Free tool
Is this normal?
New puppy behavior is confusing to interpret alone. Enter a birthdate and size and get a straight answer for that exact age — what’s typical right now, and what’s worth mentioning to your vet or trainer.
Enter a birthdate above to get an answer for your puppy’s age.
Common questions
Is it normal for my puppy to suddenly seem scared of things that never bothered them before?
Yes, especially between 8 and 10 weeks — this is the First Fear Period, and it’s neurologically normal, not a personality change. Go slow, don’t force new experiences, and pair anything new with treats.
Is it normal for an 11–12 week old puppy to bite so much?
Yes — teething pressure is building and puppies test limits at this age. It’s worth flagging to a trainer if biting is paired with growling or stiffening, or if you notice resource guarding.
Is it normal for a teething puppy to ignore commands they already knew?
Yes, selective hearing — especially around recall — is extremely common during teething (roughly weeks 13–16). It tends to improve as the teething phase passes, not because the training was wrong.
Is it normal for an adolescent dog to suddenly ignore cues they knew perfectly well?
Yes — ignoring known cues, higher arousal around other dogs, and pulling on leash are all typical during adolescence (roughly weeks 17 onward). This is also when many dogs are surrendered by owners who didn’t expect it. It generally passes with consistency.