The Puppy “Tween” Stage
Managing Barking, Snapping, and Chewing in a Puppy
Welcoming a puppy into your home is a joyful experience—but it can also come with some challenging behaviors. At around 5 months old, puppies are full of energy, curiosity, and... sharp teeth! If you’re dealing with barking, snapping, or destructive chewing, you’re not alone. These are common behaviors at this stage of development—and the good news is, they can be managed with consistency and the right approach.
Here’s how to guide your growing pup toward better behavior.
Barking: Why It Happens and What to Do
Common Causes:
Attention-seeking
Boredom or excess energy
Alerting or fear responses
Solutions:
Ignore attention-seeking barking: Avoid reacting when your puppy barks for attention. Wait for a moment of quiet, then reward with calm praise or a treat.
Teach the “Quiet” command: Say “quiet” in a calm tone. As soon as your puppy stops barking, even briefly, reward them.
Increase mental stimulation: Try food puzzles, sniff walks, or frozen KONGs to burn off mental energy.
Make sure basic needs are met: Check for hunger, thirst, potty needs, or overtiredness before assuming it's a behavior issue.
Snapping: What It Means and How to Respond
Why Puppies Snap:
Teething discomfort
Overstimulation
Frustration or fear
Lack of impulse control
How to Manage It:
Avoid rough or hand-focused play: Always use toys to redirect play. Avoid encouraging biting behavior.
Teach bite inhibition: If your puppy snaps or bites during play, say “ouch” or make a high-pitched noise, then stop play briefly.
Use calm time-outs: If snapping escalates, calmly remove your puppy from the room for 30–60 seconds to help them settle.
Build impulse control: Start working on commands like “wait,” “leave it,” and “settle” to help your puppy regulate their reactions.
Destructive Chewing: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Why It Happens:
Teething (especially common at 5–6 months)
Boredom or lack of stimulation
Curiosity and exploration
Tips for Prevention:
Puppy-proof your space: Remove access to shoes, furniture, cords, and other tempting items. Use baby gates or playpens to limit roaming.
Provide appropriate chew toys: Offer a variety—rubber toys, teething rings, frozen carrots, or edible chews like bully sticks.
Redirect bad chewing: If your puppy starts chewing something they shouldn’t, interrupt with a firm “uh-oh” and offer an approved toy instead.
Exercise and enrichment: Make sure your puppy is getting enough daily physical and mental activity to prevent boredom.
Final Tips for Puppy Success
Keep training sessions short and fun—about 3 to 5 minutes at a time.
Be consistent: Everyone in the household should follow the same rules.
Maintain a structured daily routine for meals, potty breaks, training, and rest.
Remember, this is a learning phase for your puppy—and for you! With patience, positive reinforcement, and a little creativity, you’ll get through this stage and build a lasting bond with your pup.
Need Help With Puppy Training?
At Wildwood Petcare, we’re here to support you through every stage of your pet’s life. Whether it’s enrichment ideas, or personalized care solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about our puppy support services!