# “Is this normal?” 12 puppy behaviours that worry new owners URL: https://pawtrace.ca/is-this-normal-12-puppy-behaviours-that-worry-new-owners/ Updated: 2026-10-20 The short answer Most of what alarms new puppy owners is normal puppy behaviour: zoomies, play-biting, chewing, reverse sneezing, accidents, crying on the first nights and a lot of sleep. What matters is the pattern. Occasional, brief and a puppy that is otherwise bright and eating points to normal. Constant, getting worse, or paired with pain, vomiting, breathing trouble, a seizure or a possible poisoning means a call to your veterinarian the same day. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your puppy. Photo: [Pierre Bamin / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-fluffy-puppy-looks-directly-at-the-camera-SK54_lHhl94) ### Key takeaways - Zoomies, play-biting, chewing and reverse sneezing are described by veterinary and humane-society sources as common and often harmless. - Judge the pattern, not one moment: how often, how long, and whether your puppy is still eating, playing and easy to wake. - A seizure is not the same as sleep twitching. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (U.S.) calls a seizure lasting more than five minutes, or several in 24 hours, an emergency. - Growling and stiff body language over food or toys is different from loose, bouncy play. Ask a qualified trainer or your vet for help; do not punish. - If your puppy may have eaten something toxic, call your vet or a 24-hour hospital at once. Do not wait for symptoms. - Filming odd behaviour on your phone gives your vet more than a description does. ### How to tell normal from worrying Four questions sort most worries. Is it brief or constant? Is it new, or getting worse each day? Is your puppy otherwise eating, drinking, playing and toileting as usual? Does anything look painful, such as crying when touched, a hunched posture or refusing to walk? If any answer worries you, call your clinic. Cornell (U.S.) describes short bursts of zoomies in an otherwise healthy puppy as normal. Puppies are learning to control their bodies, bladders and mouths at once. Many behaviours that frighten owners are simply puppy versions of normal dog behaviour. Your breeder or rescue can tell you what your puppy was like in the litter; your vet can tell you what is healthy for its age and size. Book that first visit early: [choosing a vet and what the first visit covers](https://pawtrace.ca/choosing-a-vet-and-what-the-first-visit-covers/) explains what to expect, and the [new puppy hub](https://pawtrace.ca/new-puppy/) gathers every guide in order. ### The 12 behaviours at a glance | Behaviour | Normal when | Call your vet when | 1. Zoomies | Short bursts of racing, often after excitement or in the evening; loose, bouncy body | Your puppy looks in pain, frightened or anxious while zooming | 2. Play-biting | Soft mouthing, loose body, taking turns in play | Hard bites with a stiff body and hard stare | 3. Reverse sneezing | A burst of loud snorting inhalations that passes in seconds to minutes | Episodes are frequent or severe, or your puppy shows breathing distress | 4. Sleep twitching | Twitching while asleep; your puppy wakes easily and is alert after | Stiffening, paddling, drooling, loss of awareness, confusion afterward | 5. Eating stool | Occasional, with no other signs; cleaned up fast | It continues, or comes with weight loss, diarrhoea or vomiting | 6. Chewing everything | Chewing furniture and shoes while teething and exploring | Swallowed objects, or bleeding, swelling or a broken tooth | 7. Accidents | Accidents in a young puppy on a short toilet schedule | Straining, blood, very frequent small amounts, or crying while peeing | 8. Crying alone or at night | Crying in the first nights in a new home | Panic every time you leave, or distress that does not ease | 9. Growling in play | Noise during tug and wrestling, with a loose body | Growling over food, toys or a resting spot, or when handled | 10. Humping | Brief, tied to excitement | Constant, or aimed at people | 11. Scratching, scooting, paw-chewing | Short, occasional scratching | Frequent scratching, scooting or paw-chewing | 12. Sleeping a lot | Long naps, including falling asleep mid-play | Hard to wake, floppy, or uninterested in food and play when awake Normal-versus-worrying guide. Based on Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (U.S.), the Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.), Ontario SPCA and Ottawa Humane Society pages listed below. ### 1. Zoomies Zoomies are bursts