Frustrating behavior at 6 months!

[Deb]

After having a wonderful experience with crate training, house training , socialization etc. we suddenly have hit a bump in the road. Boomer is 6 months old now. Puppy teeth are gone...but he is now really mouthy. He bites down HARD! I have black and blue marks on my hands and arms. I can't figure out what triggers it. He does it regardless of whether he's tired, rested, bored, active...he just suddenly starts to attack my hands and arms. He's a little better with my husband. I am the primary caregiver. I have read all the things about what to do...nothing is working. I know it's puppy behavior but it is so trying! I feel like a failure all of a sudden when everything had been going so well! We've tried yelping, crating, restricting him with a leash, offering chew toys etc...HELP!!

[Deb]

Thanks everyone for your advice. This site is so helpful! Now if I could just put a picture of Boomer up for my profile picture! I'll keep you all posted on our progress. It helps to not feel alone in this journey!

[Stella]

I had to spray my arms, hands and legs with Bitter Apple to stop Hartley from biting me when he was a 'teenager'. I would go to work with my arms covered in bruises!! Be consistent, keep at it, go to training classes, lots and lots of exercise .... it will get better!!

[Karen and Matti]

We have the same problem too... Mostly it's when she has a lot of energy.  I did find that if I don't pull away or react she lightens up but I know how you feel.  I am hoping it's a phase like a 2 year old finding new boundaries.  Right now she doesn't want to listen to "no" like she did before.  She is very smart so I think she's just being "willful"....so like you, any tips would be very welcomed!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

A lot of them do go through a teen age period where they challenge you.  It reminded me of my son when he hit middle school!! Lots of exercise -- free running, retrieving, puppy playmates at this age will exhaust him and help a lot --combined with a training class.  Because they are so darn smart, they can be willful but the  work you put in now will pay off. A lot of us like Doggie Dan the online dog trainer.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think that since it is difficult for you to get out to obedience classes that you could probably learn a great deal from Doggie Dan as Cheryl mentions.  theonlinedogtrainer.com          You can make sure that you are doing the 5 golden rules for becoming the pack leader and then you can research for specific issues that you are having.  We have  6 year old and a 1 year old doodle and we have been learning a great deal from Doggie Dan.  Also, maybe a couple days a week at Doggie Daycare might help with a little of the energy as well if that is an option for you.

[Karen and Matti]

Good info thanks everyone.  Soooo glad to know it's not just me or just Matti.  She is such a sweet girl but I do need to be more of a leader than a "mom" to her....the comment about the pack was great to hear again.  Thanks!!!!!  Of course you know mom will still show up every once in awhile :o)