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

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

My Sasha went thru this biting period too and its all very normal.  What worked for me was a firm "NO" and I would get up and go behind closed doors.  So after a while she associated with biting meant Mommy was going away.  I was VERY dedicated to this and it finally stopped.  I don't know whether it was the actions or she just grew out of it.   I also replaced my body part that she was mouthing with a toy.  Doodles are VERY smart and he will get it sooner or later !!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Whew halfway through the next to last sentence I thought you needed to get a transplant : )

[Carol and Banjo]

: )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hee hee

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

BWAHAHAHAHA! ;)

[Robin and Libby Louise]

F, I thought the same thing!  :)

[BG and Gavin]

You have gotten perfect advice so far.  Gavin was worse in the evening (we used to call it the witching hour).  Time outs, yelping all helped.  Plus I used a knotted up cotton tube sock which I stuck in his mouth to occupy it before petting, brushing etc.  Dampen it an put it in the freezer as a good soother for teething.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Consistency is going to be your friend with this issue.  When I say that I mean each and every single person that comes into contact with your puppy must be consistent with the "this is not acceptable".  We just gave a firm NO and stopped and turned our back.  No running away or pushing away or anything like that as it turns it into a game.    Be sure to reward to good positive response.  We started from day one with the nipping and jumping and allowed neither.  (This is our second time around so we knew up front we wanted to nip these immediately).

[Miss Ellie]

Just keep reminding yourself this is only a phase. It really does pass. I know it is so very hard and can be a bit frustrating, but perseverance and consistency can work wonders. Hang in there:)

[Julie and Max]

It's really hard to not get upset, but getting upset with the dog like yelling arm waving and things like that just make him think you're playing. Yelping never worked for me I know it works for others but Max just thought I was still playing, but the time outs and saying no and turning my back with arms crossed eventually worked. Of course my hands and arms were sore from those razor sharp puppy teeth before Max got the hint but he did. Teaching a soft mouth can help too until he gets that it isn't acceptable. 

I found this blog really helpful

http://doggonesafe.blogspot.ca/search/label/puppy%20biting

I also found just knowing I wasn't alone helped me to have patience, that all puppies do it.

Hopefully you get it all figured out, good luck!