of fast running in circles or across a room. Researchers call them frenetic random activity periods. Cornell (U.S.) states there is no known specific cause. They may release pent-up energy or relieve stress, and they are most common in puppies and young dogs. Common triggers include coming home, late evenings, play, overstimulating training and going to the toilet. Your job is footing, not stopping. Cornell advises keeping zooming dogs away from stairs, slippery floors, obstacles and roads, and notes that grass is the best surface while hard floors, ice and gravel raise the risk of slips and falls. In an Ottawa winter that means a hardwood hallway or an icy backyard is the real hazard. Open a gate to a safe room instead of fighting the burst. If your puppy zooms constantly or at awkward times, Cornell suggests more exercise and mental stimulation. If your puppy looks in pain, frightened or anxious, find the cause and call your vet. ### 2. Biting everything, including you Puppies explore with their mouths. The Ontario SPCA lists redirecting your puppy to a toy, a sit or a game of fetch, rewarding it when it is not nipping, and withdrawing your attention if redirection fails. It describes normal play as a loose body and soft eyes, and aggression as harder mouthing, a stiff body and hard staring. The Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.) notes that energetic play such as tug-of-war does not necessarily signal aggression. Our full plan is in [puppy biting and mouthing: what is normal and how to stop it](https://pawtrace.ca/puppy-biting-and-mouthing-whats-normal-and-how-to-stop-it/). ### 3. Reverse sneezing A reverse sneeze is a burst of loud, rapid inhalations. The dog often stands with its neck extended and head tilted back. Cornell (U.S.) says episodes last from a few seconds to minutes and the episodes often make owners think the dog is in respiratory distress. Triggers include excitement, pulling hard on the leash and eating or drinking too fast. For most dogs, Cornell states, no treatment is needed, and gently massaging the throat to encourage swallowing may help an episode pass sooner. Frequent or severe episodes need your vet, who may look for allergies, mites or something stuck in the airway. Film an episode: it is hard to reproduce in the clinic. ### 4. Twitching and whimpering in sleep, and how a seizure differs Puppies twitch and make small noises while asleep, and a puppy that wakes easily and is alert afterward is not showing the signs vets look for in a seizure. Cornell (U.S.) describes a generalized seizure as loss of consciousness with stiffening and paddling movements, excessive drooling, unusual vocalization and loss of control of the bladder or bowels. Afterward the dog may be confused, disoriented and lethargic. A focal seizure can be subtle: repeated movement in one muscle group, extra salivation, dilated pupils, or snapping at an imaginary fly. Cornell states that an active seizure lasting more than five minutes, or more than one seizure in 24 hours, is an emergency: go to the nearest emergency veterinarian immediately. Cornell also recommends recording when seizures occur, how long they last and how the dog acts before and after, and says a video is especially useful. We found no Canadian source on how common first seizures are in puppies. Ask your vet. If you are unsure whether it was sleep twitching, film the next episode and call. ### 5. Eating stool The Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.) lists eating stool among abnormal ingestive behaviours and says it can be a compulsive-type behaviour or a normal investigative one. It gives no single treatment. Practical steps are yours to choose: pick up promptly, supervise in the yard and teach a reliable “leave it”. Ask your vet to check for parasites and diet problems if the habit continues, or if it comes with weight loss, vomiting or diarrhoea. ### 6. Chewing everything Merck (U.S.) calls destructive chewing a normal exploratory behaviour in unsupervised dogs and suggests exercise, reward-based training, and confining a dog away from destructible areas with appropriate toys when you cannot watch. Ottawa Humane Society says puppies commonly chew up to 18 months, recommends redirecting to safe objects and offering a treat when your puppy takes one, and advises giving no more than three safe chew objects at a time. It also says never to give old socks or shoes as chew toys. Teething adds its own needs; see our [teething survival kit](https://pawtrace.ca/teething-survival-kit-what-puppies-should-chew-and-what-to-bin/) and [puppy-proofing a Canadian home and yard](https://pawtrace.ca/puppy-proofing-a-canadian-home-and-yard/). ### 7. Accidents right after coming inside Ottawa Humane Society says puppies should go out at least every three hours, and that under six months of age a puppy should not stay crated for more than three or four hours. A puppy that goes out, gets distracted and has an accident minutes later is working on a short schedule, not being stubborn. Go out more often and reward toileting in the spot you chose. Straining, blood in the urine, very frequent small amounts, or crying while urinating are reasons to call your vet. Our [house-training guide](https://pawtrace.ca/house-training-that-actually-works/) has the full routine. ### 8. Crying at night and when left alone Ottawa Humane Society states that the first night away from littermates can be very stressful, and suggests placing the crate by your bed on the first night and moving it gradually afterward. Night crying in the first days is a normal reaction to a big change. Separation anxiety is different. Merck (U.S.) describes it as a syndrome in which a dog panics when left alone, with barking, pacing or toileting indoors, often most severe in the first 15 to 30 minutes after you leave. Start with [the 3 a.m. puppy](https://pawtrace.ca/the-3-a-m-puppy-a-sleep-plan-that-actually-works/) and [separation anxiety: prevention beats treatment](https://pawtrace.ca/separation-anxiety-prevention-beats-treatment/). ### 9. Growling in play Puppies growl and make dramatic noises during tug and wrestling. In healthy play the body is loose and bouncy and the puppies take turns. The Ontario SPCA contrasts this with a stiff body and hard staring. Growling over a chew, a food bowl or a resting spot is a warning. Do not punish it. Read [resource guarding: signs and safe first steps](https://pawtrace.ca/resource-guarding-signs-and-safe-first-steps/) and ask a qualified trainer or your vet for help. To learn what your puppy’s breeder did in the first weeks, see [early socialization programs breeders use](https://pawtrace.ca/early-socialization-programs-breeders-use/). ### 10. Humping Mounting toys, blankets and people is common in puppies of both sexes. We found no Canadian or veterinary-college page that gives a figure or a rule on it, so treat this as general guidance and ask your vet or a qualified trainer if it is constant, intense or directed at children or guests. Calmly redirect to a toy or a short break, and check that your puppy has had enough rest and exercise first. ### 11. Scratching, scooting and paw-chewing A little scratching is normal. Frequent scratching, scooting along the floor or chewing at the feet has several possible causes, including parasites and skin allergies, and only an exam can tell which. Your vet will set up a parasite plan for your region. Parasite risk changes with the season and the region; see [parasite prevention through the Canadian seasons](https://pawtrace.ca/parasite-prevention-through-the-canadian-seasons/). ### 12. Sleeping most of the day Young puppies sleep a great deal and can fall asleep mid-play. We found no Canadian source that gives a daily number of hours, so ask your vet what is typical for your puppy’s age and breed. What is not normal: a puppy that is hard to wake, floppy, uninterested in food or play when awake, or suddenly sleeping much more than before. Those signs call for a same-day call to your clinic. ### When to call your vet or an emergency hospital Call your clinic the same day, or a 24-hour hospital if it is closed, for any of these: - Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, or any blood in either. - Refusing food, lethargy, weakness, trembling or crying when touched. - Coughing, laboured breathing, or a pale or blue tongue or gums. - A swollen or painful belly, or repeated unproductive retching. - A seizure lasting more than five minutes, or more than one in 24 hours (Cornell, U.S.). - Any chance your puppy ate something toxic, such as chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medications or rodent bait. For poisoning, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (U.S.) lists a 24-hour line at (888) 426-4435 and says a consultation fee may apply. Your own vet or an Ontario emergency hospital remains your first call. Our guides on [emergency signs every owner should know](https://pawtrace.ca/emergency-signs-every-owner-should-know/), [toxic foods and household hazards](https://pawtrace.ca/toxic-foods-and-household-hazards-for-dogs/) and [when to go to a 24-hour emergency