Understanding Your Puppy: Behavior, Training & What to Expect
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but understanding what your puppy is actually trying to tell you can make those first few months a whole lot easier.
In this episode of the Canine Culture Podcast, Brittany sits down with dog trainer Sharon Mills, who brings 34 years of experience working with dogs and puppies. Sharon shares what she has learned about puppy behavior, canine communication, early training, and the developmental stages that can shape a dog as they grow.
They discuss why behaviors like puppy biting, growling, barking, zoomies, and rough play are often misunderstood, and why a puppy displaying these behaviors isn't necessarily being aggressive. Sharon also explains how dogs learn through association and mimicking, why consistency matters, and how the behaviors we allow early can become learned habits later.
You'll also hear about the critical stages of puppy development, from the first weeks with the breeder through the important 8-to-16-week training window and into the challenging adolescent months.
In this episode: • How puppies communicate through body language and behavior • Puppy biting vs. true aggression • Common puppy training mistakes • How dogs learn through association and mimicking • Why consistency is so important when raising a puppy • Potty training and the potential downsides of puppy pads • Introducing a puppy to a leash and basic commands • Critical puppy development stages from birth to 16 weeks • Why early experiences can influence confidence and behavior • What happens when your puppy reaches the teenage stage • Setting realistic expectations for a new puppy • The importance of continuing training as your dog grows
Whether you're preparing to bring home your first puppy, currently navigating the puppy stage, or simply want to better understand how dogs learn, this conversation offers plenty to think about when building a relationship with your dog.
Learn more about Sharon Mills, her puppy training programs, and her free resources at Success Puppy Training.
About Sharon Mills:
Sharon Mills is a dog behavioral specialist, puppy training specialist, and founder of Success Puppy Training with more than 34 years of experience. After spending 21 years breeding German Shepherds, she recognized that many new puppy owners needed more guidance and dedicated her career to helping people understand canine behavior and communication. Sharon specializes in simplifying dog psychology, puppy development, and training techniques so owners can better understand and communicate with their puppies.
Follow Sharon Mills:
Success Puppy Training Website
Give the episode a listen on your favorite podcast platform and let us know what you think! Now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts.
As always, the topics discussed are for informational purposes only. If you have specific questions about your pet’s health, please contact your local veterinarian.
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