I have a chocolate lab pup that is 10 weeks old now. When my pup engages in play, he likes to bite at my hands or arms. At first this seemed ok because pups will be pups, but now it's definately a problem with him, because it seems the only thing he knows how to do lately. I mean i can't even pet him with out having him sink his teeth into my arm or something thinking it's time for horseplay. I understand dogs enough to know that if you can find a way that when a dog does something he's not supposed to and ends up punishing himself in some way, he then learns from it and does'nt do it again, so the theory goes. Any suggestions or tricks are appreciated.
2006-12-19 13:08:10 · 12 answers · asked by Jon 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
say no, and stop the game. And wait for him to grow up. It's not uncommon puppy behavior.
Best of luck!
2006-12-19 13:15:14 · answer #1 · answered by Kareen L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your puppy is teething. It needs lots of things to chew on (or it will use your hand). First step would be to go buy several good chew toys. Also, your puppy has learned that it's OK to bite when playing. It's actually best to use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to train puppies. In this case, come up with something to say everytime the puppy bites you--"ow" can work, but they tend to respond mroe readily to something that sounds more like their "ouch" so something more high pitched would play on the puppy's instincts. Everytime the dos bites, make the noise, immediately draw your hands into yourself and stop playing. This way the puppy learns that his fun stops when he bites. Shortly afterwards (say 10 seconds or so) get one of the toys (ropes and stuffed animals work well for this) and go back to play with the puppy, but place the toy in its mouth. If it goes for your hand again, just do the whole routine over again. They learn pretty quickly to just bring you toys when they want to play instead of being really mouthy.
2006-12-19 21:26:13 · answer #2 · answered by CRF 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your dog is teething right now. if your dog bites you get a chew toy and let the dog chew on that well you pet it. If this continues when the dog gets older bite the dog in the ear. You don't have to do it hard just hard enuff to scare the dog. A first trick that a dog should learn is how to heel and sit and then stay
2006-12-19 21:18:40 · answer #3 · answered by james s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is say "no" and then put one of the dogs toys in his mouth to bite on. When he does bite or chew on it, praise him. You need to do it whenever he is chewing or biting anything you don't want him to.
Also, do not encourage that type of play. It sounds like you may have let that happen for a while, so now he doesn't know any better. Dogs learn from praising the actions you want them to do, not by punishing them.
2006-12-19 21:18:17 · answer #4 · answered by kmonnia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everytime the dog bites you, you sharply say no and give him a bone to chew on. Be repetative and he will get it. This will work also if your little pup goes to chew on your furniture, clothes, or shoes. Make sure you get toys that are for agressive chewing. Nylabone(Hercules or Galileo) toys are the best ones for labs. You should get a couple of different textures, so he doesn't get bored. Labs get bored very easily and will chew out of boredom, so letting him outside to run around will reduce this. And don't expect for him to stop chewing anytime soon, they can continue chewing up to 3 years of age because their teeth are still shifting.
2006-12-19 21:16:41 · answer #5 · answered by hazeleyedbeauty1967 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What worked for us was that every time she bit us when we were petting her, we would tap her on the nose and say NO, in a very stern voice. Don't yell too loud, just say it sternly. She learned after a while not to do it.
Also, since your puppy is still a baby, he still has his baby teeth, so chewing comes naturally to them, they need something to chew on to lose their baby teeth and make their mouths and gums stronger...so I'd suggest getting him a bone or a toy where you can play tug of war, that helped a lot with our puppy too. Good luck!
2006-12-19 21:15:41 · answer #6 · answered by speedy_me18 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "ouch" and leave him for a while. Then come back with a chew toy and encourage him to play with it. He'll gradually learn that it's not ok to bite people, even in play. It's important not to fuss over your dog whenever he bites. Sternly (but not violently) tell him that it's not acceptable and your dog will realize that he's not going to get any attention by biting you. Good luck!
2006-12-19 21:56:38 · answer #7 · answered by Ryder 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've worked with animals for my entire life. Discipline is necessary just changing the tone of your voice, not engaging in rough or antasnogic behavior to get the puppy started. Also you need to be consistent so they learn. Wish you luck.
2006-12-19 21:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by Laurie S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your biggest mistake was letting the puppy do this when it was young.
Now, you need to end the game as soon as the puppy/dog starts acting up. You stand up and walk away and ignore the dog completely for at least 5 minutes.
2006-12-19 21:22:37 · answer #9 · answered by Sas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only let him bite on skin, not clothing. Say ouch when it hurts, if he does it again say ouch and leave him. Repeat this getting more and more sensitive until the biting is barely felt. They learn fast if you leave them alone like their mother would. No clothes biting because you cant feel it and know to say ouch
2006-12-19 21:12:46 · answer #10 · answered by Ellieberto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