If your dog could talk: the puppy.

by Pascale Saravelli, Social Dogs Mallorca.

A puppy is not a small dog.

You've just brought a puppy home. Everything is exciting. Their new bed, toys, collar, first lead... And almost immediately, the advice starts coming: "don't let him on the sofa", "teach him to toilet outside as soon as possible", “don't let him bite you", "he needs to learn to stay home alone." But among all this advice, we often forget something very important. That puppy isn't a small dog. He’s a baby.

And understanding that difference completely changes the way we support them during the first months of their life.

Their learning begins long before they arrive in our home. It starts with their mother and littermates. A calm, well-cared-for mother with good emotional well-being does far more than feed her puppies—she also plays a vital role in their development. During those first weeks, puppies begin learning about the world by observing her and interacting with the rest of the litter.

That's why weaning isn't simply about stopping milk. It's also a crucial stage of social development.

Through play, puppies learn to control the strength of their bite, communicate with others, cope with small frustrations, and understand canine body language. Separating a puppy too early can deprive them of part of this learning process and increase the risk of behavioural problems later in life.

Once they arrive home, another equally important stage begins: socialisation. Contrary to popular belief, socialising isn't about meeting as many dogs as possible. It's about discovering the world gradually and through positive experiences. People of different ages, bicycles, cars, hats, umbrellas, different surfaces, everyday sounds, veterinary visits, and other animals all help build confidence. Every positive experience contributes to raising a calmer, more resilient dog.

If you choose a puppy from a responsible breeder, much of this work should already have begun before they join your family. Good socialisation starts in the litter—not on the day your puppy walks through your front door.

The first few days at home also require patience. Everything is new: the smells, the sounds, the people, the bed, the crate, and even spending a few minutes alone. Habituation should happen gradually, allowing your puppy to explore their new world at their own pace while creating positive associations with each new experience.

Then there are the famous puppy bites. Yes—puppies bite. They bite because they're exploring the world, because they play with their mouths, and because teething can make their gums uncomfortable. Sometimes, increased biting is also a sign that a puppy is overtired, overstimulated, or stressed. Rather than punishing them, it's far more helpful to provide appropriate chew toys and make sure they're getting enough rest.

The same applies to toilet training. Accidents are a normal part of learning. Punishment doesn't speed up the process. On the contrary, it can create fear and simply teach a puppy to hide when they need to relieve themselves—or even to eat their own urine or faeces in an attempt to make the evidence disappear. Patience, supervision, and rewarding success are far more effective.

So, when does a puppy stop being a puppy? There's no single answer. Most dogs enter adolescence at around six months of age, but large and giant breeds may not reach physical and emotional maturity until they're between eighteen and twenty-four months old. Growing up takes time.

If you live in Calvià, you're fortunate to have an incredible variety of places where your puppy can discover the world gradually. Quiet walks, pine forests, town streets, cafés, markets, and even the sound of the sea can all become valuable experiences—provided they're introduced at your puppy's own pace and in a way that helps them feel safe.

Raising a puppy isn't about teaching them as many things as possible as quickly as possible.

It's about giving them the time they need to grow.

Did you know...? Puppies can sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. Many of those moments when they suddenly seem to "go crazy"—running around wildly and biting everything in sight—aren't a sign of having too much energy. They're often the exact opposite: a sign that they're so tired they desperately need to rest.

The adult dog you'll have tomorrow begins with the patience you give your puppy today.