Can You Spoil A Puppy By Holding It Too Much (Guide) – PetDogsLife
Can you spoil a puppy by holding it too much? Yes, of course. Holding your puppy for a limited time is good but all the time it leads to his behavioural problems.
The best way is to just hold the puppy for an hour or two one day once every week. Don’t overdo this, as it could harm him. If you don’t stop this, he will never feel comfortable eating alone or lying down on his own.
Hence, he’ll become less interested in performing tasks. If you are interested in knowing more about this topic then kindly read further below.
Can You Spoil A Puppy By Holding It Too Much – Guide
The answer is, unfortunately, yes. While there are many benefits to holding your puppy, including bonding and socialization, doing it excessively can lead to some behavioural problems later on.
Puppies who are held all the time often become spoiled and dependent on their owners. This can make them anxious and stressed when left alone, leading to destructive behaviours like chewing and barking.
Signs You May Be Spoiling Your Puppy
There are a few signs that you may be holding your puppy too much. These are:
- Your puppy cries or whines when you put him down
- Your puppy follows you everywhere you go
- Your puppy doesn’t like to be left alone and has separation anxiety
- Your puppy is afraid of new people or situations
- Your puppy is always underfoot and gets in the way
- You find it hard to say no to your puppy
- Your puppy becomes clingy and anxious when left alone
- Your puppy becomes aggressive when someone tries to take him from you
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to cut back on the amount of time you’re holding your puppy. It may be difficult at first, but it’s important for his development and future behaviour.
The Right Way to Hold Your Puppy
So, how much time should you spend holding your puppy? The answer depends on his age and development.
First Few Weeks
For the first few weeks, it’s important to hold your puppy often. This helps him bond with you and feel secure in his new environment. During this time, you can hold him whenever you’re around and he’s awake.
4-8 Weeks
From 4-8 weeks, you can start to cut back on the amount of time you’re holding your puppy. He should be spending more time exploring his surroundings and playing with toys. Only hold him for short periods of time (a few minutes at a time) when you’re around and he’s quiet and calm.
8-16 Weeks
From 8-16 weeks, you can continue to reduce the amount of time you’re holding your puppy. At this age, he should be spending most of his time playing and exploring. Only hold him for very short periods of time (a few seconds at a time) when he’s quiet and calm.
16 weeks+
Once your puppy is 16 weeks old, you can stop holding him altogether. He should be spending all of his time playing and exploring. If you do need to pick him up, only do so for short periods of time (a few seconds at a time)) and put him down as soon as he calms down.
Training Tips For Puppies That Will Prevent Them From Becoming Spoiled
Here are a few training tips that will help prevent your puppy from becoming spoiled:
- Start crate training early on. This will teach your puppy that there are times when he needs to be alone and he can’t always be with you.
- Teach your puppy to sit and stay. This will help him learn self-control and that he doesn’t always need to be in your arms.
- Take your puppy on regular walks and playdates. This will help tire him out and prevent him from getting too clingy.
- Ignore your puppy when he cries or whines. This will teach him that he won’t always get what he wants and that it’s ok to be away from you.
Make sure everyone in the family is on the same page. It’s important that everyone in the family is consistent with the amount of time they’re holding your puppy.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you understand can you spoil a puppy by holding it too much. And how holding your puppy too much can lead to behavioural problems. Remember, it’s important to only hold your puppy for short periods of time. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with a professional trainer or behaviourist. Thanks for reading!