can anyone help me with my puppie's behaviour please!?

Question

i got a west highland terrior 5 weeks ago and she's now 12 weeks old but her behaviour is beginning to be a bit of a problem now.
anytime i'm around she keeps biting my ankles and shoes and trousers,when i get up in the morn,when i come home,if i just walk past she hops on me and hangs off the end of my leg and holds on for dear life ,growls and bites fairly hard.i've tried shouting at her which i know i shouldn't but it's so frustrating and it hurts although i know she's not being vicious,i've tried saying NO in a loud, stern voice but it makes no difference.
she doesn't do it to my boyfriend as much,does this mean she likes me more or she has more respect for him and none for me?
i'm really concerned about it,i just want a good dog who behaves and is fun and who can be like one of the family,i'm mad about her but i don't know what to do

Answer 1

well maybe your dog is afraid of your boyfriend and thats why she doesnt do it to him and she may like you more but she doesnt know she is biting too hard send me an email and i may get in more detail lol

Answer 2

You should get her into a puppy training class. Training is an absolute must for all dogs, and starting as puppies makes it that much easier. It will teach her and you how to behave and live together happily.

I can speak from personal experience. We adopted Hank at 6 weeks old went through that phase at about 12 weeks, also, however, at 12 weeks, he was 45 pounds. It was a very frustrating and trying time. We had just begun training when this began, and we were able to work with the trainer and nip the problems in the bud. We did a total of 3 training courses (about 20 classes) with him, and daily practice at home, and now at 15 months old, he is an absolute doll and very well behaved! Stick with it and be the leader and you will have a lifelong companion!

Answer 3

My pup did the same and it drove me mad because he ripped several pairs of trousers! I stopped it by shouting no! and not moving, just standing still. A moving pair of flapping trousers can be very very exciting for a puppy. I would push him away if he ignored me. If you push the pup away with your legs it will think you are joining in and get even more crazy. Use your hands and hold her stil until she stops. You will need to be firm and consistent. Don't move until she stops and only carry on walking when she is a bit calmer. If she starts again repeat the process.
Don't get too upset about this - you will eventually break the attraction of your legs and she'll be a very good dog because you love her. 12 week old pups are very cheeky and mischevious. When ever she starts be firm as you usually are - you'll get there in the end!

Answer 4

As a owner of two rottwielers and a lab, I've encountered all sorts of behavior problems. I often noticed that the animals respected a male voice, possible because of the deep tone and forcefulness. Women tend to be a bit soft and compassionate, so often not taken seriously, as with life in general.

I suggest to hold the dogs snout for a brief moment and sternly say "NO", too many words in a command will confuse them, and put them in a well suited dog cage for a brief amount of time, along with a suitable chew toy, such as a rawhide. This will give them time to think of their actions each time they are placed in confinement and eventually realize that there are certain things suitable for chewing and others are not. GOOD LUCK, the first year is the hardest, but with continual effort, success will reign. Having an area such as a dog cage has proven to be one of the best resources for training our dogs. They now enjoy having their own space, we usually just leave the door open and they gladly sleep with their own belongings.

Answer 5

Try filling a plastic drinks bottle with a handful of small stones to make a noisy 'shaker'. When the dog is doing whatever behaviour that you wish to rectify give the shaker a firm shake 3 or 4 times. The idea is that the dog associates the unpleasant but harmless noise with the behaviour and stops. Timing is important. To early or to long and the effectiveness is lost.

Answer 6

Top Tips for Puppies:

Puppies will bite when they are very young but should be taught from the start that this is wrong. If they bite you, say ‘No’ and put them somewhere on their own for a few minutes. Allowing them to socialise with other puppies will help them to stop biting, as well as ensuring none of your family members play rough games with the dog as this will encourage aggressive behaviour.

Dogs often jump up to greet the family or visitors. They are just being friendly but this should still be discouraged. Do not punish your dog if they jump up, but turn away and don’t give them any attention. Praise them if they greet you without jumping.

Training shouldn’t be a chore. When training is fun, it can be a good opportunity to bond with your puppy. Don’t make sessions too long; your puppy will get bored and you’ll lose his attention.
It is crucial to all training that you are consistent. Make sure all members of the family know what boundaries you are setting and that they stick to them. Choose certain words for good and bad behaviour. ‘Bingo!’, ‘Yes!’ or ‘Good!’ work well for reinforcing good behaviours, and ‘No!’ or ‘Wrong!’ for bad ones.

Positively reinforcing good behaviours is far more effective than punishing bad ones. Giving treats and praise when your puppy does something good will encourage them to do it again, while ignoring bad behaviour makes it unrewarding, so your dog is less likely to do it again.

Taking your puppy to training classes can have many benefits. As well as improving their behaviour, it gives them the opportunity to socialise with other dogs. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers can help you locate good training schools.

When house training your dog, try to become aware of when your puppy is likely to go to the toilet, such as after waking from a nap or when highly excited. At these times, take your dog outside and praise them if they do their business there. At other times, take them out once an hour. If they do have an accident, don’t punish them, but show them their mess, say ‘No’ firmly and take them outside.

Answer 7

dont worry this is normal puppy behaviour it does not mean she loves you more or vice versa,she is simply playing and treating your legs and feet like a litter mate.the best way to deal with it is everytime she does it is shout ouch loudly in a high pitched voice this is how her littermates would have reacted by yelping loudly and it would end the game.it may take a few weeks to reinforce this behaviour but dont give up.also try buying her some hard puppy chews like puppy kongs or puppy teething keys from good pet shops everytime she bites you offer one of these toys good luck.

Answer 8

I would talk to the vet and see if there is any dog training available in your area. They may be able to talk you thru some techniques that will help without you accuatly having to attend any classes or sessions. Good luck, we are getting ready to add a new member to our family soon, I have a feeling we will be going thru some of the same stuff..

Answer 9

I've heard from an animal behaviourist about this problem.the pup is just playing.my jack russell did this also.when it is biting at your feet etc you have to let a loud roar like ahhhhh.seemingly the pup then thinks it has hurt its mother the same when it was with the rest of the litter.you need to do this a few times.it does work if u keep at it

Answer 10

She's telling you shes the the boss. You have to find ways to show her that is not the case. A good book is communicationg woth your dog.
Recomedations. change slleping area to a different place each night. feed at different times.
I like the stare down. hold puppy in your hands facing you and stare her down do not look away or she wins. make her look away first and several times. that establishes your dominance over her in doggy language.
IF she has a biting problem. nicely hold her in the submission position (like a baby wtih underbelly up) one hand holding her mouth (jaws) closed comand in nice but firm no bitting.

Answer 11

My dog did this to me too (and still does periodically if I am wearing fluffy socks she likes) Your puppy is trying to get your attention and play. For a little while you might have to carry a water bottle around with you and spray the dog in the face everytime she attacks your ankles.