She’ll Grow Out of It… Right?

Why Puppies Don’t “Grow Out” of Bad Habits

Many owners assume that certain behaviors are just “puppy phases” that their dog will eventually outgrow.

Reality check: Your puppy isn’t just growing older—they’re forming habits.

• Puppies don’t grow out of jumping—they grow into adult dogs who jump.
• Puppies don’t grow out of leash pulling—they grow stronger and pull harder.
• Puppies don’t grow out of barking—they get louder.

What they practice now is what they’ll do for life.

The Difference Between Puppy Behavior & Bad Behavior

Some behaviors are normal developmental phases, while others are reinforced habits that will stick for life.

🟢 Temporary Puppy Phases:

• Teething (chewing)
• Short attention spans
• Fear periods

🔴 Behavior That Needs Training ASAP:

• Jumping on people
• Leash pulling
• Barking for attention
• Ignoring commands

If you allow a puppy to practice bad behavior, you’re guaranteeing they’ll do it as an adult.

Many owners wait until their dog is 1-2 years old before seeking help, when behaviors are already deeply ingrained.

✅ Start early: Teaching a puppy prevents a lifelong struggle.

✅ Reward the good, prevent the bad: Puppies need to be guided toward good behavior before bad habits develop.

✅ Make it fun: Early training should be engaging, positive, and clear.

Invest in training now, or invest in fixing problems later.

💡 Our Puppy Pioneers Program sets young dogs up for a lifetime of success. Schedule a call with our team here to learn more!