over-stimulated puppy often needs a nap in a quiet crate or playpen rather than more exercise.

The Excavator: Why Puppies Dig Up Your Garden

On the Sunshine Coast, our warm weather often influences puppy behaviour. Many puppies dig to find cool soil to lie in when the sun gets too hot. If you find your pup hollowing out a spot under a hedge, they are likely just trying to regulate their body temperature. Always ensure they have access to shade and plenty of fresh water.

Digging is also an instinctive hunting behaviour. Many Australian backyards are home to lizards, beetles, and scent trails that we can't see or smell. To a puppy, a garden bed is a giant 'scratch and sniff' adventure. They aren't trying to ruin your landscaping; they are simply following a fascinating scent or trying to reach a buried treasure.

If the digging is becoming a problem, try providing a designated 'digging pit' or a sand-shell pool filled with soil or sand. Hide toys and treats inside it to encourage them to dig there instead of in your prize roses. This redirects their natural instinct into a constructive outlet without using any aversive punishments.

The Little Shadow: Why They Follow You to the Bathroom

Do you have a 'velcro puppy' who follows you from room to room? This behaviour stems from their history as pack animals. In the wild, a puppy that wanders off alone is in danger. Staying close to their 'person' is a survival instinct that provides them with a sense of security and safety.

Puppies also follow us because we are the source of everything good—food, play, and affection. They don't want to miss out on a potential snack or a trip to the beach. This 'shadowing' is a sign of a strong bond, but it is also an opportunity to teach them that being alone is okay.

If your puppy becomes distressed the moment you leave the room, it could be the start of separation anxiety. We often address this in private sessions by teaching 'settle' cues on a mat. By gradually increasing the distance between you, the puppy learns that even if you walk away, you will always come back, helping them grow into a confident, independent adult.

Eating the Unspeakable: Grass, Sticks, and Poo

It is a common (and slightly gross) sight: your puppy grazing on grass like a little cow or, worse, investigating another animal's waste. Eating non-food items is called 'pica,' while eating faeces is known as 'coprophagia.' Most of the time, this is simply curious exploration. Puppies learn about their environment through their mouth, and if something smells interesting, they might try to eat it.

• Grass: Often eaten for fibre or simply because they like the taste of fresh green shoots.
• Sticks and Mulch: These provide a satisfying crunch, but can be dangerous if swallowed. Always swap a stick for a safe chew toy.
• Poo: Puppies sometimes do this to clean up their area or because of a lingering scent of undigested food.

While often harmless, eating things off the ground can lead to parasites or tummy upsets. On the Sunshine Coast, we also need to be mindful of cane toads. If your puppy is 'mouthing' things in the garden at night, keep them on a lead or supervise closely. If the behaviour is persistent, a quick vet check can rule out any nutritional deficiencies.

Barking at Nothing: The Spooky Fear Periods

Has your puppy ever suddenly started barking at a rubbish bin or a garden statue they’ve seen a hundred times before? This is likely a 'fear period.' Puppies go through several developmental stages where things that were previously ignored suddenly become terrifying. These stages usually happen around 8–12 weeks and again between 6–14 months.

During a fear period, their brain is re-wiring. A shadow or a flapping flag might look like a predator. The worst thing you can do is force them to 'face their fear' by dragging them toward the object. This can lead to long-term phobias. Instead, use a calm voice, keep the lead loose, and let them investigate at their own pace.

We focus heavily on positive socialisation during these periods. By pairing 'scary' things with high-value treats, we teach the puppy that the world is a safe place. If you find your puppy is becoming increasingly reactive, our Puppy School provides a controlled environment to build their confidence around new sights and sounds.

Humping and Mounting: It Isn't What You Think

It can be embarrassing when your puppy starts humping your leg or another dog at the park, but it is rarely about 'dominance' or sexual behaviour in young pups. In most cases, humping is a sign of over-arousal or stress. Their nervous system is 'maxed out,' and this is a physical way to discharge that energy.

If your puppy starts humping during play, it’s usually a signal that the play has become too intense and they need a break. Calmly redirect them to a different activity, like a scatter-feed or a lick-mat, to help lower their heart rate. Never scold or punish them for this, as it can increase their stress levels and make the behaviour more frequent.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my puppy stare at me while they go to the toilet?

This is a vulnerability thing! When a puppy is 'doing their business,' they are in a vulnerable position. They stare at you because they trust you to keep watch for any threats while they are occupied. It’s their way of saying, 'I’m busy, make sure nothing sneaks up on me!'

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

Absolutely. Puppies are growing at an incredible rate, and their brains are processing a huge amount of new information. Sleep is when all that physical growth and mental learning happens. If they don't get enough rest, you'll likely see more 'naughty' behaviours like biting and zoomies.

Why does my puppy tilt their head when I speak?

While we love to think they are understanding our every word, they are actually adjusting their ears to better locate the source of the sound. They may also be trying to see your facial expressions more clearly, as their muzzle can sometimes block their lower field of vision.

Why do they kick their legs when I scratch their belly?

This is a scratch reflex, an involuntary reaction similar to when a doctor taps your knee with a hammer. Their nerves are connected to their spinal cord; when you hit the 'sweet spot,' it sends a signal to their leg to kick to get rid of a potential irritant, like a flea.

Keep reading

• Common Puppy Behaviour Problems
• Normal Puppy Behaviour
• Puppy Behaviour Guide