Hi forum, would appreciate any help with this. Had our new black lab puppy for just over a week, he is 11 weeks old. When we take puppy out he is reluctant at first, but totally calm and a little wary, walking very slowly and right next to us, well behaved apart from occasionally stopping to look at things. However as soon as pup returns home, he goes crazy, barking at us, jumping up running around, chewing, biting us, destroying everything, non stop, sometimes for hours, no matter how many toys or chews or games, ignoring him, playing with him etc etc. We take him for another walk and return, he just acts the same when back at home, crazy non stop, he never sits still or allows us to stroke him without biting us his personality is completely different to when he is outdoors - running out of all ideas to keep him distracted or occupied - any tips or experience on what to do? I get the feeling he keeps trying to say he is boss indoors but because outside is newer he sticks by us and calms down?? Help!
Hi there and welcome! Your puppy's behaviour is quite normal. He is able to be his normal bouncy, puppyish self at home because he feels safe there. Outdoors he lacks confidence and is worried. It's really important to get him out as much as possible, introducing him to lots of new experiences without overwhelming him. Carry him if you can as the world is far less scary from your arms. Let him watch new things at a distance and take him closer when he is comfortable with them. Don't worry about walks, he doesn't need those yet, just focus on letting him get used to the world and all its surprises. Check out our 'biting survival guide' for new puppy parents too! It's normal puppy behaviour and nothing to do with wanting to be boss.
