Skip to content
Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Play, Love, Save! Book Puppy Playtime & Enjoy $200 Off Your Puppy!
Login/Register

Please create a free account, or login by clicking here.

Correcting Bad Habits in Your Pup

Pups might be soft and fluffy and loving and represent everything good about the world. However, believe it or not, sometimes, they can be less than perfect. 

Sometimes, they exhibit less-than-pleasant behavior and the best move in situations like this is to nip it in the bud. 

You don’t want your once-adorable puppy growing up to become a misbehaving adult. So, here’s are 5 tips to help with correcting bad habits in your pup: 

  1. Training

Well-trained pups seldom exhibit bad behavior, so training is key. Commands like ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘lie down, are the building blocks for encouraging good behavior. 

Using a training system that includes rewards helps your pup quickly understand that following your commands means delicious treats. 

Your pup also gets mentally stimulated through the course of training, and an exhausted pup would definitely keep out of trouble. 

  1. Prevention

Pups usually have triggers, sounds, or sights that make them react that way. A good idea would be to get these triggers out of the way, and in turn, no naughty reactions. 

For instance, if you notice that the doorbell triggers a flurry of barks, take it out. Avoid giving your pup scraps from your table so that you don’t encourage begging. 

Restrict your pup to areas where he’s wanted and make it clear that certain areas are off-limits. For instance, counter-surfing can be avoided by making the kitchen out of bounds. 

  1. Exercise

A physically exhausted pup would rather snooze than concern himself with distractions. So, in addition to helping your pup burn off energy and remain healthy, exhaustion keeps your pup out of trouble. 

Similarly, regular exercise with your pet helps to strengthen the human-doggy bond, and your pup would likely obey your commands even faster and more often. 

Burning off pent-up energy in your pet could help your favorite shoes remain intact. 

  1. Redirection

Some bad behavior in your pup might be pure instinct, such as digging and chewing. Behaviors like this might be totally impossible to get rid of. 

However, this doesn’t imply that these actions cannot be redirected appropriately. For instance, providing a chew toy for your pup gives him something to take out this habit on. 

Specifying an area where digging is acceptable would help keep the rest of your front yard intact. This way, you’re in control of the situation, and your pet gets what he wants too. 

  1. Ignore

Pups are huge attention seekers and might go some lengths just to get you to notice them. Some of the bad behaviors that pups exhibit are simply intended to gain your attention. 

Behavior like barking, or jumping up, or begging would simply go away after a while if you ignore your pup. Once he realizes that the attention he’s seeking doesn’t come via that channel, he should stop. 

Avoid shouting or punishing your pup, as this is attention as well. Simply turn away until he is calm and exercising restraint once again. 

Available Now

If you loved this, you'll love our puppies

Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below.

Browse all puppies
Still looking?

We can find you the perfect pet.

Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation.

Start a Special Order

Related Articles

View All Articles

Posted on Google Google
Genesis Gonzalez profile picture
Genesis Gonzalez
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My husband and I went to Petland on Saturday to simply look at the puppies and we ended up falling in love with one so much that we brought her home with us. Jennifer made the process of taking her home super easy and smooth, she answered every question we asked and was very knowledgeable about everything!
Posted on Google Google
ume rubab profile picture
ume rubab
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
it was really nice their all the animal were so cute !! The puppy’s and kittens were adorable !!❤️
Posted on Google Google
Leslie Rivera profile picture
Leslie Rivera
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Went to Petland to just browse around and ended up falling in love with our Maltipoo, her fur color and the eyes captivated me. Anthony our counselor, was very informative and friendly. I would greatly recommend this pet store. Can’t wait to start this new journey with our puppy.
Posted on Google Google
12.xndrik profile picture
12.xndrik
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
recently adopted a cavapool and Christopher helped us out a lot. He was helpfull, respectful , and walked us through the whole process. It was an amazing experience 10/10.
Posted on Google Google
Chris M profile picture
Chris M
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best place to work PUPPIES!!!!
Posted on Google Google
MIGUEL MOLINA profile picture
MIGUEL MOLINA
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great time. I was looking around with my family and Chris helped us out found a new family member. Great place to greet and play with dogs.
Posted on Google Google
David Almanza profile picture
David Almanza
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We visited Petland today and had an incredible experience choosing our new furry family member — a miniature Goldendoodle! From the moment we walked in, Christopher made us feel welcome, informed, and supported throughout the entire process. He was extremely knowledgeable about the breed, answered all our questions with patience, and never made us feel rushed. You could genuinely tell he cared about both the pets and the people. His friendly attitude and professionalism made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. We left Petland not just with a puppy, but with total confidence that we were prepared for this new journey — all thanks to Christopher. If you're thinking about getting a pet and want a helpful, knowledgeable guide, ask for Christopher. He made our day. Highly recommend - 10/10!
Posted on Google Google
Diana Perez profile picture
Diana Perez
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kalese and Chris were phenomenal and so attentive. They made me feel so welcome and so happy to be finally going home with our baby
Help Need Help?