Puppy Biting

[Emma Brown]

We have tried distraction with various chew toys, forcing/holding the puppy to lie down until he relaxes, taking him on frequent short walks but he is determine to play with us by biting.  Unfortunately, we do not have an older dog around that could teach Winston when he is biting too hard.  Any suggestions from other doodle owners would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I looked like I had been in a cat fight, the first few months after bringing Fudge home. I turned my back on her, just like I read to do, and then I would get it on the back of my legs. Bully sticks saved our life during this time. Joanne is right....it will pass. Fudge never does it any more. Our second dog, Vern, hardly ever puppy bites....he saves it all for Fudge. So, you could always get another dog :)

[Emma Brown]

Me too; my hands are have several bite marks most of which came by accident. I too have found chew sticks and use them and his toys to distract him but the little devil sometimes comes up behind me and nips at my legs and ankles. I will be glad when this passes. I wish I had an older dog to bite him when it gets too much!

[Kyoko]

I agree with Joanne... Puppy bite will pass in time. I remember Charlie nipping at my feet all of the time, thinking how terrible it is..... It hurts especially because puppy teeth are sharp !!! I don't think I would confront the behavior either, since Winston is just a baby....Just give him a lot to chew on, and really, it will simply passes.....

[Emma Brown]

Thanks for your reply and support. Yes, it hurts; those teeth are like little knives. I don't like the holding him down thing. It seems to make him more aggressive and he actually begins to snarl and growl and tries.. to bite even more.

[Emma Brown]

Do you remember how long or at what age this puppy biting stops? My only fear it that Winston will not learn not to bite people. We do not have kids in the house but I worry that he will playfully a small child in the neighborhood.

[Kyoko]

I used to call her " Sharky" because her teeth were like shark and it kept coming at my feet!! LOL ( You know now it's funny. But it wasn't then.) Once she got older ( may be 5 months or so) and continue nipping, I put her in time out by first blowing the whistle and leashing her up to the leash in the house, long enogh for her to sit, but too short for the lay down. She hated it so much, I only had to do it twice or so, and she completely stoped!

[Emma Brown]

Thanks for the hope I got from your response. I know Winston is just playing but I really don't like the snarling that accompanies the biting; it's just a bit too aggressive for my tastes. Winston must have been the "lead dog" in the litter. He certainly is head strong; much stronger a personality than I have experienced in the past. I know he will require more of my attention, persistence and patience to calm him down and make him a good family member. My biggest challenge is to make him aware that outside is for playing and inside is for calm. Because it has been so hot here in TN the past week we have had him, he just hates to go outside which also presents a roadblock to housebreaking.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would certainly give the pup a time out, crate him, if he won't stop when reprimanded or distracted.

[Emma Brown]

Time out in the crate works; when he comes out he just seems to turn his back on us, go to his favorite spot on the tiled hearth (where it is always cool) and sleeps. When he wakes up its gang busters again.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Good advice! I forgot about puppy time out. I needed it sometimes more than she did.

[Leslie J]

Puppy biting is important in the development of bite inhibition. A puppy who is taught not to bite hard develops a "soft mouth" and never bites hard as an adult dog- even if someone accidentally steps on her tail or a vet is administering an uncomfortable procedure.

We said "ouch" and walked away when she bit too hard. I kept her tethered to a piece of furniture near us, so we could walk away for a little while if she was playing too rough. If you can find another puppy or dog for her to play with that will help too- they will let her know if she bites too hard.

By 5 months, nipping was rare. Now, at 11 months, never. Hang in there, and help him learn to use his mouth gently.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/teaching-bite-inhibition

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[Emma Brown]

I went to Dog Star Daily and really found it helpful; in fact it is not a bookmark. Thanks!