puppy with biting problem...suggestions?

[Melissa Farber]

Our little over 4 month old goldendoodle puppy has developed a bad habit of biting his people when he's excited and playing. He bites our hands, arms, legs, clothing, pulls hair and will not stop once he gets in this mindset. No amount of corrective or disciple action seems to work, all of which seem to excite him more. We've tried a spray bottle, can with change in it to shake at him, newspaper, yelling, nothing seems to be working. We tired leaving the room and ignoring him which seems to have an effect, but it's getting old leaving the room so much. Obviously, puppies go through different stages one which is biting, but it seems to be a lot and he won't stop once he gets going. Any techniques or suggestions are appreciated! thanks

[F, Calla & Luca]

When Luca got like this it was like a toddler getting overtired. I would put him in his crate or tether him to a doorknob. He would have a snooze and become delightful again.

[GBK]

I did this with Buddy too!  Time outs got the message across.....

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sounds pretty typical, although some, nip more than others.
Patience and consistency ( I know, easier said than done) are key and as F suggested, a timeout to calm down.

[Diane and Alma]

When he nips, say a loud "YIP" then stand up, fold your arms and turn your back until he settles down.  We did this with Alma and it worked.  We learned this from a trainer that we found through our vet.  I also like F's reply.  Otis is super cute! 

[Jen W]

This is what worked for me, too.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Worked for me too. But I had to leave the room for about 30 seconds for her to really get it.  Any longer than that and she was no longer sitting there wondering where I went.  I would come back, arms folded and not looking at her.  She eventually got it.  If she drew blood, I'd come back and sit in the corner 'licking my wound' appealing to her empathy.  She really seemed to care that she had hurt me.  Now I can't even remember the last time I had to employ any of these tactics.  Every dog is different.  You may have to try all sorts until you find what works.  I found that saying, 'NO' just fueled her fire.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Oh, I just remembered something else.  When I would return to the scene of the crime, I would crouch down and let call her into my space again.  Then I'd let her put her mouth on my hand again but I would softly tell her, 'gentle' and she appeared to understand.  She followed up with much softer pressure. 

This conversation has me amazed at how  much she's grown behavior-wise. I actually still have a scar on one finger to remind me of how trying some days were.  I guess it was about 6 weeks ago. She only wanted to play and I pulled my hand away - mistake.  Those razor sharp baby teeth went into my finger like a box cutter. 

I'm actually able to wear my housecoat downstairs in the mornings.  She doesn't attack the flowing fabric or the dangling belt.  Ahhhh!  I missed my comfy housecoat for a while.

[Melissa Farber]

haha! Thanks Deb, great advice.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This is pretty much what you get with that age.  I'm sorry. We have ALL been there.  It passes.  Its why they make puppies soooooo cute.... because this is a tough stage. 

Just know, it passes. 

Dont play tug, just give him an antler to chew and  give lots of time outs for yourself. 

[Debbie Daniels]

lol absolutely on them making puppies so dang cute !

[GBK]

Buddy is Soooo lucky he was Adorable :)

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

I like the "Yip" response, even our vet does that.  When she is examining a dog that does that she makes a sound that sounds like a pup that just got stepped on, the dog backs right off...it is how they let their littermates know that it they are playing too rough.