Puppy attacks me during walks- help!

[Puppy Madness]

Ernest is almost 4 months old, and generally does well walking on a leash.  However, it seems once every couple days we will be walking along as usual and he just starts attacking me for no reason.  He is getting bigger and taller now so it's getting harder to deal with.  He has ruined countless T-shirts, and tonight my arm/hand is the sorest it's ever been from his bites (his jaws are getting stronger!).  When this happens, it seems there is nothing I can do.  I firmly say "no" and stop walking until he calms down.  Tonight, I swear we were standing in the same spot for over 10 minutes while he attacked and would not calm down.  I seriously almost cried, due to embarrassment, and the fact that his bites REALLY hurt.  Does anyone else have to deal with this or have any advice??? 

[Kimberly Cook]

I would not necessarily let him have the stick. I would hold it tight and when he went to jump and bite I put the stick in front of him. Did anyone mention neutering yet? This may also help. This is my land shark when he was 4 months. He is biting his leash here. Later that day he got the back of my jeans and put a hole in them >:/ . Those puppy teeth are so sharp. He is so much better now. We also tried the Pet Corrector for nipping. It worked at first but he got used to it quick as some dogs do. Penny can still works though we don't need to use it much at all. ;) Chopper still mouths but does not bite down hard so he has learned bite inhibition.  It still sounds to me like normal puppy behavior on his part. They can get pretty worked up sometimes. There are many excellent suggestions here. Definitely get with a trainer as soon as possible. If all else fails maybe we can chip in and get you one of those police dog protective training suits..lol..j/k. Hang in there. He will get better with some good training and lots of loving. :)

[Rebecca bratter]

We had the same problem with Madiba but at 4. 5 months she's rarely doing this anymore.  We bought this weird toy, its a stuffed squirrel attached to what looks like a fishing pole.  We dangle this in front of her sometimes when we walk her and all she can focus on is the squirrel and she walks in straight line.  I think the key is to always have something for them to carry in their mouths, it's part of their job.  The squirrel thing is made by kong and while you will look silly walking around dangling a squirrel fishing pole in front of your dog, you will be relieved of having a dog hang off your pants as you try and walk her. 

[Becka]

If you have a picture of this, you must post it! ;)

[Sandra]

yes i agree please post although the treats are working for us  he is 3.5 months so maybe just a little longer

[Rebecca bratter]

Will do :)

[Kelly & Zoe]

I know this is an old thread but we also have the tail chaser and I *love* using it - best toy we've bought by far (and I'm embarrassed to admit how much we've actually spent on toys).  We also use it as an exercise toy in the backyard - it expends a *lot*of energy!

[Dynamite & Doodle]

If he's generally doing well on the leash and this is not happening every time I would take a look at what might be different. Maybe he's too tired or hungry to walk? Recently had shots and not feeling great? I think sometimes we fall into a trap thinking we have to walk the pup so many times a day, but if he's not into it, it's asking for trouble.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I was taught at Quincy's puppy class to make walking a training experience.  Use Easy Walker Harness and keep the leash taut so that he is by your side.  Fill your pockets with kibble and feed him from your hand with your arm by your side so that he gets used to looking up at you during the walk.  Praise him and if you are coordinated enough ( I was not) use a clicker each time you give the treat. I make a clucking sound and say "Good boy" He will learn that being by your side, looking up at you occasionally, is the place he wants to be.  At first it will be almost continuous feeding, but it will gradually decrease.  I mix in Zuke's small treats in with kibble for some interest!  Our pockets are always full of kibble and Zukes! He won;t bite on a walk if he is busy walking and munching on his treats.  

If he is jumping up-he as too much lead. 

good luck!  

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Wow. I know there are a lot of different ways to do things, but that seems very complicated and dependent on things like the special harness, treats, clicker, etc. I'm pretty good at teaching dogs to walk nicely on a leash and honestly I would never recommend all that. In any case if you are going to use markers like a clicker or a clucking sound you will need to charge them first.

[Becka]

This is also how I was taught to teach Sadie to heel, and I was never coordinated enough to do it properly. More power to Lori if she was able to make this work with Quincy--I thought my head was going to explode before we figured it out!

[Vivian & Mojo]

I never had a problem walking a puppy or dog either until I got my doodle puppy and the harness made such a difference and now that he is totally trained and walks well I still like the harness, best thing I ever bought.  Every puppy is different and if something like treats and a harness can help I think its an excellent recommendation.

[Sandra]

I am going to try this  already taking some treats and that helps so more should be ok

here is to hoping it works