Is my puppy being vicious or just playful?

Question

Hey.
We have had our puppy for about 6 days now, he's a 9 week old Chihuahua/Jack Russell, and he seems to be biting everything, I came home from school and my mom was real mad because he's been biting her. Lately, he seems to be biting anything he can, just playfully I think, and we've been trying to teach him not to bite things he isnt supposed to, such as encouraging him to play with his toys and trying to teach him what 'no' means. He's been being quite vicious with his bites too, and he won't stop. We're honestly at our wit's end because we do love him but it's hard not to be mad with him when he's constantly biting us. Is this just his way of playing or is he quite an angry puppy? What do you suggest I do?
Thanks in advance
Michael

Answer 1

Actually that kind of dogs are like that they look pretty cute but they are not.
I think you should take it to a dog trainer.

Answer 2

All puppies go through this biting stage and they all outgrow it. But they do need to be taught that it's not ok. You need to be very consistent in not letting him bite you - say "ouch" with a lot of feeling, pull your hand away and make sure he has lots of things he can chew on. Stop playing with him when he bites - if you ignore him for a while until he's calm he will get the message. You have to stay calm too - if you get excited and yell, the puppy will get more excited.

It takes time to teach him but he will learn. You need to be patient - he's still a baby. He'll be teething until he's 4 - 5 months old and while he's losing his baby teeth, his gums are very sore and he'll be doing lots of chewing then. Try wetting, then freezing an old wash cloth and give him that to chew on - it soothes the gums.

Answer 3

I saw a segment on Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer,Picture the mother dog when the pups are getting to rambunkious she will lightly bite down on the back of their neck and hold them there for a few seconds and give alittle warning growel.So try this when your puppy starts to bite mimic your hand a dogs mouth put it on the back of there neck and hold there and give a warning SHHHH and the puppy calms down let him go.remember don't tell him he's a good boy or give him a treat, his reward is that when he's calm he gets released.I have a chihuahua and 2 jack russels, you have lot work ahead of you.In the end you will have a nice dog.

Answer 4

he is only playing and probably teething, he will grow out of it in about a year or so. sounds a long time ey? in the end its worth it just think a new best friend who will bring you things and someone you can teach tricks.
best thing to do is when he starts bitting get him a muzzle and put it on for about 10 mins. he will learn not to bite certain things and will eventually give over because he won't like the muzzle.

Answer 5

He is trying to show he is the alpha dog in the house. You need to stop this immediately or he will turn mean. Get a choker and a lead and do not let him off of it when he is around people. When he starts to bite tug the chain quick but firm and say no firmly. You will see in a very short time he will stop this behavior, then you will not need to have him on the lead any more.

Answer 6

All puppies bite, mainly because they're teething like a baby does. You can keep your puppy from biting by avoiding tug-of-war games and be sure not to tease him to the point of snarling. Should your pup start to nip, pinch one of its rear feet. They have a defensive reflex to withdraw when something unexpected touches their feet. Finally, be sure to avoid hitting or pinching the puppy's body, neck and head area (particularly the snout). This will only stimulate more biting.

Answer 7

Here are some links that will help you. It sounds like you've been really patient, and that's great - a lot of people have this problem with their pups. It's not hard to fix as long as everyone in the family does the same things to help your pup understand that he must not bite you. Good luck!

Answer 8

sounds like he may be teething, I have a 5 month old puppy who was like that for a few weeks. It just takes some patience and keep encouaraging him to play with his toys. I also went to the pet store and bought some bitter apple spray and would spray it on items she shouldn't chew and also on my hands. Now she she is doing much better and never nips anymore. Keep it up and be patient.

Answer 9

I had my puppy do the same thing. I think your dog will grow out of it just like mine did. This is a puppy so it just wants attention, and someone to play with. I thing someone should play with him a get him tired that way he will not bother you. Also the dog is still having his teeth developing. So it will chew on stuff. Hope it works out.

Answer 10

He is playing...he's "mouthing" one way you can try to make him stop doing it is...everytime he does it immediately refrain from playing with him...stand up...put you hads up in the air...turn ur back to him and leave the room...stay out of teh room for 10-30 seconds then return and continue as normal...if he still continues mouthing put him in time-out..(choose a dark room of ur house i.e. closet, toilet) leave him in there for no longer than 2 mins and make surethere is nothing in there he can tear up or hurt himself with ...dont let him out till he has stopped crying/yelping/barking and then continue with what u were doing...I know this sounds kinda cruel but its what my dog trainer suggested to me..hope it helps..in terms of other thing he's biting..get teh spray called:"Grannicks Bitter Apple spray" i bought mine from pets marrt...it works great i strayed it on my puppy's leash cause he was biting it...doesnt bite it anymore...u haveto reapply it everyday tho till they get the point

Answer 11

Your puppy is teething. Its not aggression. You need to get your puppy some chew toys so he can massage his gums. The biting will stop once all his adult teeth are in.