Puppy biting

[IVFNewbie]

Hi! Is this normal for a puppy of ten weeks old?

Thanks for your useful and helpful comment @ALovelyBitOfSquirrel - what would I do without you pointing that out? Can't believe I thought it was a shark.....

Really don't think it's a problem that I'm concerned about being bitten hard and blood being drawn on myself or the DC. Plenty of people on this thread said it's painful.

I'm concerned about being bitten hard and blood being drawn on myself or the DC. Plenty of people on this thread said it's painful

It's true - it is painful. Puppies have teeth like needles and it hurts when they bite you - it's one of the reasons people don't recommend puppies and young children together, because inevitably the child will get bitten by the teething puppy and it won't be pleasant for them at all.

The best thing to do is be there 100% of the time - if you can't be there to supervise then the puppy needs to come with you or be crated somewhere safe away from the children. That's probably going to be the case for a good few years at least.

Wow, biting/nipping is normal but the scars in that photo from @lustforlife are crazy!

They won’t all draw blood, you need to stop whatever is causing the nipping immediately- so play stops, you stand up, move away from puppy, turn away etc

"Really don't think it's a problem that I'm concerned about being bitten hard and blood being drawn on myself or the DC. Plenty of people on this thread said it's painful."

Of course it's painful. Puppies have razor sharp needle teeth and aren't afraid to use them so don't be surprised if they draw blood from you a few times.

(And a cockerpoo/welsh terrier cross sounds like the biter from hell tbh lol)

Yes, normal although some puppies bite more and harder than others. This seems to be at one extreme of the scale.

Also, I would try not to allow it to continue to the point of causing that many wounds. There are a number of techniques, it's a bit of trail and error:

• some puppies stop if you keep your hand still and make a really high pitched noise. They are the ones that are concerned they may have hurt you, decide you are super delicate and stop.

• some puppies do well with lack of attention, so as soon as the puppy bites you remove yourself from the situation. Biting means no more play, life has consequences.

• distraction can work with some puppies. Focus their energy on some training.

• some puppies have a very strong need to bite. For these puppies you need to provide a suitable alternative. Have a massive box full of different chews and give them out liberally.