Do I need to be worried about my puppy’s biting?

[dangermouseisace]

We have a mostly adorable 14 week old labradoodle. I know puppies mouth, but ours has actually bitten a couple of times. As in growl, then bite. First time was when I speedily removed him from a late night interaction with our pet rabbits outside, which I felt was understandable, but this seems to have expanded into growling/attempting to bite when I’m trying to pick him up for any reason where he wants to do something else. Eg if he needs to go up/downstairs. I’m working on this by using treats, advance warning I’m going to pick him up and moving slowly. This is going ok- I think. I’m following kikopups advice on puppy mouthing/biting for everything else, and I’m making sure that he can’t actually get to the rabbits to chase him until I’m confident he won’t (which may well never happen!).

2nd time was at the groomers. I went to pick him up...apparently he was growling, snarling and tried to bite the groomer! This surprised me, as he gets brushed daily at home (with treats) and paws cleaned etc and I don’t have a problem. The groomer said he needed “a firm hand”. I’m hoping she meant consistency.

Otherwise he’s friendly with other people, usually displays his best behaviour around my children, friendly to other dogs etc. He’s bright, enjoys training and is doing really well with walking, recall etc. I think he is a bit scared of some situations though. He used to shake when I had to carry him around when I first brought him home, and I don’t know if the growling when picked up etc is just a continuation of this, and maybe the groomer was just another scary situation.

I don’t want to be one of those owners who is adamant their dog can do no wrong though. This is our first dog, so I don’t feel I’m qualified to know whether we have a problem or not, or whether we need to see a behaviourist.

[BasilTheGreat]

Forgot to say, I also do. as mentioned here, slow moving, ignoring and removing hands and that combined with the above is working great!