Comprehensive Mouthing/Biting/Nipping Discussion

[Bonne Bouche]

Here is a list of past discussions on puppy mouthing/nipping/biting. I think this is probably the most common and widespread issue among doodle puppies, and particularly of concern to those with young children.

 

Mouthing.

More Mouthing,

Still More Mouthing,

Even More Mouthing,

Mouthing and Age of Puppy,

Mouthing with Kids

 

Recent discussions 2013 - 

When does the biting stop?

This question is asked by nearly EVERY doodle owner at one point. Because it is so commonly asked, those of us who are well past this stage, often do not respond to everyone's individual post. By keeping the individual posts down, and centralizing the discussion to a single thread, I think it can be the most helpful for everyone.

I highly suggest reading through some of the older threads for feedback. If you find things you like, you are welcome to copy and paste suggestions into the comments below, and continue the discussion here.

I am also happy to add things here, some of my personal recommendations are:

1) EXERCISE -- doodle pups need LOTS of exercise, at 4-6 months bb was getting 4x 30 minute play sessions outside with frisbee, tennis ball, etc, and 3x 20 minute walks, not to mention indoor play, too.

2) leave the leash on -- BB had a leash on around the house every moment for his entire puppyhood. 

3) Crate - BB is most "fussy" when he is over tired or over stimulated (new place, new people, too much attention etc.) This still happens occasionally he needs a "time out". After his time out, he is no longer 'Crazy dog'. He settles VERY quickly because he knows he needs it. DONT be afraid to crate when both of you needs a time out.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Thanks.  I will check it out. 

[Kathryn digregorio]

Hang in ,  it is well worth it.  These little Doods are difficult and lovable.  Like you I was all cut up lost many clothes and even took pictures of my holey clothes.  It does get better,really does.  Turning your back and ignoring is the best thing to do.  i carried bandages with me all the time and even rapped my hands in elastic bandage to prevent biting.  At around 6 months it begins to improve.  Breezy is 14 months and is still very oral, but has a soft bite and is a way of interacting with me I guess,but is ok.  They are great dogs and will grow up.  Good luck.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I appreciate the encouragement and support.  I have had some of the most wonderful dogs through my life.  I was always the woman in town with the one dog who was so well behaved, I was discouraged by shop owners from obeying the 'no dogs allowed' sign on their doors.  And, I've raised three children.  Lots of experience!  Never, in my wildest imagination, did I think I would have such a difficult time with a puppy. Even my beloved Basset Hound who used to eat EVERYTHING including the carpet, seemed easier because she wasn't always biting at me and my clothes!  It's humbling.  Only other Doodle mums get it.

[Evelyn Sorensen]

Our first doodle  was the same way , she had a heck of a time with teething , every time she would loose a tooth she would have blood all over her face and toys . The nipping was so frustrating to say the least  I thought it would never end . We kept our hands away and didn't give her a chance to nip them . lots of toys and bones helped . She seemed to grow out of it when she quit teething.  We now have our second pup and she is now 8 months old and has never  even put her mouth on us let alone  nip us .  It sure was nice not having a pup  that didn't bite you . Hang in there 

 

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

It depends. At one point in George puppyhood, she would get really excited and run around at bedtime and try to bite everyone, she was tired. We would get a bone/antler/bully stick and put her in the crate with it. We would almost always find that she hadn't chewed the bully sticks, because she instantly fell asleep. She was exhausted and her puppy brain didn't want to miss any excitement. If it's not past 8 at night or about nap time anyways, and you want to discourage biting something that worked extremely well for us: breath spray. The kind that comes in the teeny tiny bottle at the pharmacy. It's inexpensive and small so we kept multiple around the house. When George would bite we would spray her mouth and tell her no bite. Our Juno thinks the breath spray is tasty so we try to hit her nose (like the citronella collars) but have barely had to use it. She's not a bitey puppy. She does get the late night zoomies though, and we have the same solution. Crate with a kong. Or take for a walk.

[c zoomer]

Hi all,
Last night at puppy school we learned what to do about puppy mouthing. It was a life saver for me and Dinah-saur. They told me that I should always have a toy in my hand to divert her attacks. Her biting and pantleg attacks was ruining our relationship. I woke up a 2 am and she wimpered softly. No sooner did I reach out, she began biting my hands. I tried several toys with varying success., but when I got to a beef tendon it was successful. She chewed without attacking my clothes. Then, she settled into my lap to chew on her treat and didn't leave. I was joyful. Later that morning it was a bit more difficult to keep a chew toy in my hand as she went for my pj bottoms, I noticed the biting/attack was not as intense. All in all, I consider this new technique to have enhanced our relationship.

Separation anxiety. She was already a confident puppy, but I made sure that I took 2 weeks off from work and went in and out of the room, then various minutes out of the house, and last as much as her potty limit.

Another technique I am grateful to the puppy classes was to get her to look at me buy giving snippets if her treat when she did. Because I was in a chair and she was looking up, she and the other dogs would naturally sit. They did not want me to use the word, though. It was a different conditioning that was more her idea ( fancy name I can't remember). Anyway,Nashe is 11 weeks today and she is an excellent pup, but I need to learn a few things!