{"id":20716,"date":"2026-01-14T07:30:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T12:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/?p=20716"},"modified":"2026-02-19T15:23:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T20:23:29","slug":"is-this-just-a-puppy-phase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/is-this-just-a-puppy-phase\/","title":{"rendered":"Is This Just a Puppy Phase or a Real Problem?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"461\">If you\u2019ve ever brushed off your puppy\u2019s behavior with <em data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"307\">\u201cThey\u2019ll grow out of it,\u201d<\/em> you\u2019re not alone. Jumping, biting, barking, pulling on the leash, chewing furniture. Many pet parents assume these behaviors are just part of puppyhood. Sometimes, they are. But sometimes, waiting is the most expensive decision you can make.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"698\">Knowing the difference between a <strong data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"610\">normal puppy phase<\/strong> and a <strong data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"648\">developing behavior problem<\/strong> can save you stress, money, and heartbreak later.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"744\"><strong>What Counts as a Normal Puppy Phase?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"746\" data-end=\"888\">Puppies experience predictable developmental stages, especially in their first 18 months. During these phases, certain behaviors are expected.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"931\"><strong data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"931\">Common puppy-phase behaviors include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"932\" data-end=\"1123\">\n<li data-start=\"932\" data-end=\"974\">\n<p data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"974\">Mouthiness and nipping during teething<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1000\">\n<p data-start=\"977\" data-end=\"1000\">Short attention spans<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1047\">\n<p data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1047\">Occasional accidents during house training<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1074\">\n<p data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1074\">Temporary fear periods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1075\" data-end=\"1123\">\n<p data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1123\">Bursts of high energy followed by deep sleep<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1206\">These behaviors usually <strong data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1205\">improve with consistent guidance, structure, and age<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1419\">\n<p data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1419\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"Puppy Phase\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cPuppies explore the world with their mouths and emotions. What matters isn\u2019t that these behaviors exist. It\u2019s whether they\u2019re improving over time.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.siriuspup.com\/about\/staff\/dr-ian-dunbar-phd-bvetmed-mrcvs\"><strong data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"1384\">Dr. Ian Dunbar<\/strong>, Veterinarian &amp; Animal Behaviorist<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1424\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1476\"><strong>When \u201cThey\u2019ll Grow Out of It\u201d Becomes a Problem<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1540\">The red flag isn\u2019t the behavior itself \u2014 it\u2019s <strong data-start=\"1524\" data-end=\"1539\">the pattern<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1644\">If a behavior is <strong data-start=\"1559\" data-end=\"1614\">intensifying, spreading, or causing safety concerns<\/strong>, it\u2019s no longer just a phase.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1684\">Signs It\u2019s More Than a Puppy Phase<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"2006\">\n<li data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"1734\">\n<p data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1734\">Biting that breaks skin or escalates with age<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1770\">\n<p data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1770\">Jumping that knocks people over<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1771\" data-end=\"1828\">\n<p data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1828\">Fear responses that turn into avoidance or aggression<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1873\">\n<p data-start=\"1831\" data-end=\"1873\">Barking that worsens instead of settling<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"1916\">\n<p data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1916\">Destructive behavior linked to anxiety<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"1959\">\n<p data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1959\">Leash reactivity toward people or dogs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1960\" data-end=\"2006\">\n<p data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"2006\">Inability to calm down even after exercise<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2194\">\n<p data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2194\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"is this a Puppy Phase\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cTime alone doesn\u2019t fix behavior. Skills fix behavior. And the longer a habit is practiced, the harder it is to undo.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/peaceablepaws.com\/about\/\"><strong data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2149\">Pat Miller<\/strong>, Certified Professional Dog Trainer &amp; Author<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2199\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2251\"><strong>Why Waiting Often Makes Behavior Problems Worse<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2412\">Behavior is learned through repetition. When puppies rehearse unwanted behaviors \u2014 even unintentionally \u2014 those behaviors become <strong data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2411\">default coping mechanisms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2414\" data-end=\"2429\">What starts as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2486\">\n<li data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2449\">\n<p data-start=\"2432\" data-end=\"2449\">playful nipping<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2463\">\n<p data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2463\">mild fear<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2486\">\n<p data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2486\">excitement barking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2504\">can evolve into:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2556\">\n<li data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2521\">\n<p data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2521\">adult biting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2536\">\n<p data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2536\">reactivity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2556\">\n<p data-start=\"2539\" data-end=\"2556\">chronic anxiety<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2558\" data-end=\"2616\">And adult dogs don\u2019t get the same social grace as puppies.