Like babies, puppies grow and change each day so cherish the baby days while they are around! As your puppy works their way through the maturation process, you may notice a few unusual behaviors or habits they pick up. We picked a handful of topics to address in this week’s Whats Up With My Pup? check-in.
Why Does My Puppy Sleep ALL the Time?
Its a ruff life being a pup, especially when you have a whole new world with your family to explore. Don’t be surprised if your pooch nods off every now and then for a little nap… or two… or three. It is perfectly normal for your new four-legged friend to nap frequently throughout the day while they are young.
DID YOU KNOW? It is not abnormal for puppies to sleep 15-20 hours a day! One minute your pup might be bouncing off the walls and the next he/she is out cold. This is normal behavior and we encourage you to allow your new friend to get all the rest they need during the day. As the evening grows closer, however, we recommend you keep your puppy awake and engaged with lots of games so they will sleep happily through the night.
Why Does My Puppy Eat Like That?
Puppies are funny creatures, especially at mealtime! Don’t be surprised if breakfast or dinner is the most exciting part of your pup’s day, they need all of that nutrition to fuel their never-ending source of puppy energy! Meal time can bring out some unusual behaviors, however, like picking one kibble up at a time to eat.
It is not uncommon for your pooch to grab a kibble or two, carry it to another spot, munch away, and then return to his/her bowl and repeat the process all over again. But WHY do they do that?
While there is no hard and fast answer, there are lots of theories as to why certain dogs develop this behavior. Most people claim it traces back to the dog’s ancestral history of living in a pack. In the wild, when a wolf or coyote harvests a meal, the smaller less dominate canines will drag a bit of the meal away and leave the larger part for the leader of the pack. This keeps them from engaging or fighting among one another.
So is your dog scared when eating? Probably not, although if you have other dogs we do suggest separating meal spaces while your pooch is small so they can eat their entire meal in peace. Most likely, this is just a habit ingrained in the minds of our dogs from their roots as wild animals. How interesting!
Why Does My Puppy Shake So Much?
As we mentioned earlier, moving to a new home can be exciting for your new pup, but it can also be a bit worrisome. Since dogs can’t verbally communicate with us, they have to tell us what they are thinking in other ways. Puppies who shake or tremble are a perfect example of non-verbal communication that can come across loud and clear.
If your puppy is stressed or nervous, it won’t be uncommon to find them trembling a bit. Your puppy is trying to relieve tension and to tell you that they may need a little comforting. Talk to them softly and comfort them by gently petting them. Most of us want to hug and coddle our puppies, but studies actually show that most dogs don’t enjoy hugs, so maybe keep the affection gentle until your puppy gets to know you better.
Your puppy may also shake if he/she is cold, wet, or sick. If your puppy is shaking in excess, it is time to consult with your licensed veterinarian to make sure they are a-okay!
Keep an eye out for monthly versions of Whats Up With My Pup? here on the Archview blog! We will continue to address hot topics that many new pet owners may encounter with their new Archview Labradoodle!
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