FRAP (Frenetic Random Activity Periods) is the technical term for what I call the “puppy crazies” or others call the “zoomies.” These FRAP sessions typically occur approximately two to three times a day. This is when your well-mannered puppy goes absolutely crazy! He or she will run around, jump on the furniture, attack everything, spin in circles, bark and quite honestly act like they have gone off the deep end. This is totally normal! The good news is that these periods of high energy only last a few minutes and your dog will grow out of them. With that being said, this is a time when young children need to be picked up and placed in a safe location! FRAP and young children are rarely a good mix.
Your puppy has been affectionately called a “piranha” for the last few weeks. He/She loves to bite and chew on anything and everything. This is perfectly normal during the teething process. Why is your puppy chewing on everything in sight? Between 4 and 6 months old, when puppies’ tiny needle teeth begin to fall out and their adult teeth come in, the chewing instinct kicks in hard. Whether it’s painful, or just a little itchy, or feels weird, we’re not 100 percent sure. But they certainly want things to chew on, and massage their gums, and help those teeth to break through. To help with teething, you can take an old sock, put ice cubes inside it, and tie it off at intervals. Keep it in the freezer and offer it to your puppy to chew on instead of chewing on you. NEVER leave your puppy alone with the sock as he can chew off pieces of the sock and swallow them which can be very dangerous.
If the puppy chews something he shouldn’t, say NO in a firm, low voice and then offer an acceptable item to chew on with a lot of praise. Praise your puppy when he chews on an acceptable toy. Never offer your puppy old socks, shoes, etc. (except for the freezer sock). Your puppy cannot differentiate between an old item and your favorite pair of shoes. Check the supply list for chew toy ideas. Remember to use “redirection” and DO NOT give your puppy your fingers to chew on or allow that behavior! Say NO BITE and give them the item they should be playing/biting and say YES!
Biting/Teething or MouthingWhat Is Puppy Socialization?
Lots of pet parents think that the term “puppy socialization” means introducing your puppy to other dogs. But there’s a lot more to it than that.
In fact, socialization is the process of introducing your puppy to the whole wide world, from different types of people to places and objects they’ve never seen before. The goal is to expose your puppy to, well, just about everything, including:
● People of different genders (male/female)
● People of different ages (ie children to adults)
● People with and without disabilities (wheelchairs/walkers, etc)
● Different animal species (cats/rabbits/birds/etc)
● New places (mall, house, ballfield, park, beach)
● New places (mall, house, ballfield, park, beach)
● New sounds, smells and sensations
That might sound like a lot for a young puppy to handle, but don’t worry: Your dog’s brain is actually most capable of processing and accepting all these new experiences between 3 and 14 weeks old. This timeframe is commonly called the puppy socialization period, during which pet parents should aim to expose their puppy to as many different positive experiences as they can. Puppies need to get used to different dogs and different people early in life, to reduce the chances that they’ll react fearfully or aggressively to others later on and socialization is so crucial to their mental and emotional development.
Positive is the key word here. The best way to socialize a puppy is to avoid frightening experiences as your dog learns what’s normal and safe. Remember: Puppies’ minds are especially impressionable, especially during the puppy socialization period, and bad experiences can make as much of an impact as good ones. An encounter with an aggressive dog, for instance, could leave your puppy with a phobia of other dogs that may be difficult to overcome. So use caution when you’re planning new adventures with your puppy, and don’t hesitate to remove them from a situation in which they appear afraid or anxious. Before you take your puppy to walk or play in a crowded space, you can introduce them to sights and sounds by simply driving by the park and letting them get used to the people and pets there at a safe distance. As long as your dog is immune to parvo, coffee shops, hardware stores, banks, and major chain stores are also ideas. It’s always a good idea to double check with any establishment before you bring in your dog.
Sometimes policies change and vary by state or region. Keep in mind, it’s the store’s prerogative to say no, and it’s your responsibility to respect it. You should only bring your pup to spaces where he’s welcomed with open arms. Another way to socialize and keep them safe is a doggy stroller!
Although it might make sense to merge your errands and socialization time, your pup needs to be the sole focus during these educational trips. If the errand has the potential to draw your attention to something other than your puppy for an extended period, do it on your own time instead. Your number one job is to act as your puppy’s advocate and make sure he’s always feeling good about the new scenarios. Puppies need to get used to older dogs too, so ask your friends with patient pets if you can have a short play date or romp in their backyard