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2618\" data-end=\"2827\">\n<p data-start=\"2620\" data-end=\"2827\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"is this normal puppy behavior\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cPeople tolerate behaviors in puppies that would be unacceptable in adult dogs. By the time they seek help, the dog has had months or years of practice.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wgbh\/nova\/vets\/biopryor.html\"><strong data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"2795\">Karen Pryor<\/strong>, Behavioral Scientist &amp; Trainer<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"2829\" data-end=\"2832\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2834\" data-end=\"2872\"><strong>The Hidden Cost of \u201cWaiting It Out\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2874\" data-end=\"2970\">Many pet parents delay training to save money \u2014 but early intervention is almost always cheaper.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2972\" data-end=\"3002\"><strong data-start=\"2972\" data-end=\"3002\">Delaying help can lead to:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3003\" data-end=\"3207\">\n<li data-start=\"3003\" data-end=\"3052\">\n<p data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3052\">More intensive (and expensive) training later<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3090\">\n<p data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3090\">Limited housing or travel options<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3091\" data-end=\"3127\">\n<p data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3127\">Injuries to people or other pets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3165\">\n<p data-start=\"3130\" data-end=\"3165\">Emotional burnout for pet parents<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3207\">\n<p data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3207\">Rehoming or surrender in severe cases<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3288\">Early guidance often means <strong data-start=\"3236\" data-end=\"3287\">fewer sessions, faster results, and less stress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6834 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243.png\" alt=\"can cats eat human food\" width=\"704\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243.png 704w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243-300x56.png 300w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243-640x119.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><em><strong>Are you finding this article useful?<\/strong> <\/em>Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/request_quote\">over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals<\/a><\/span> throughout the United States? <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/join\">Sign up here <\/a><\/span>for a free Petworks account, and we&#8217;ll email you a\u00a0 10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on Petworks!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3346\"><strong>Puppy Phase vs. Real Problem: A Quick Comparison<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3376\"><strong data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3376\">Likely a Puppy Phase if:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3377\" data-end=\"3519\">\n<li data-start=\"3377\" data-end=\"3411\">\n<p data-start=\"3379\" data-end=\"3411\">Behavior improves week to week<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3412\" data-end=\"3445\">\n<p data-start=\"3414\" data-end=\"3445\">Puppy responds to redirection<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3446\" data-end=\"3484\">\n<p data-start=\"3448\" data-end=\"3484\">Intensity decreases with structure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3485\" data-end=\"3519\">\n<p data-start=\"3487\" data-end=\"3519\">No fear or aggression involved<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3521\" data-end=\"3550\"><strong data-start=\"3521\" data-end=\"3550\">Likely a Real Problem if:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3551\" data-end=\"3710\">\n<li data-start=\"3551\" data-end=\"3582\">\n<p data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3582\">Behavior escalates with age<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3620\">\n<p data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3620\">Puppy ignores or resists guidance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3621\" data-end=\"3661\">\n<p data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3661\">Fear, anxiety, or aggression appears<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3710\">\n<p data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3710\">Daily life revolves around managing behavior<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3712\" data-end=\"3715\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3717\" data-end=\"3750\"><strong>When to Seek Professional Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3803\">You don\u2019t need to wait for a crisis to get support.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3805\" data-end=\"3865\">Consider working with a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/puppy-trainer\">puppy trainer<\/a><\/span> or <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/animal-behavior\">animal behavior professional<\/a><\/span> if:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"4041\">\n<li data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3904\">\n<p data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"3904\">You feel overwhelmed or frustrated<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3905\" data-end=\"3929\">\n<p data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3929\">Progress has stalled<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3930\" data-end=\"3953\">\n<p data-start=\"3932\" data-end=\"3953\">Safety is a concern<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3954\" data-end=\"3991\">\n<p data-start=\"3956\" data-end=\"3991\">Advice online feels contradictory<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3992\" data-end=\"4041\">\n<p data-start=\"3994\" data-end=\"4041\">You\u2019re saying \u201cmaybe next month\u201d \u2014 repeatedly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4043\" data-end=\"4183\">\n<p data-start=\"4045\" data-end=\"4183\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"puppy phases\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cThe best time to get help is when you first ask yourself whether you need it.