Puppy Behavior

To the owner, particularly a first-time owner, the behavior of a young puppy can be quite bewildering. Some behavior patterns are influenced by genetics and breed type, effecting activity level and preferences, as well as overall personality. Other behaviors are unacceptable and need corrected, while some actions may indicate a serious problem. Many normal puppy behaviors, such as mouthing, will be unacceptable to owners. Teaching appropriate behavior will take care of some potential problem areas. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian, breeder or a trainer about the questioned behavior. In the meantime, below is a list of normal and potentially abnormal puppy behaviors.

Normal puppy behavior
Mouthing or chewing.
“Talking” or vocalizing during play.
May be cautious but curious; may remove objects from cabinets, closets, trash.
Being active, energetic.
Avoiding direct eye contact except briefly.
Easily distracted, short attention span.
Wants to play with everything and anything.
Pawing, batting at or pouncing on toys or people.
Barking, whining, mild crying.
Rolling over on back.
Jumping up on people.
Wants to be near you, follows you or wants to touch you while resting.
Chewing on whatever is in sight, furniture, clothes, books.
Sleep patterns: may be frequent, at odd times, and may twitch during sleep.
Rolling in smelly objects, such as rabbit droppings.
Has to urinate every time he drinks, sleeps, wakes up, plays or goes out.

Abnormal behavior
Biting, snapping or attempting to bite people (and most pets).
Growling.
Overly shy or fearful; may hide in corner, under furniture or stay in crate.
Hyperactivity.
Aggression.
Maintaining eye contact in intimidating manner.
Unable to concentrate or focus attention even briefly.
Overly possessive of food, toys or bed.
Attacking other people or other pets in a non-playful or threatening manner.
Excessive or repetitious barking or crying.
Cowering and cringing.
“Clingyness,” afraid to let owner out of sight.

You should never see most of these problems in a Basset but it never hurts to be aware of their existence.