What Your Puppy Is Trying to Tell You

Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s great joys. It is also a whole lot more work than most people expect.

One minute they are curled up sweetly in your lap. The next they are chewing a table leg, barking at the mail carrier, or sprinting across the kitchen like they are late for an appointment.

You are not doing anything wrong.
Your puppy is just trying to communicate.

At Joey Luke’s Dog Training, we help families understand what puppies are saying through their everyday behavior so training feels simpler and home life gets calmer faster.

Biting and Evening Energy

If your puppy is nipping hands or pant legs, it is rarely aggression. More often it is teething, excitement, play, or being completely worn out. Redirecting to a chew toy and making sure your puppy gets regular rest breaks can prevent a lot of frustration.

Those wild bursts of energy after dinner usually mean your puppy needs more structured outlets during the day. Short walks, gentle training sessions, sniffing time outside, and puzzle toys can make evenings much smoother.

Crate Complaints and New Things

Whining in the crate is common in young puppies. Sometimes they need to go outside. Other times they are unsure or simply want company. Keeping crate routines calm and predictable helps puppies learn that it is a safe place to relax.

When puppies bark at new sights or sounds, they are often saying they are not sure what they are looking at. Staying relaxed yourself and rewarding calm behavior goes a long way toward building confidence.

Following you from room to room is another normal puppy habit. It means you are their safe person. Teaching them to settle on a bed while you move around and practicing brief, positive alone time can help prevent separation problems later.

Potty Training Setbacks

Accidents in the house are part of raising a puppy. They are not being stubborn or sneaky. Most of the time they simply did not realize they needed to go or could not hold it yet. A steady schedule, close supervision, and plenty of praise for outdoor bathroom trips are what get results.

Why Starting Early Matters

The puppy stage is when lifelong habits begin forming. Jumping, leash pulling, barking, and confidence around new situations all develop now. Getting help from a professional puppy trainer early can save a lot of stress later and set your dog up for success.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are in good company. Puppies are adorable and exhausting in equal measure.

Joey Luke’s Dog Training works with families every day who want well mannered dogs they can enjoy at home, in the yard, and around town. If you need help with biting, potty training, leash manners, or socialization, we would love to help.

Your puppy is talking to you every day.
Let us show you how to listen.