You excitedly bring your new fluffy bundle of joy home after weeks of preparation, setting up their bed, food and water bowls, and gathering all their toys. However, instead of finding them calmly resting in your arms, you discover them nibbling on your fingers with their sharp puppy teeth and creating holes in your favourite cardi. They even persistently chew on your table legs despite having a variety of chew toys available.. they don't sleep at night and steal your socks.

The abundance of information on the internet can be overwhelming, and advice from your mother-in-law may seem outdated or unhelpful. So, what can you do in this situation?

Rest assured, you are not alone. Many new puppy owners face similar challenges. Puppies are bundles of energy and alot of work.

Start by identifying the specific behaviors and noting when they occur to detect any patterns, this way you can get ready to redirect or change the environment.

Here are some strategies you can try:

1. Nipping: Offer a cold, crunchy baton sized carrot or your puppy to chew on. Hold it for them. This helps them associate your hands near their valued items with no cause for concern, while also soothing their gums. Reward them when they refrain from nipping and train them to engage in alternative behaviours. Have long dangly toys for them to grab and shake.
   
   
2. Toileting: Block off areas that you can't supervise to prevent indoor accidents. Take your puppy outside every 30 minutes (or less) and reward them with a treat when they relieve themselves. Set a timer so you don't forget.
   
   
3. Settling: Puppies need ample opportunities to rest and sleep, as their brains and legs are still developing. Ensure your puppy has time for relaxation and downtime. Although it may be tempting to take extensive time off work to lavish attention on your new companion and engage in constant play, this can hinder their emotional resilience.
   
   

Remember, reaching out for support is perfectly fine—it truly takes a village to raise a puppy!