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    Easy to please and entertain, dogs may seem like simple-minded creatures, but there's a lot more to those slobbery smiles and wagging tails than meets the eye. But, what could be more confusing than a full-grown canine? A brand new puppy. But fret not, new pet parents. With the help of some pooch pros, we've figured out some of the most baffling puppy behaviors.   

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    Why does my puppy lick my face and ears so much?

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    Puppy licking is completely normal and is a form of communication for these little furballs. If a puppy is licking your ears and face, it means that they are trying to tell you something (probably "Hi!"). This behavior was passed on from their ancestors. Wolves used licking as a way to understand one another and show that they were obeying. Puppies learn to lick from their mothers, and will lick their littermates. This helps with the cleaning process. (AKC)

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    My puppy LOVES to pick fights with bigger dogs on the street. What gives?

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    Although puppies may appear fearful of everything, that doesn't mean they can't defend themselves! The reason your dog seems like he picks fights with bigger dogs is because he is just trying to protect himself. Smaller dogs find bigger dogs scary, so their natural instinct tells them to be aggressive. With proper training, this behavior can be quelled. (Vetstreet)

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    My puppy keeps peeing on people who come to visit us. Why is he doing it and what can I do to stop it?

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    Dogs tend to pee when they are either scared or excited. You should try to determine which kind of peeing they are doing. This will help you figure out how to stop the unwanted behavior. When dogs pee out of excitement, they also show other positive behaviors such as tail wagging and jumping around. If they pee out of fear, they show submissive behaviors such as rolling on their back, pulling their ears back and lowering their head. In order to stop this behavior, be sure to properly house train and socialize your dog. (Vetstreet)

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    I feel like my puppy likes to have staring contests with me. Why? 

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    There are many reasons why your puppy is staring at you, but for the most part, they are for good reasons. Your dog's loving gaze may imply that he wants to get your attention, praise or direction. You will find that if you stare at your dog too long, they might begin to bark. This is because they either feel challenged or think that you are playing with them. But you should know that they aren't just doing it because they love you — it's because the want something from you! (Vetstreet)  

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    My puppy does not like to eat her food in the bowl. Rather, she will pick it up and eat it outside of it. What should I do? 

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    This behavior may seem strange, but it stems from their ancestry. When wild dogs found food, they would take pieces of it away from where they found it so they wouldn't have to fight anyone for it and so that they could eat it in peace. Even if your pup is the only dog in the house, they may still feel threatened and will display this manner. To fix this odd eating pattern, Vetstreet suggests using a plastic or paper bowl to eliminate noise. If that doesn't work, try giving your dog privacy when she is eating. (Vetstreet)

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    Why does my puppy hump while he plays? 

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    Puppies can begin displaying sexual behavior as early as four weeks of age! So, if you are seeing your puppy mount another pup during play, it's completely normal. Puppies do this for several reasons, not all of which are sexual. Your puppy may be humping another dog during playtime to be playful, to exert dominance or simply because they are excited. However, they can also be doing it to practice for future experience, to flirt with another dog, or for pleasure. (Everyday Health)

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    Why do puppies' hearts beat so fast?

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    Do not be alarmed when you begin to cuddle with your puppy and realize that his heart is beating way faster than yours. The normal rate for puppies is 220 beats per minute, whereas your average resting heart rate is 60–80 beats per minute. It will slow down when he gets older, but for now, this is a very healthy and regular heartbeat. (eHow)

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    Why does my puppy get hiccups? What causes them? 

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    Hiccups may be alarming, but it is a normal behavior in puppies. Hiccuping usually occurs after eating a meal. This happens when the muscles that control the diaphragm contract involuntarily. Hiccups can actually be beneficial and help your dog relieve gas or a stomach irritation. However, hiccups can also be caused by excitement, stress or fatigue. If you believe your dogs' hiccups are unusual, be sure to bring him or her into the vet for a regular checkup. (Petside)

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    When will my puppy lose her teeth?

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    At around the age of 4 months, puppies will begin to lose their 28 baby teeth in exchange for 42 more permanent and less sharp ones. While they may swallow a couple here and there, it is important to keep an eye on the adult teeth that come in. Sometimes, retained baby teeth can crowd adult teeth and cause misalignment, incorrect jaw development and infections. (Vetstreet)

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    My puppy hates to go on walks. Why is she so scared to leave the house?

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    Next: Why Do Dogs Do That?

    It is completely normal for a puppy to fear leaving his comfortable new home to enter the big, scary world. If you have the opportunity to bring an adult dog along on a walk, consider doing so! An experienced and older friend will entice and motivate your puppy on the walk. Begin by walking around in your own yard and then guide them outside of it. Remember to bring treats to reward him or her when they cross the line from home to the outside world! Another way to introduce her to walks are to take her around without a leash. This will increase her trust in you and will lessen her anxiety about the leash or the walk. You can also drop the leash onto the ground and have her follow you. (Cesar's Way)