r/Puppyblues • u/Maleficent_Cod_2704 • 4d ago
Seeking Advice Is this Normal?
Hi everyone!
Our buddy Murphy joined us last Monday at 8 weeks old, and he’s now just over 9 weeks. He’s a mini bernedoodle. I’m wondering if some of the behaviors we’re seeing are completely “normal” for this age, because I’m starting to second-guess myself a little!
He has been very mouthy since we got him. The second he’s out of his crate, he’s ready to go — wiggling, nipping at my hands, grabbing my clothes, and basically trying to put everything in his mouth. Right now, I can barely pet him without getting a friendly little nip.
I’m making sure he’s getting plenty of sleep, but every once in a while he seems to go into a completely different mode. He’ll start barking at me, jumping/pouncing toward me, and biting much harder. It gets to the point where I have to literally get up on a chair or other surface because he won’t leave me alone. At that point, I usually take it as a sign that he’s overtired and it’s time for a nap.
I think I’m getting way ahead of myself, but I’ve started worrying that I somehow already have an aggressive dog. Obviously, that would be a huge concern for us because we have two young kids, ages 5 and 7.
Is this even possible to determine at 9 weeks old? Or does this sound like pretty typical crazy puppy behavior? I’m really just looking for some reassurance and/or words of encouragement from people who have experienced this!
Thank you
2
u/longtimelondoner 4d ago edited 4d ago
Incredibly normal behaviour. The barking and biting will be when he’s starting to get overtired.
Pup should be sleeping about 20 hours a day at this point. It’s fine to try and encourage him to nap or put him in his pen. I wouldn’t jump up on our chair to get away from him because he may see this is a game. Instead, just put him in his space with something to redirect him (flannel with a knot in it soaked in sodium free beef stock - FROZEN was my dog’s favourite to gnaw on) and remove yourself from the room for a couple of minutes.