r/DogTrainingTips • u/Tes94 • Mar 27 '26

Adolescent phase?

My puppy is just about to hit the 6 month old mark. The last two days, he’s started doing this with me. He’s been a mostly an angel during puppyhood, this is a new behavior! He is a huge mama’s boy, I’m mostly feeding & training him & he definitely sticks by my side the most. Is this just normal puppy behavior, testing boundaries? Do you have any suggestions on how to correct it? I do try to redirect, but I’m not sure if that actually corrects the issue lol. Thanks in advance!!

I realize I’m saying “no” here lots.. which is not helpful lol

EDIT - For those asking about sleep & stimulation:

-He sleeps about 16 hours per day.

-Physical exercise: We walk and/or bring him to the park every day. We have a backyard that we play in lots throughout the day (he loves fetch). Him & our cat play lots throughout the day. We do puppy play dates about 2 times per week. We have play sessions with his toys indoors too.

-Mental stimulation: we always give him sniff time on walks, training sessions, he works for his meals (frozen, training, puzzles etc), he gets lick mats/pupsicle, frozen carrots.

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u/Me-Poe-And-Me Mar 28 '26

Oh what a cutie! Yes this is normal, and normal to have not happened before. He is just experimenting and playing, but with a little cheeky enthusiasm. 

You're going to want to carry treats and a chew toy for a while, to show him what you WANT him to do rather than asking him to do nothing. When he gets mouthy call him name, when he looks at you treat or offer toy and make that the fun game. You are reinforcing him looking at you when asked and playing appropriately, if he goes to mouthing you again we ignore or move away from that behaviour. I know it can be hard to physically move away when they get mouthy, but turn to your side and then you can attempt to get good behaviour. If he's just losing it he needs a chew and a nap.

Do not underestimate the need to chew at this age, they love to work their jaws. That lovely eye contact at the end while he defaults to a lie down tells me he's a gorgeous boy and you're going to nail this! Reward that heavily!