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Original poster

How do you stop a puppy biting?

17 replies

onlygirl · 08/08/2010 21:43

He is an 8 week old lab he is gorgeous but his biting is getting worse.
He is house trained this is his only problem.
He nipped Ds2 today but gave him a scratch. The vet told us to do a high pitched bark at the dog when he starts biting but we're all going round barking and it's not really working. Any advice would be much appreciated.

OP posts:

daisydotandgertie · 08/08/2010 21:54

If he's only 8 weeks old, how long have you had him? It can't be very long.

Biting in puppies is completely normal - and necessary. Have a read of this and google 'bite inhibition'.

You're puppy is a tiny baby at the moment; he has a lot to learn about himself and what you expect of him. I would expect a number of nips and scratches to all of you over the next few weeks BUT it does get better, and it is no way an indication of a vicious or aggressive dog. It's a baby dog, who at 8 weeks won't even be that stable on his feet yet, learning what the different bits of him do.

Stay calm. Don't panic about it. Give the pup one of his toys instead of your arm/feet/trousers/shoes. Distract it with a game and when the pup starts to seem a bit hysterical, it's almost certainly because it's over-tired. Much like a toddler. Calm everything down and let the pup have a sleep.

mumtoallgirls · 08/08/2010 21:58

I'm glad youve posted this! i have a lab too and have been doing the bark then look away trick, but its not working.... if anything i think she thinks we've gone barking mad :)

i too would be grateful for any advice.

Original poster

onlygirl · 08/08/2010 21:58

Brilliant thank you. will have a look at that, I was worried because my two boys are starting to be a bit wary of playing with him!

OP posts:

daisydotandgertie · 08/08/2010 22:11

Oh - and have you got a kong yet? They're fabulous distractions.

Plug the hole at the end with a dab of peanut butter and fill with chicken stock and freeze - or some banana and freeze. There are many other suggestions for Kong fillers about!

Also, do you have a crate for your pup? A crate is a fabulous space for time out for the pup. It also means that you can leave the pup somewhere overnight, or for short periods of time when you have to go out where it can't hurt itself. Also a few minutes in a crate with a frozen Kong can really unwind a frantic puppy.

Original poster

onlygirl · 08/08/2010 22:15

That Kong looks like a good idea. yes we have a crate for him which has been used for time out!

OP posts:

lisad123isgoingcrazy · 08/08/2010 22:19

We have told our girls to turn backs and cross arms when he starts nipping. He also gets time out too. He tends to only do it when excited so we get the girls to sit quietly till he calms down.

How long you had him?

minimu1 · 09/08/2010 08:47

As everyone has said very common and they dog needs to be trained the correct behaviour. I do not recommend barking at them (one it doesn't work as you have found out but it also excites the puppy and that makes them nip more)

So as soon as the puppy nips stand up and turn your back on them. Depending on the dog say a large short "oww" as he nips you. DO not do this if it excites the puppy.

All as soon as the puppy has stopped or is sitting looking at your suprised continue the interaction.

If all the family do this the dog will learn not to nip. However do be aware that the puppy will be starting to lose his teeth and will need nplently of things to chew on over the next few months.

ditavonteesed · 09/08/2010 09:10

I have to say we did all of these with our pup, she would constantly bite dd2, she has totally stopped now, she is 5 months old and has not n ipped for at least a month. it does work, just keep with it.

Original poster

onlygirl · 09/08/2010 14:15

Thanks everyone. We have only had him for 2 weeks so will give these tips a try and see how they go.

OP posts:

lisad123isgoingcrazy · 09/08/2010 17:00

I am a little worrried that you were given a 6 weel old puppy, they really shouldnt be removed from their mothers and siblings till 10-12 weeks! This is where they learn about bite inhabition (sp?) and ow hard is too hard. :(

oxocube · 11/08/2010 15:01

Lisad, its not true that pups should stay with their mums until 10-12 weeks. Many breeders recommend pups going to their new homes between 7 and 9 weeks. After 10 weeks, I think puppies get a little harder to place and some books say, a little longer to train, as they have spent longer learning how to be with other dogs rather than people. We got our golden retriever pup at 7 1/2 weeks.I agree that 6 weeks is too young though.

onlygirl, our pup nipped like crazy for the first 6 weeks and is great now at 6 months. She is a real delight and the only issue we have (which we are addressing) is her pulling on the lead.

Original poster

onlygirl · 11/08/2010 18:44

This is our only issue with him, apart from this he is lovely and is starting to understand a few commands. DH has corrected me in saying that he was almost 7 weeks when we got him.

OP posts:

elmofan · 11/08/2010 19:08

You can get a spray in pet shops that deters a puppy from biting as it has a very bitter taste .

kid · 11/08/2010 19:34

I put mustard on my arm in the hope to deter moby from biting, he decided mustard was delicious though so licked it all off! I guess at least it did stop him from biting, briefly lol

elmofan · 11/08/2010 19:36

lol kid , Are you on holiday still?

kid · 11/08/2010 19:39

Yep and it's bloody azing here!
I've got as much food and drink as I want, superb hotel right by the sea, good entertainment, internet access and up to date photos of teddy!
Still counting down the days till I come home to get him, 10 days to go I remember when I had 6 weeks till I got him!

elmofan · 11/08/2010 19:48

I'm very jealous

Enjoy your hols because very soon you will be covered in puppy slobber lol

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