I have a 12 week old shih tzu and his teeth have been coming in. What is the correct way to stop him from biting? He loves attacking the hems of jeans and toes. It is driving me crazy!
2006-10-16 03:05:05 · 14 answers · asked by mal_dawn 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's just playing and probably teething but it could definately turn into a dominance issue.
You need to make sure he has plenty of toys around and when he bites you, grab his nose and say NO firmly until he stops then hand him something that he CAN chew on. Also, if he wont calm down, roll him onto his back and hold him there until he stops squirming. He might yelp like you are killing him, but he's really just ticked off that you are holding him down. This is how momma dogs discipline their pups so he will learn really quickly about whos dominant. Don't hesitate though to keep doing that as he's growing up to show him whos boss.
2006-10-16 03:12:16 · answer #1 · answered by Erica M 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Since the pup is teething you need to get him/her something to chew on because just like a child the pup is having the same problem. Chew sticks, bones,etc. Now as he gets past the teething and still bites at your toes and hems he has to be broken of the habit and don't be afraid to spank him(gently) and after a wack on the behind you turn him around and tell him/her no harshly. After a few times on the behind(again gently, but enough to let him know u mean business) he will get the message and eventually stop.
2006-10-16 03:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by get the facts right 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be great if you could take him to puppy school, there's a lot for you to learn also...Basically, you need to show him it's not appropriate for him to use teeth on humans...If you ever watch dogs playing, you will see that they are very mouthy, they just learn to inhibit their bite so they don't hurt one another...Puppies need to chew a lot, therefore you need to provide him with good quality, interesting chew toys that he can chew on. And, whenever you see him chewing on the appropriate toy, LET HIM KNOW that he's doing the right thing, because he wouldn't otherwise know the difference between good and bad chewing...A quiet praise will do. And if you catch him chewing on your pants, or biting on your ankles, you need to stop the behavior AND redirect it...Try a little reprimand word, something that you can say without anger, like Eh-Eh, or Hey, something that tells him :"You have not done so well, let's try something else". Have him do something for you right away, like a Sit, and give him his chew toy. Show him consistently where to use his teeth, and where not to...Be consistent, but also fair and don't play rough with him, don't entice him to grab any of your body parts or clothing...Also, most of the unwanted behaviors we have in our dogs are a result of lack of exercise....Walk him a few times a day, but make it a workout walk, not a leisure walk, so he gets the best possible exercise for a dog...In the wild, dogs travel, that's their main source of exercise...
And, again, puppy classes will do you and your puppy a lot of good!!! You will learn a lot about canine behavior, and how to address good and bad behaviors. Make sure you choose a facility that only uses positive training methods, which will help you create a strong bond with your puppy that will last a lifetime!
2006-10-16 03:24:08 · answer #3 · answered by LilyF 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fluffernut and Melissa K are spot on .
Violence begats violence and adult dogs give lots of warnings to pups before biting them. Just think of the warnings they give us before becoming physical.
Smacking, holding muzzles, etc are so behind the times. Distraction and isolation/ignoring teaches puppies correct behavior. Specially with terrier types like shih tzus who can be snappy little dogs.
2006-10-16 03:44:56 · answer #4 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is normal puppy behavior. First try the loud, OUCH, that hurts.......and then leave the puppy alone. In the pack they quickly learn if they hurt a fellow member, they will be isolated. Second, have a chew toy handy and immediately stick that in their mouth instead of your hand. They have to learn chewing or biting is for toys. Third, this is a puppy trying to learn it's place in the pack, you have to be swift with your reaction that this is not proper. You don't need to hit, you need a way to let them know, this is not allowed.
2006-10-16 03:10:15 · answer #5 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, mom dog may bite her pup as a correction for biting. Guess what? You're not a dog, and your pup knows it! Besides, mom probably gave plenty of other warnings before getting to the point of biting.
Fluffernut's answer is right on.
2006-10-16 03:28:07 · answer #6 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try getting freezing wet washclothes. Every time your dog starts to bite, take away whatever he is chewing on and give him a frozen washcloth. He is most likely chewing because his teeth hurt, and the washcloths will help numb the pain.
2006-10-16 05:13:40 · answer #7 · answered by oracle062882 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try giving him a frozen wash cloth....soak it in water and freeze it. Then give it to him to chew on. Try putting bitter apple on your clothes when he goes to bite you. Many dogs don't like the taste of it and will stop biting. You can also try sharply saying "NO" and pull him off of your pant leg. Give him other options. Try differant toys, but not rawhide. Goodluck!
2006-10-16 04:14:56 · answer #8 · answered by cherrydevil119 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need are chew toys. Your pups are teething and what ever they can reach or grab hold to they usually bite on. Your pup's aren't biting you they want to chew,
2006-10-16 03:22:10 · answer #9 · answered by Shay~Shay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when he starts this behavior tap him in the bridge of the nose with one finger semi firmly. adjust for his size. don't hurt him and say no. Give him something to bite of his own. Gotta nip it in the bud while a pup.
2006-10-16 03:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by sunbunnie72 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