how can I stop my 8 week old puppy from biting-he is malicious, not just nipping.?

Answer 1

Puppies in general have a very strong need to chew, some more than others. However, it needs to be controlled. But be sure you are providing a proper outlet for chewing, such as gumabones, etc. as you work on controlling the problem chewing.

Some ideas for discouraging finger chewing: when your puppy clamps down, let out a very loud YELP in imitation of a hurt puppy. Then, fold your arms and ignore him for 10 minutes. With very young puppies, this sometimes works wonders - it's the same thing that happens when they get too rough with another puppy. The wounded puppy yelps and runs off, refusing to play for a bit. The yelp must be startling enough to stop the behavior. If nothing changes, you probably weren't a good enough actor.

However, depending on your pup's personality, this could also incite him to become aggressive and chew all the more (thought bubble: "I've wounded her, I'm going in for the kill!") In that case, you may need to use some aversive methods. A first approach is to try Bitter Apple. Use it liberally, and not just a light spray. If you make a big impression the first time, it's likely to have a better effect. (If you doubt that, give it the lick test yourself!!!)

Some puppies need more. It's helpful if you could enroll in a puppy class designed especially for young puppies in order to get the proper guidance, because it's sometimes difficult for a novice trainer to recognize when aversives should be escalated. If you are reading the puppy wrong, increasing aversives could actually make the problem worse instead of better.

To introduce an element of "natural discipline", grasp the recalcitrant pup by the scruff of the neck with one hand, place your other hand over the top of his muzzle, gently pressing his muzzle towards his chest as you say, in a low, growly tone of voice, "No BITE". If they begin to throw a tantrum and thrash around trying to bite, just hold the line until they "give in" and "say uncle" (quit resisting). You should not find it necessary to get aggressive with a young puppy. Simple restraint is usually enough to get the message across.

Absolutely do not use any stiffer discipline without guidance from an instructor. An example of overkill is the alpha roll. Most young puppies simply do not need that level of discipline, and you can really damage the relationship by using it. (Job Michael Evans himself stated, before his death, that he regretted that they ever covered that subject in How to be Your Dog's Best Friend, because the alpha roll has been so grossly misused.)

Answer 2

Honestly you have to get a bit ruff with him and judge by his size how hard of a "good slap" whould be sufficat to scare it but not actually do brain damage. sometimes it really is time for a spanking. I have a 6 month old puppy and she gets a bit *hyper* in the nipping too a little bunt , just enuf to let her know that you didnt like that helps her to learn how far is far enuf. Oh and buy plenty of things that it can chew !!! so that it does have something it can bite. or give it a old shoe or tie a old rag or sock in a knot for it to play with.

Answer 3

Actually, ignoring it is sometimes a good solution. If you yell at him or smack him, he'll think you're playing with him.

I don't think an 8 week old puppy is "malicious". Rambuncious, maybe, but he isn't intentionally trying to hurt you. He is probably a very assertive personality who wants to play. Channel that behavior into something positive. If he bites your hand, replace it with a rag bone or a pull rope and play tug of war with him. Pretty soon he'll start bringing you the toy to play with!

Answer 4

Everybody has their own method for this, and none of them, so far, are wrong. Myself, I "thwap" them on the nose. My puppies are quite small, being Boston Terriers, and a good little "snap" with my thumb and fore-finger is enough to startle them out of the behavior without hurting them. A larger puppy may need a bit more, just don't hurt him! Get his attention, nothing more. Then, immediately redirect their attention with a toy and praise them profusely. Also, check out the training websites that people are offering you, as I am sure they are quite helpful as well... This sort of training is very important and should be done right away.

Puppies that age do *need* to chew because of teething and play-fighting (which is Nature's way of learning to be a predator). Just direct it to appropriate outlets, such as toys. Make sure they have plenty of things around that are okay to bite. "Remove finger, insert toy..." *heh*

Good luck!

Edit: And good grief! Always listen to Chetco. I don't know where Chetco keeps all of that info, but it sure is impressive! Thanks again! I wish I could organize my thoughts that well...

Answer 5

teach her NO SKIN!!! get her used to being touched everywhere, eye ridges, ears, toes, butt.... you should be able to put your hand anywhere on her body/face without her reacting.. my pup is 3mo. we are still working on it. but now she will self-correct, when she knows she has nipped skin.. the only time it all goes out the window is when she is over excited, then i remove her from the children/house until she calms down.. if by chance she gets too excited and tries to nip i use that" tone of vioce" and say NO BITE!!! she will stop whatever shes doing and look at me.. THE other thing we have done is give her a SUBSTITUTE CHEW......while sitting with her on the floor petting and touching[get her used to it]]] is give her any other toy to hold in her mouth while you do it.. i keep a pile of several toys next to me for this...also forgot... feed by hand, open palm so she cant get a finger.. peanut butter works well cause it has to be licked.. then, my daughter thought this was funny, smear peanut butter on the kids hand and yours, palms flat yours on bottom, childs on top. lets the dog know child is safe, your hand is there to do immediate correction if u need to..my hand first , then together, by the end my daughter can do it herself, and pup know food, nice, no bite, and all is ok...................

Answer 6

He's most likely teething. When he bites you, scold him and tell him NO then immediately give him a doggy toy and praise the hell out of him. Keep doing this and he will get the message that he can only play and bite his toys and not your hand.

Answer 7

You have an agressive dog, and that will never change. All you can do is make sure he knows you're the Alpha in his pack. That means you have to be more aggressive than him. If he bits, smack him. Just make sure you don't hit him too hard. He will learn, and if you don't over do it, you won't make him skittish.

Answer 8

Begin puppy training.

Answer 9

Use bitter apple spray on your hand and let him bite it. he will findout that he doesnt like to bite you. Do it a few times and he'll learn.

Answer 10

Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water and spray him with it when he tries to bite.