There is no need to train a puppy as they will naturally learn what is expected of them.
Truth: Puppies and dogs behave in ways which reward them.
While puppies obviously do mature over time, unwanted behaviours don’t simply disappear and the
maturing process can take a few years. In many cases, these behaviours become established habits.
If their unwanted behaviour works for them, they are unlikely to ‘grow out’ of it.

Why Puppies Don’t Grow Out of Behaviour
Behaviours that are repeated become habits.
For example:

• A puppy who jumps up and gets attention (even negative attention) is rewarded
• A puppy who chews furniture may experience relief (especially during teething)
• A puppy who barks and gets a reaction learns that barking worksWithout guidance, puppies won’t automatically replace these behaviours with better ones—they will
  continue doing what works for them.

What Kind of Guidance Works Best?
Effective training focuses on understanding why a behaviour is happening.
This means recognising the underlying emotions or outcomes driving the behaviour, and responding
in a way that is kind, clear and consistent.

Example: A Puppy Jumping Up
Let’s take a common behaviour—jumping up to greet people.

• What is the puppy feeling?Likely excited or uncertain
• What does the puppy want?
  Attention

This is a reasonable need. Instead of stopping the behaviour without explanation, you can teach an
alternative.
For example:

• Approach calmly
• Sit to receive attention

This meets the puppy’s need in a more appropriate and acceptable way.

While this approach may take more effort in the short term, it creates a much easier and more
enjoyable long-term outcome for both you and your dog.

Practical Tips to Guide Your Puppy
Instead of hoping behaviours will fade, you can actively help your puppy succeed:

• Interrupt and redirect:
  Gently interrupt unwanted behaviours and guide your puppy towards what you do want,
  rather than focusing on scolding.
• Break learning into small steps:
  Avoid expecting instant results. Build behaviours gradually and set your puppy up to
  succeed.

Train regularly:
Keep sessions short and consistent (around 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times per day is ideal).

• Create structure and routine:
  Predictability helps your puppy understand what works and reduces confusion.
• Meet core needs:
  Ensure your puppy has:
  o Enough sleep
  o Proper nutrition
  o Enrichment and stimulation
  o Social connection
  o Opportunities for calm behaviour
  o Appropriate safety, choice and agency
  Small, consistent actions lead to meaningful progress over time.

Wrap-Up
Puppies don’t grow out of behaviour—they grow into it.
With gentle teaching, patience, and consistency, you can help your puppy develop positive habits that last a lifetime.

This creates the foundation for a calm, confident, and well-adjusted adult dog.

If you would like help in setting your puppy up for success, get in touch. I provide 1:1 puppy services
and run small classes in my local area.