Puppy Advice

Your 9 week old puppy

As you get to know each other, your puppy should be starting to feel more settled in their new home. Here’s what to expect with your 9-week-old puppy.

9 week old Labrador puppy laying on rug with chew toys to play and chew with

Things to do this week:

Potty training

It’s still early days, but you can probably spot the signs that your puppy wants to pee or poo and are starting to get into toilet training routine.

 

Puppy training & socialisation

Use these early weeks to introduce your puppy to new experiences. At this age, puppies are particularly inquisitive and interested in new things. You can also start with some basic dog training, such as teaching your dog to sit and stay.

Common questions you may ask this week

My 9 week old puppy is biting

Puppies start teething at about 8-9 weeks old. They will chew on and bite things – and you – to relieve the pain and dislodge their baby teeth. Puppies also bite – or mouth – as a way of exploring new things. You can teach your puppy to be gentle and to not nip or bite. Give them lots of good quality chew toys and rotate them so they don’t get bored of the same toy.

Read this: 4 common new puppy problems you may be experiencing

 

How long can you leave a 9 week old puppy alone? 

Puppies are like babies and will get anxious if they are left alone. This may cause them to poo or wee in the house. Even adult dogs can get stressed if they are left alone for a long time. This is because dogs are social animals and like company. If you work and can’t take your dog with you, consider doggy day care or using a dog walker

Your puppy will need to learn to be left alone. There are things you can do to make this as stress-free as possible for your dog. 

When does it get easier with a puppy?

As a new puppy parent, you will be adjusting to a new routine and maybe getting less sleep than normal. It’s common to feel overwhelmed as a new puppy owner. 


Previous: Your 8 week old puppyNext: Your 10 week old puppy

Find the Perfect Puppy Class Near You

Discover small, friendly classes across the UK led by our expert, professional Puppy School Tutors. Get hands-on advice and support, to ensure your puppy gets the best start with positive, reward-based training.

Find a Puppy Class Today

Find your nearest Puppy School

Find your nearest Puppy School here and begin your journey with us!

Banjo - cocker spaniel puppy school graduate showing rosette

Testimonials

What Clients say
about Puppy School

  • “Puppy School has been an all round excellent package from start to finish but the greatest asset to this training was Sally! Sally was calm, clear and responsive to us all so you feel you get the benefit from being in a group of handlers and puppies with all the benefits of that but also individual attention to support you and your puppies specific needs/issues. Banjo is a nervous puppy, Sally was very sensitive to this and managed situations so Banjo benefitted from all the training exercises and interaction in a very positive way. She also gave me lots of support in how to help him outside of class. It was also brilliant to have a booklet and online access at home to watch reminder supporting material videos of the things taught in each session. There were also a range of vouchers and free trial bags of different foods which has proven helpful in determining what works for Banjo. I have had several puppies over the years, and have been to several classes, this has been the best experience yet for both me and my puppy. Thanks especially to Sally! ”
    —   Maria
  • “We absolutely loved attending puppy school with Elsa. The classes were so interesting and engaging, and we could really see how much Elsa learnt each week. Her confidence has grown so much, and the training tips have made a big difference at home too. Sandie was fantastic — so friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. She made every class fun and interesting, which created such a relaxed and positive environment for both puppies and owners. It never felt overwhelming, just enjoyable and really rewarding. I would highly recommend these puppy classes to anyone with a new puppy. It’s been such a valuable experience for both of us!”
    —   Stanley
  • “We loved it! Even though Otis is a timid dog, his confidence has grown! ”
    —   Taylor
  • “We had a wide range of breeds with us and Amanda knew the traits of each so well, knowing how to approach training with them all and adapting when necessary. Amanda made it so fun for the pups and us humans! Corky and I will miss it!”
    —   David
  • “It was a good experience for both us and Reuben. I think puppy training is valuable for all dogs and owners!”
    —   David