Do Puppies Get the Terrible Twos?
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “terrible twos,” you’ll know it often refers to that stage in a toddler’s life when they’re full of mischief, testing boundaries, and prone to the occasional tantrum. But does this apply to our furry friends too? The short answer: yes and no. While puppies don’t technically reach the “terrible twos” in the same sense as human toddlers, they do go through phases—particularly around six months to adolescence—where “challenging” puppy behaviour can rear its head. In this blog, our Pet Experts explore why your puppy may seem to have entered a rebellious stage, how to tackle common issues like how to stop puppy biting, and why consistency, patience, and the right products from Lords & Labradors can make all the difference. The ‘Terrible Twos’ in Puppy Terms When people talk about “puppy terrible twos,” they’re usually describing an adolescent phase where your pup’s confidence grows, and they become more curious and—let’s face it—a bit cheeky. This phase often begins around the six-month mark and can last until they’re about one to two years old. During this time, you may notice: Excessive chewing or biting, sometimes due to teething or boredom. Aggressive behaviour in puppies, which could be playful nipping turning more forceful, or resource guarding. Increased energy levels, leading to more excitement or boisterous play. Selective hearing, where once well-trained commands suddenly seem forgotten. I remember my own pup, Richmond, suddenly deciding at seven months that the sofa cushions were his favourite chew toy—despite weeks of perfect behaviour beforehand! It felt like an overnight change, but in reality, Richmond was just testing his boundaries. Why the Change Happens Hormones & Maturity: As puppies grow, their hormones kick in. This can lead to heightened energy, exploratory behaviour, and sometimes even territorial displays. Teething & Discomfort: Around six months, many puppies experience the final stages of teething, which can result in chewing or nipping as they try to alleviate gum pain. Social Development: Puppies start to understand pack hierarchy. They may push boundaries to see what they can get away with—much like a human teenager challenging curfews. 6 Month Puppy Behaviour: What to Expect By the time your puppy reaches six months old, you might notice some common changes: Testing Limits: They may ignore cues like “sit” or “stay,” even though they seemed to have them mastered at 12 weeks. Exploratory Chewing: This can manifest in chewing furniture, shoes, or anything within reach—especially if they’re bored. Heightened Play Biting: Playful nips can become a bit stronger, raising questions about how to stop puppy biting effectively. While these changes can be frustrating, remember that they’re normal developmental stages. Your puppy isn’t being “bad” on purpose; they’re simply growing up and learning. Tips on Managing “Terrible Twos” Behaviour 1. Consistent Training Reinforce basic commands daily—“sit,” “stay,” “down”—and ensure everyone in your household is on the same page. Mixed messages can confuse your puppy, leading to inconsistent behaviour. 2. Positive Reinforcement Reward the behaviours you want to see. Treats, praise, or even a quick play session with a favourite toy can reinforce good manners. Avoid punishment-based training, as it can lead to fear or aggressive behaviour in puppies. Make sure you have plenty of puppy training treats to hand so you can reward any positive behaviour! 3. Mental Stimulation One of the best ways to curb unwanted puppy terrible twos behaviour is to keep their minds occupied. Puzzle toys, interactive feeders, and regular training sessions help burn mental energy and reduce boredom-related mischief. We love the Nina Ottosson interactive dog toys, they’re perfect for keeping growing pup’s minds stimulated 4. Physical Exercise A tired puppy is often a well-behaved puppy. Regular walks, play sessions, and even safe puppy agility can help release pent-up energy. Remember not to overdo it, especially with large-breed puppies whose joints are still developing. 5. Appropriate Chew Toys Provide safe and durable chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew—especially helpful for teething. We have a range of teething toys and accessories designed to soothe sore gums and redirect chewing behaviour away from your household items. The KONG puppy range is especially great for teething puppies as it is specially formulated to be strong and durable against them shark teeth. How to Stop Puppy Biting Puppy biting is one of the most common complaints during the “terrible twos.” Here’s how you can tackle it: Redirect: If your puppy nips at your hands or feet, immediately offer a chew toy. This teaches them what’s acceptable to bite—and what isn’t. Positive Corrections: A gentle “ouch” or yelp can mimic how puppies let each other know a play bite is too hard. Then, stop interaction momentarily to show that biting ends the fun. Reward Calm Behaviour: The moment your puppy licks or plays gently, reward them with praise or a small treat. Reinforcing the behaviour you want is key. Use Training Aids: There are helpful aids such as bitter sprays that deter chewing on furniture and certain toys. We love the Simple Solutions Chew Stopper, the unpleasant taste of the spray makes your puppy associate whatever they’re chewing with that taste so they won’t want to chew it anymore. Managing Aggressive Behaviour in Puppies Although true aggression in puppies is relatively rare, certain behaviours may appear aggressive—like growling or snapping. Often, these are signs of fear, over-excitement, or resource guarding. Consider the following: Seek Professional Advice: If you’re concerned about genuinely aggressive behaviour in puppies, consult a qualified dog trainer or vet. They can identify underlying causes and offer tailored solutions. Early Socialisation: Make sure your puppy experiences various environments, people, and gentle dogs to reduce fear-based reactions later. Identify Triggers: Does your puppy growl over their food bowl or toys? Start by teaching them that hands near the bowl or toy mean treats, not threats. Lords & Labradors Puppy Essentials At Lords & Labradors, we understand how exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—puppy parenthood can be. That’s why we offer a dedicated Puppy Homepage filled with everything you need for your new furry family member including: Teething Toys: Specially designed to soothe sore gums and reduce the urge to bite. Training Essentials: From clickers and treat pouches to puppy-safe crate bedding. Calming Aids: Products that help soothe anxious pups or those struggling with new experiences. For more tips from our team of pet experts, head to our Puppy Section on our Information Hub. You’ll find plenty of informative blog posts on how to navigate each stage of puppyhood. Frequently Asked Questions When does puppy “terrible twos” typically start? It can begin as early as six months and continue until about a year or two, depending on the breed and individual temperament. How do I deal with constant nipping? Consistency is key. Offer a chew toy when your puppy attempts to nip, and calmly end the play session if they don’t stop. Praise them as soon as they lick or chew appropriately. Will my puppy’s sudden rebellious streak pass on its own? With consistent training and patience, most challenging puppy behaviour eases as they mature. However, reinforcing good habits is essential to ensure they become a well-behaved adult dog. What if my puppy shows signs of aggression towards people or other dogs? True aggression in puppies can stem from fear or a lack of socialisation. Seek help from a vet or qualified trainer to identify triggers and work on a behaviour modification plan. How much exercise does a six-month-old puppy need? This varies by breed, but generally, two short walks a day plus some playtime are recommended. Always monitor for signs of fatigue, as young joints are still developing. Final Thoughts The puppy terrible twos can be challenging, but they’re also a natural—and often short-lived—part of growing up. Understanding 6-month puppy behaviour, knowing how to stop puppy biting, and addressing potential aggressive behaviour in puppies all come down to patience, consistent positive reinforcement, and the right tools. By investing in quality teething toys, training essentials, and exploring professional advice when needed, you’ll guide your pup through these tumultuous months into a confident, well-behaved adult. Feeling ready to tackle puppyhood head-on? Don’t forget to browse our Puppy Emporium, which is full of the essentials you need to transform the "terrible twos". With the right balance of love, structure, and patience, you’ll transform those “terrible twos” into terrific memories in no time!
