As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be excited to see us when we come home or wake up in the morning. It’s a heartwarming moment when we see them wagging their tails or jumping up to greet us. However, sometimes this excitement can be taken to an extreme, and our puppies go from happy to over-the-top crazy in a matter of seconds. If you’re experiencing this with your 9-month-old puppy, you’re not alone.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that this behavior is entirely normal. Puppies are social creatures, and they view their owners as their pack leaders. When you come home or wake them up in the morning, they’re excited to see you because they’ve missed you and want to interact with you. This excitement can lead to jumping, barking, and even nipping or biting. While this behavior can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that your puppy isn’t doing it to be disobedient or naughty, they’re simply expressing their excitement and joy.
Now that we’ve established that this behavior is normal, it’s time to think about how to manage it. The first step is to avoid reinforcing the behavior. This means not engaging with your puppy when they’re jumping up or barking. It’s important to remember that any attention you give them, whether it’s positive or negative, is still attention. Instead, wait for your puppy to calm down before giving them attention. You can even try using a command like “sit” or “down” to redirect their energy and get them to focus on something else.
Another way to manage the excitement is to create a routine. Dogs thrive on predictability, and having a set routine can help them feel more secure and less anxious. For example, if your puppy goes crazy when you come home, try taking a few minutes to yourself before engaging with them. This will help them understand that your arrival doesn’t mean immediate playtime. Similarly, if your puppy goes crazy when you wake them up in the morning, consider setting an alarm and waking them up at the same time every day. This will help them get into a routine and understand that morning time is for breakfast and potty breaks.
Finally, it’s important to remember that this behavior is temporary. As your puppy grows older and matures, they’ll likely start to calm down and express their excitement in more appropriate ways. In the meantime, be patient and consistent with your training. With time and effort, you can teach your puppy to be a well-behaved and loving companion.
In conclusion, while it can be frustrating when our puppies go crazy with excitement, it’s important to remember that this behavior is normal. By avoiding reinforcement, creating a routine, and being patient and consistent with training, you can help your puppy learn to express their excitement in appropriate ways. So the next time your 9-month-old puppy goes crazy when you come home or wake them up, take a deep breath, remember that they’re just expressing their love and joy, and continue on your path to creating a strong and loving bond with your furry friend.