Do this when your puppy is running around and can't calm down
Dogs, and especially puppies, having so-called "puppy spit" is a normal behaviour that can occur when they are overstimulated. That is, if your puppy has been exposed to a lot of stimuli and hasn't had a chance to process them before the next stimulus occurs, a so-called puppy paroxysm can be triggered.
For the puppy, moving from its mother and siblings to a completely new home, with new people, new places and new things, is a big adjustment in itself. There is a lot going on every day - the puppy processes this through rest, recovery and undisturbed sleep. In the absence of this kind of processing, puppy chews are an alternative that helps the puppy stress out and run off excess energy. In this way, the puppy can then eventually calm down, settle down and relax, and in turn allow the body to recover properly.
Stop the behavior occurring - here's how!
Your puppy relies on you for behaviour, habits and actions - what you say, do or show, your dog will take on board and learn from. This means that you, as the dog owner, are responsible for your dog's development, not least while it is growing up. This, in turn, can have quite an impact on the dog's later behaviour as an adult. So not allowing the dog to process and recover properly, i.e. in the way the dog needs, will not only have short-term consequences like puppy poo. But it can also show up later. A good start, however, is to try to discourage puppy poop. But how do you do that? Here are some tips!
The cause of the behaviour
Start by trying to understand what the dog's behaviour is based on. Remember that the so-called puppy tricks occur when the puppy is overstimulated. So you can avoid this by reducing the stimuli the puppy is exposed to. You can do this by limiting encounters with both people and other dogs. Not everyone needs to greet and pet the dog, visits to the home should be few, playtime in the paddock should be kept to a minimum and walks should not be stressful. The puppy must also be given peace and quiet - undisturbed rest breaks and sleep according to the puppy's own needs.
Teach your puppy to be calm
Another really good tip is to try to help the puppy to unwind once it's in its twitch. Showing that you're there, that you can help and that you're a safe pair of hands will make a big difference to the puppy's mood. You'll be replacing the mother's reassurance. The puppy can be allowed to play for a while, but avoid rushing and making the puppy more stressed. Treats, bite and activation toys can help the puppy settle down. Allowing the puppy to lick, search and work can be calming.
Something that can help calm the puppy down is if you actively step in to help. This can be done by hugging, massaging and petting with long, stroking strokes. Don't keep a tight, firm grip on the dog, but make sure you show that it is safe in your arms and that you will help it with your calmness.
Get the puppy time for rest
Trying to give your puppy routines is incredibly important. Both in terms of sleep, rest and recovery. Helping the puppy to associate a particular place as 'the dog's place', such as a dog bed, the sofa or a particular place in the bed, will help to promote calm. Train this behaviour and reward when the dog is calm, collected and in the right place.
