devil dog!

[diane silver]

Emma is really being rambunctious and I'm wondering if I'm doing or not doing what I should. She's nipping at my pants, biting and drawing blood, and just being so crazy! I've tried spraying, holding her mouth closed and growling "NO", and just about everything I can think of to inhibit these behaviors and am just hoping that she'll be able to grasp my corrections very soon (she's 10 weeks old tomorrow). I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and frustrated right now and welcome your suggestions, comments, support, etc.

[diane silver]

Now that Emma is a year old, things have definitely improved and my household and I are much calmer (and happier, believe me). However, having said that, she still is a "work in progress," meaning that she wants to chase and nip my grandsons and I believe it's because she considers them littermates and thinks they're playing. But be patient and I guarantee you that your puppy will outgrow the "devil dog" stage. I started using lemon juice when she was biting and that seemed to be the only thing she didn't like! Also, I really believe that they don't quite "get it" until they're a bit older. I now have started using a silent dog whistle at the park when I want her to come, which Emma definitely responds to now, but there was no way she would have even three months ago. Good luck, and let me know how things are.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Oh, I am so glad I found this post!! I was just about to post something exactly like this! Angel is currently acting like a Fallen Angel! (Ok, not this minute -- right now she is collapsed in her crate asleep) but as of yesterday, she has been running around like a little loon, biting my heels, growling and grabbing everything she can. So glad to know it's normal!

I need a way to drain her excess energy. But at 9 weeks old, she is too young for much. And it's too hot for a walk, even if I did want to risk the Parvo. (I took her around the cul-de-sac where I and no other dogs live, and she kept ducking into the shade. The pavement was too hot for her paws.) Any suggestions for energy release in the heat without the option of parks, walks, etc?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Get another dog LOL :) Before Peri and my chihuahua Tacky started playing (which totally wears them both out), I would wear her out with games of fetch. She loves fetch, tug-o-war, etc...my husband and I literally sit on the floor and throw balls for her for 20-30 minutes. This gets some energy out. We also put a baby gate to keep her in the den area where we play with her most. Not as much running around and chasing her.