How should I play with a 9 week old pup?

Question

My family has just got a 9 week old puppy of terrier/toy poodle ancestry. He was the biggest in the first litter of a submissive mother who took ages to wean them and was weak on discipline.

He is very bitey when playing. I've been trying the yelping method for a few days, but should I yelp when his teeth touch my skin or only when it hurts and should I yelp when he bites my clothing?

It sometimes works, but often either excites him, or he just ignores it, especially when he's really excited. He doesnt seem to care that much if I yelp or scold ("NO") him, or if I walk away (which I do if he's in a frenzy). Also, am I teaching him I'm submissive?

One guide said not to play tug-of-war or chase games as it encourages biting, and ball throwing games result in either him running off with the toy or fixating on my hand waving the ball and going for that instead, so what other games are there I can play?

Answer 1

You're doing everything right, but can I add one suggestion? After you yelp, GENTLY roll him on his back and hold him there untill he calms down, dont yell at him, just stare him directly in the eyes the entire time. After he calms down, praise him. This shows him that you have total control over him and he gets rewarded for submitting.

Answer 2

of course he's bitey--he's a puppy. biting is what they do. dogs love tug of war and they also really like chasing, both you and any balls or toys you might throw. so he runs off with it--so what? small as he is, how far could he get before you caught him? he's young. it'll take him time to figure out how fetch works and to realize that the ball is much more fun out of your hand. whether or not you "encourage biting" he's going to do it. that's a dog thing. i say go ahead and do all these things with your new puppy. guides are not going to raise your puppy--you are. if you both enjoy the way you are playing, who cares what some book says? you need to form a close bond with your pup now, and play is one of the best ways to do that, regardless of how you're playing. forget the book and just play with him.

Answer 3

First of all, your puppy is behaving totally normally! All puppies this young go through this biting stage. You just keep on doing what you are doing - sounds like you're doing everything right. Walking away when he just won't listen is a very good idea. You just need to remember how very young this puppy is. At this age, it takes them quite a while to learn anything. You just need to keep being very consistent - keep on saying "no!!" - he'll eventually learn.

You can play ball with him, maybe just be quicker to throw the ball. I've always played tug of war with a toy like a rope with puppies - you just need to teach them to bite the toy, not you.

Keep doing what you're doing, your puppy will outgrow the biting stage!

Answer 4

Not sure my dog loves tug a war and fetch and most of all she love for you to chase her and then she will turn around and chase you. I would say when the pup is mouthing on you tell if no in a firm voice and put a chew toy in it's mouth so it understands your hands are off limits but the toy is okay. If the pup keeps on mouthing just walk away and do not talk to him or look at him.
Good luck

Answer 5

It sounds lke you are doing fine. Just remember that he is just a baby. It will take some time to get the responses you want. All puppies need to play and chew. It is their nature. Have fun.

Answer 6

In every dog litter there is a pack leader and a loser. YOU have to show your dog that your the pack leader. You have to control the time you play, anonce when play time is starting, and over.
Yes, u have to yell out that ur hurt when the dog bites u, I meant bits any where of you. shoes, clothes, ect. I have two Jack Russell terrier, they're crazy like hell. ^_^
well, if you like my answer, ples click on my display pic and check it out. tx ^_^