biting..

[squigglyline~]

Okay, I think this might have come up a few times, but I'm really at nerves' end.

I've got an 8-week old puppy and the biggest problem right now is that he's biting. I know it's normal for puppies, but he seems to get seriously into biting at times.

I do all the screaming and yelping and startling to indicate that he's taking it too far, but that only makes him go at my hands and legs stronger, without mercy.


What can I do?

Thanks

[luvofallhorses]

What breed is your puppy? I would seriously look into obdience training for her right away! You have to let her know YOU are the boss, not her! We are having the same issues with our puppy, but it can be worked with.. the important thing is to socialize your puppy and instead of yelling at her that could be making it worse and say no firmly in her face everytime she bites. She could also be teething.

I doubt an 8 week old pup would be doing it out of aggression, she may just think it's a game but you have to let her know it's not a game because it will not be acceptable when she is all grown up and she really bites someone. How long have you had the pup for? Also everytime she bites, switch it with a positive thing like a toy something else to chew up. Crating may be a good idea too when she gets to be too much and give her a kong or something to chew on.

[squigglyline~]

Thanks for the response!

He is a lab/great pyrenees mix, but more of a lab. And we have had him for 2 weeks now.

We are currently teaching him the "no" (who would have thought) to which he (as of now) responds playfully, if not more agressively.

PS. This is off topic, but is it normal for him to be really hungry? We feed him 4 times a day about a big handful. He eats everything he can find.

[Giselle]

He's doing it because it's fun Stop making it fun. Remember, negative and positive attention are all good things in a puppy's mind. A stern "NO!!" sounds as happy as a "Aww, look at my cute puppy wuppy puppy!".

Rather than driving you both insane, simply leave the room whenever your puppy starts nipping you for play. If puppy tries to instigate a nipping/playing session, say "NO" and leave the room. When you come back into the room, give the puppy a stuffed toy and play with him that way. If he ever puts teeth to skin, say "NO" and leave the room again.

(and yes, it is normal for puppies to put EVERYTHING into their mouths. They're like young toddlers and explore with their teeth!)