Biting, Nipping, Jumping, Aggressive

[Misty Roberton]

Well, it might be true... You're only given what you can handle. Siena (our 3 1/2 month old labradoodle) finally seems to be getting the hang of potty training. Yippee!!! I mean, we still have our accidents, but she has made leaps and bounds and I'm feeling so much better about it! So now, on to our next issue. I have 2 boys, ages 3 & 5. Siena is her most rambunctious in the morning (and after swimming or bath) and she has a terrible tendency to jump up on the boys usually with her mouth wide open and she "bites" them in the back or stomach, grabbing their clothes as she does. Mostly she has just ruined a few polo shirts and some pj's. But sometimes it's painful (not to mention scary) for the boys. The boys are almost always supervised with her and if not, it's only for a few seconds. But she does it right in front of me, even as I'm telling her no, growling at her, etc. The boys WANT to play with her and she WANTS to play with the boys. But this morning I had to put her in her crate until she settled down because she was being way too aggressive. Any ideas on how to stop the biting, nipping, jumping. I know she's only playing, but those puppy teeth hurt! :-) I clicked on one of the "Ads by Google" on the right side of the page and came across "Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers" by Katz... looked good at first but there was so much "selling" on their page that I'm a little skeptical. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!!

[Amber Rose]

I have small children too and Limerickdoodle (5 months) will do the same when he is hyper. What works for us is to take him for a walk right away after we wake up. If a walk is not possible then I throw a ball with him to spend some of his energy. If I cant do that even then I like you will crate or gate off Limerick until he settles down.

[Wendy]

My pup is only 9 weeks but I do have a 3 & 5 yo so I'd love to know how to handle this when it starts happening!!

[03pilqobzlvp7]

HI,
I read in "The Art of Raising a Puppy" that if a puppy was significantly misbehaving, like growling, being aggressive, or showing alarming behavior, that one way to show them that they are being inappropriate is to grab them by either side of their head (the scruff of the neck) and raise them up (front legs off the ground) so they are looking you in the eyes (you bend down also) and very sternly say 'NO.' You should hold this position until they are uncomfortable but maintain eye contact as long as possible. An alternative was also suggested for treating aggressive behavior is to slap them under the chin. It should be hard enough to make them whine a little. I know this sounds harsh. It's only supposed to be used when their behavior is really inappropriate. I hope this helps. That book is a really good resource.

[Adina P]

Just know that she is normal and it will pass and most likely it won't take a special training program. Oh YES training is important overall and having a class lined up soon or private trainer is a must have...BUT at this age prevention and management is key.

With puppy crated, sit down with your boys and have a little chat. The 2 & 3 year old will need constant reminders of the points of the chat, but your 5 year old may do great with the instruction. What you will teach them is how to "Be a Tree"
Here is a link to a similar discussion from the past: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/2065244:Topic:56092
My description of Be a Tree is in that discussion along with lots of suggestions from others too.

I would also keep a leash on her (cut off the handle so it doesn't get caught on furniture, etc) and pull her off the boys ASAP and redirect her to a toy or put her in her crate for a time out.

[Holly Southall]

I have used "Stand Like a Solider" with my kids and usually she will only jump once, they stand very still, and she stops when they are no longer moving. It definitely deters her. But it is hard for the 3 yr. old because Angel is old enough to tackle him. Prevention is better with him. We also have her drag a leash to get her off the counter and table.

[Amber Rose]

"Be a tree" works a bit with my five year old but my one year doesnt understand and is so little that she can be knocked down and hurt very easily.

[Amy]

Our puppy is about the same age. We found mornings before school to be a problem. my kids are 11 and 15 but she was still much more likely to bite them over me. We used the "ignore until calm" with some success and the leash in the house to pull her off. I also used the Gentle Leader harness on her in the morning (be careful to not jerk the leash if she is wearing it). sometimes we had to use the baby gate just to get everyone out the door without ripped clothes! it has gotten so much better now. I know it will be harder for you 'cause your kids are so young. Good luck,,,it will get better!

[Holly Southall]

I know what you mean. I have three children and about 3 times of the day Angel really wants to jump. Our trainers said that when she is overly hyper and jumps to give a firm "No" and put her in her crate to calm down. I do not have a crate handy upstairs, so I tether her until she calms down. Then I work with the jumping when she is with me.

In the mornings I reserve half of her food for using the treat ball. It distracts her during this hyper time and gets out some energy and she is not interested in the kids. She just wants to roll the ball all over the house and get her food.

I can not walk her first thing in the morning. But I do walk her in the afternoon and that helps get out energy as well and keeps the jumping down.

[Wendy]

Holly, what is a treat ball? I thought this was a great idea.

[Adina P]

Wendy there are all different types, but it's some kind of ball or cube with one or more holes in it. You put in treats or kibble and the dog has to roll the ball around for the food to fall out. My dogs love theirs. I reviewed one of these in our Reviews section. But there is the Buster Cube and other kinds!

[Misty Roberton]

Everyone has so much great information. Thanks so much to everyone who has replied. We will continue to work on it. She only has certain times that she is excessively rambunctious or aggressive... and I know a tired dog is a well behaved dog. So we are trying to keep her really active! Thanks again to everyone. I'll keep you posted! :-)

[Misty Roberton]

We bought a treat ball and are putting some of her morning meal in there. It has really helped. She still wants to jump, bite, etc at certain times, but it has really helped our mornings run more smoothly. Thanks to everyone for your replies!