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/positively.com\/\"><strong data-start=\"4131\" data-end=\"4152\">Victoria Stilwell<\/strong>, Dog Trainer &amp; Behavior Expert<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"4185\" data-end=\"4188\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4190\" data-end=\"4240\"><strong>It\u2019s Not a Failure \u2014 It\u2019s Responsible Parenting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4242\" data-end=\"4324\">Needing help doesn\u2019t mean you failed your puppy. It means you\u2019re paying attention.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4326\" data-end=\"4444\">Most serious behavior problems don\u2019t start as emergencies \u2014 they start as <strong data-start=\"4400\" data-end=\"4443\">small concerns that were easy to ignore<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4326\" data-end=\"4444\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"should I wait to train my puppy\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>\u201cMost serious behavior problems don\u2019t start as emergencies. They start as small issues pet parents were told to wait out. Time doesn\u2019t change behavior. Guidance does.\u201d &#8211; <strong data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"354\">Kevin Kinyon, Co-Founder, PetWorks<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4451\" data-end=\"4480\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"4482\" data-end=\"4519\">Will my puppy grow out of biting?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4520\" data-end=\"4659\">Some mouthiness improves naturally, but biting that escalates, causes injury, or continues past teething often needs professional guidance.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4661\" data-end=\"4695\">At what age do dogs calm down?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4696\" data-end=\"4825\">Many dogs mature emotionally between 18\u201336 months, but without training, unwanted behaviors often remain \u2014 just in a larger body.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4827\" data-end=\"4873\">Can separation anxiety go away on its own?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4874\" data-end=\"4966\">True separation anxiety rarely resolves without intervention and often worsens if untreated.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4968\" data-end=\"5015\">Is it ever too early to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/dog-trainer\">hire a dog trainer<\/a><\/span>?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5016\" data-end=\"5120\">No. Early guidance is usually faster, cheaper, and more effective than fixing ingrained behaviors later.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5122\" data-end=\"5160\">Am I overreacting by getting help?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5161\" data-end=\"5237\">Most pet parents who seek help early wish they\u2019d done it sooner \u2014 not later.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5262\" data-end=\"5347\">If you\u2019re asking <em data-start=\"5279\" data-end=\"5304\">\u201cIs this just a phase?\u201d<\/em> that question alone is worth listening to.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5349\" data-end=\"5384\">Puppies grow.<br data-start=\"5362\" data-end=\"5365\" \/>Habits grow faster.<\/p>\n<!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-20716-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/169-Old-Redding-Rd-22.m4a?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/169-Old-Redding-Rd-22.m4a\">https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/169-Old-Redding-Rd-22.m4a<\/a><\/audio>\n<h3 data-start=\"7576\" data-end=\"7805\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/infos\/about\">About PetWorks<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dr-Marty-Goldstein-Natures-Blend-Petworks-Nutrition.png\" alt=\"Dr Marty Goldstein Nature's Blend - Petworks Nutrition\" width=\"111\" height=\"In 2021, Dr. &lt;span style=\" \/><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/dr-marty-goldstein-of-petworks\/\">Marty Goldstein DVM<\/a> joined the pet care platform PetWorks as an advisor in its <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/animal-nutritionist\">Animal Nutrition<\/a><\/span> care division. Dr Marty Nature&#8217;s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty\u2019s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped PetWorks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/William-Bishop-Jr-Petworks-Pet-Nutrition.png\" alt=\"Bill Bishop Blue Buffalo Pet Nutrition\" width=\"96\" height=\"99\" \/>In 2022, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/blue-buffalo-dog-food\/\">Blue Buffalo<\/a><\/span> Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined PetWorks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps PetWorks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">About The Author<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-10642 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kevin-Kinyon-2025.jpeg\" alt=\"Kevin Kinyon PetWorks Pet Care Service Professional\" width=\"91\" height=\"108\" \/><\/em>PetWorks<\/span><\/a> Co-Founder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kinyonkevin\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Kevin Kinyon<\/span><\/a> is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve ever brushed off your puppy\u2019s behavior with \u201cThey\u2019ll grow out of it,\u201d you\u2019re not alone. Jumping, biting, barking, pulling on the leash, chewing furniture. Many pet parents assume these behaviors are just part of puppyhood. Sometimes, they are. But sometimes, waiting is the most expensive decision you can make. Knowing the difference between &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/is-this-just-a-puppy-phase\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Is This Just a Puppy Phase or a Real Problem?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20721,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[115,132,140],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-animal-behavior-help","category-dog-training-advice","category-puppy-training-tips"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.3.1 (Yoast SEO v25.3.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Is This Just a Puppy Phase or a Real Problem?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is this just a puppy phase or something more? 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