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Biting: what’s normal and what isn’t?

2 replies

Howmanysleepsnow · 04/04/2021 13:46

DPup just nipped DH while he was fussing her. He says she’s going to be dangerous when she’s bigger, and that she’s badly behaved. She also bit DS this morning while running around with him: not a “proper” bite, more nipping at his clothing in excitement and accidentally catching him.
I assumed it was just puppy behaviour/ over excitement but DH thinks otherwise. How do I help her stop? She doesn’t try to do it to me so presumably knows she shouldn’t.
I’m the one who does 99% of training/ feeding/ walking though, and she always behaves well for me (as in not nipping, but also as in dropping things when told, walking to heel nicely 95% of the time, coming when called, staying etc). She’s less likely to listen to DH.
She’s nearly 15 weeks. Is this normal? Is it something I need to work on more? If so, any tips?
We also have another DDog and she tends to mouth at him when playing. He’s old and sensible so I’ve mostly left it to him to tell her to stop when he’s had enough if they’re playing. Was that a mistake?

OP posts:
dogadviceplease · 04/04/2021 13:47

Normal but needs to be discouraged. Don't allow the nipping, remove your hands and stop the play immediately until the puppy calms down.

sunflowersandbuttercups · 04/04/2021 14:10

At 15 weeks, biting and nipping is totally normal - please don't worry on that front.

However, you do need to be consistent and work on it - as it can become a problem as their adult teeth come in, and everyone in the house needs to treat her in the same way if she bites. In my experience, the best way is a sharp "ah ah!" and stop play. Stand up, turn around and fold your arms. Avoid eye contact.

Some recommend squealing loudly but it just wound my puppy up even more as he thought it was a game. Another option is time out behind a baby gate or in another room with the door closed.

Your DH is overreacting BUT it's not nice to be nipped at and bitten by any animal, even if (logically) you understand it's just a puppy/teenage thing. Puppy teeth are sharp and it does hurt - mine bit me around the same age and drew blood. It was just play, but bloody hell, it really hurt Grin

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