07/06/2025
“Is this a bad puppy?”
I hear it all the time, and I get it. Puppy behavior can feel wild, unpredictable, and exhausting.
But most of the things we label as “bad” are actually just your puppy trying to meet a need: teething, attention, play, relief, exploration.
Instead of yelling or scolding, try this:
💡 Ask: “What’s the need behind this behavior?”
🎯 Then: Redirect to something appropriate (a toy, a break, a game, a chew, etc.)
When you meet needs within boundaries, everyone wins, and your puppy learns faster and more joyfully.
Let’s stop labeling developmentally normal and typical species behavior as “bad” and start building better communication instead. 💛