hospital](https://pawtrace.ca/when-to-go-to-a-24-hour-emergency-hospital-and-what-it-costs/) cover what to do next. ### Keep a puppy log For the first months, write down meals, toilet times, sleep and anything unusual, and film odd behaviours. A log helps you see patterns, and it gives your vet accurate information instead of a memory of a bad night. Cornell recommends recording what happened and filming seizures; a log is the cheapest test you have. ### Myth vs fact | Myth | Fact | Zoomies mean your puppy has too much energy and must be stopped. | Cornell (U.S.) says there is no known specific cause. Make the space safe and let the burst pass. Frequent zoomies can mean more exercise and mental work are needed. | Reverse sneezing is an emergency. | Cornell (U.S.) calls the prognosis excellent for most dogs and says no treatment is needed for occasional, mild episodes. Frequent or severe ones need a vet. | Any twitching in sleep is a seizure. | A seizure involves loss of consciousness, stiffening or paddling, drooling and confusion afterward. If you are unsure, film it and call. | Growling in play is aggression. | Loose, bouncy play with turn-taking is normal. Growling over food, toys or a resting spot is a warning to address with a qualified trainer. | A puppy that cries on night one is stubborn. | Ottawa Humane Society calls the first night away from littermates very stressful. It is a reaction to a big change. ### Frequently asked questions Is it normal for my puppy to eat poop? It is common. Merck (U.S.) says it can be a compulsive-type or a normal investigative behaviour. Clean up quickly, supervise in the yard and ask your vet to check for parasites and diet problems if it continues or comes with weight loss or diarrhoea. How do I tell twitching from a seizure? Cornell (U.S.) describes a seizure as loss of consciousness with stiffening and paddling movements, drooling and confusion afterward. A puppy that is easy to wake and alert is not showing those signs. If unsure, film the episode and call your vet. A seizure longer than five minutes, or more than one in 24 hours, is an emergency. Should I punish growling? No. A growl is a warning your puppy is giving you. Ask a qualified trainer or your vet for a plan, and read our resource guarding guide for first steps. My puppy gets a burst of racing through the house every evening. Is that a problem? Evenings are a common trigger for zoomies, per Cornell (U.S.). Check the footing, keep stairs closed and offer a chew or a rest afterward. If the bursts end in frantic biting, it may be time for a nap. Raise it at your next vet visit if it worries you. How often should a puppy go out to toilet? Ottawa Humane Society says at least every three hours, and no more than three or four hours in a crate under six months of age. Ask your vet for a schedule suited to your puppy. ### Keep reading - [Puppy biting and mouthing: what is normal and how to stop it](https://pawtrace.ca/puppy-biting-and-mouthing-whats-normal-and-how-to-stop-it/) - [Emergency signs every owner should know](https://pawtrace.ca/emergency-signs-every-owner-should-know/) - [Toxic foods and household hazards for dogs](https://pawtrace.ca/toxic-foods-and-household-hazards-for-dogs/) - [Choosing a vet and what the first visit covers](https://pawtrace.ca/choosing-a-vet-and-what-the-first-visit-covers/) - [House training that works](https://pawtrace.ca/house-training-that-actually-works/) ### Sources All links checked October 2026. Sources marked (U.S.) are American. - [Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: What are zoomies? (U.S.)](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/what-are-zoomies) - [Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Reverse sneezing (U.S.)](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/reverse-sneezing) - [Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs (U.S.)](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/idiopathic-epilepsy-dogs) - [Merck Veterinary Manual, pet owner version: Behavior problems in dogs (U.S.)](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/behavior-of-dogs/behavior-problems-in-dogs) - [Ontario SPCA: When do puppies lose teeth and how to help with teething](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/when-do-puppies-lose-teeth-and-how-to-help-with-teething/) - [Ottawa Humane Society: Tips for dogs (crate training, puppies, chewing)](https://www.ottawahumane.ca/get-help/pet-tips/tips-for-dogs/) - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (U.S.)](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control)