Bringing home a puppy is a challenge, and that energy can quickly get out of hand.
If you’re struggling to keep up with a powerful breed like the Sarplaninac, you’re not the only one.
I’ll show you how to calm the puppy when he runs wild and how to get things under control with simple tips and the best videos I’ve found.
Puppy Energy and Development
The puppy needs your full attention, and keeping up with his energy is a lot of work.
Because the puppy is curious, he will spend most of his day testing boundaries and chewing on everything he can reach.
The first few months are hard, and raising a large dog like this is a real challenge for first-time owners.
This is when you build a real bond with the pup, and you need to teach him the rules early so he grows into a well-balanced dog.
The First Months with the Puppy
Raising the puppy means dealing with potty training, teething, and everything that comes with a growing dog.
Sleepless nights and chewed shoes happen to everyone, but sticking to your rules is the only way through it.
House training is all about timing, so instead of stressing when the puppy has an accident, just stick to a schedule.
Take the pup out at the same times every day, and give him a treat the moment he goes potty outside.
Chewing and Teething – During the teething phase, the pup will naturally chew on anything it can reach. This is a normal stage of development, not a behavior problem.
Give the dog his chew toys to protect the furniture and stop him when he tries to bite your hands.
Burning Off Energy – The puppy needs a way to burn off energy, otherwise he will get bored and start destroying things.
Daily walks and playtime are the best ways to keep the dog quiet and out of trouble.
How to Calm the Puppy?
Don’t wait for him to tire himself out because you actually have to teach the puppy how to stay still.
Early Socialization – Go to new places and introduce other dogs and people from the start.
Burn off the energy – If the dog doesn’t have an outlet for his energy, he will find one, and that usually means chewing on your shoes or furniture.
Running and sniffing around make the puppy much “more relaxed” at home.
Set the Rules – Training the puppy to sit or stay gives him a job to do. This keeps his mind busy and stops him from running wild around the house.
Reward the quiet moments -Instead of shouting when things go wrong, reward the puppy when he is actually being quiet.
Like in the video below, rewarding the choice to stay on the bed teaches him that staying still is the best way to get what he wants.
Don’t skip naps – Puppies don’t know when to stop.
My Experience
There is nothing like being surrounded by a litter of Sarplaninac puppies. The moment I open the gate, they all rush out, tails wagging and ready to play.
Some are more persistent, nipping at my legs, while others jump up, trying to get to me first.
They go crazy the second I reach down to pet them, spinning in circles and pushing each other. But as much as we enjoy it, I eventually have to get serious to show them the game is over.
Even at this age, these pups are smart. They notice right away when I get serious and they follow my lead.
When I move, they move with me; when I stop, they stop. Once they settle down, everything goes quiet.
It’s the perfect time to teach them the rules so they grow up to be well-balanced dogs.
Conclusion
Be patient. This phase is just a part of them growing up.
What you do now is what you’ll get back once the dog matures.
It’s a lot of work, but seeing them turn into a steady, reliable protector makes it all worth it.
