Is this ok

[Stoney666]

myokay six month old goldie is doing well in training but he is still very bitey is this normal? It's only when playing when he plays tugging toys he likes to growl but doesn't mouth then.

Do you mean bitey with your hands or with his toys? If he's accidentally catching your fingers when playing I wouldn't be too worried- but try and keep the tug games a bit calmer/put toy on a long lead. I stop playing when my boy catches my hand but he's older and I know he knows better!

Let him 'win' the tuggy toy a lot, builds up his confidence through play, it will make him more likely to want to play with you, bring you toys ect. Also likely to make him less 'growly/possesive' with toys. I place so much emphasis on play, it's built a fantastic relationship with my dog and I. It also has helped massively with recall- even if scruffpup is off playing with other dogs, he comes back to me immediately when I call. After all I might have the magic kong Wubba Wubba with me, soooooo exciting!! Hth.

Thanks. I read somewhere (read so much ) that if a dog is still biting at six months you will have to call in behaviourists? He is biting hands does this thing with his nose to try and look tough sometimes but that's all

Be very consistent with how you stop him mouthing/biting. Move your hands away immediately, and give no attention what so ever. Stick a toy/chew in his mouth. Up the training, just short sessions spread over the day. When I make pack ups on a night I stand and practice 'stand' 'down' and 'speak'. Really wears dog brains out and keeps things calm. I never bothered with the 'ow' business, it's still attention and dogs can't speak English!

Stoney I read that too about needing expert help after six months - but my pup only just started 'getting it' about not nipping at six months....(I used technique Inthepotty recommended religiously for weeks and weeks) but in the last three weeks she has really improved. Now there's just the odd 'accidental' nip when we play with toys. Keep at it. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Take a look at her gums too, it made me a lot more understanding when I saw the sore gums and teeth coming through, give her lots of frozen carrots and put her chews in the freezer for a while.

The 'ow' made my dog even more hyperactive! but she hated didn't like being ignored.