Teeth clacking?

[Bridget and Lupin]

Lupin (almost 20 weeks old) has been doing what I can only describe as "teeth clacking" almost since we brought her home.  Basically if we tell her "no" or correct her behavior she looks right at us and snaps her teeth together a couple times.  She has started doing it to get our attention and when she wants to play.  It doesn't seem aggressive, but its definitely bossy and I don't like it.  Anyone else experience this with their pups?  What did you make of it and did you do anything in particular to deal with it?  Thanks in advance.....

[GBK]

My Buddy used to teeth clack when he was a puppy and he WAS being naughty.  It usually came with puppy nips and bites.  He got timed out for it, it always came with an outburst of him being sassy and talking back at that time.

After obedience classes and finally growing out of that sassy puppy stage, he only clacks his teeth for play now.  Hurry up and through my favorite ball.  He is eight, and we haven't corrected for the clacking since he stopped with the puppy biting. 

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Gina, I'm having a hard time imagining Buddy as a naughty puppy. ;o) He's so regal!

[GBK]

That was the problem Bonnie, he was soo confident and a big butt head.  Snapping, nipping (hard), hanging from our clothes and playing tug with our pants and socks while we tried to dress.  It's funny now, but I was almost in tears some days. All I wanted was a loving puppy to snuggle up to, and what I got was an independent land shark who didn't want to be held or cuddled :)  It is true that puppies are that cute for a reason.....  We worked most of it out by 6months or so, and now we are inseperable.  He is now a momma's boy, a big snuggler and the best boy. 

[Bridget and Lupin]

This gives me hope bc Lupin is EXACTLY like how you describe Buddy.  I'm SO frustrated.

[GBK]

I sugest you get him into obedience classes as soon as possible Bridget.  Work him, it will be good for him.  I used to like to call our practice training "commercial training" .  While watching TV at night when the commercials came on we would go over everything we were supposed to practice for class, it is just long enough for their attention spans when young.

I also bonded with him using Tellington Touch, get the book from the library.  It teaches you small touches that relax your dog and help you bond.  Good luck!  It does get better....

[Bridget and Lupin]

We did a 6 week puppy class, which felt was insufficient.  We definitely need to do more with her.  I like the "commercial training"...very cute!  I've never heard of Tellington Touch but I will get the book and check it out...thanks for the recommendation.  She's my baby girl and I don't want to be mad at her!

[Bonnie and Kona]

That's just how I picture him! The best momma's boy ever. ;o)