I have a 9 week old american bulldog boy. How do I get him to stop biting my wife and I?

Question

Hes a good dog. Does everything outside, doesnt bark, likes to play and sleep all day. I cannot get him to stop biting my wife and I. He thinks our hands are chew toys. I have tried being mean, nice, ignoring, distracting. But he continues to bite. This is a problem, because my inlaws are constantly complaining about it. I can defend him by saying he is a puppy. But that isnt going to work forever. Anyone who trains these types of dogs, or someone who has some experience with these types of dogs. Please write back. I NEED HELP!!!

Answer 1

A stern NO. Then get up, walk away and immediately leave him by himself somewhere. Just like a child throwing a temper tantrum, they won't do it if they get no attention.
Don't be mean, nice, distracting, and ignore. That sends mixed messages. Puppy thought - "Something different happens when I bite, let's see what happens this time."
Be consistent and PATIENT!
I know, easier said than done.
.

Answer 2

This was/is a problem I have with my American Bulldog puppy. I have found that simply repeating "NO BITE" in a stern voice, removing my arm from her mouth and continuing to play works well with her. She still will forget sometimes when we are playing but a stern reminder puts her right back on track. These dogs have very sensitive feelings and you will find that they don't react well to being yelled at or physically disciplined in any way. It's a matter of consistency and repeating yourself EVERY time you see the behavior. My pup is now 6 1/2 months old and the behavior has diminished drastically from when she was 8-12 weeks. Don't give up! I've had dogs all my life and although this is my first American Bulldog, I'll never have another breed of dog...They're awesome and they learn quickly!

Answer 3

HE is a puppy for sure lol. What worked or me was this:when my puppy bit me, I would say no! or tssssk, then i would make a big deal out of it and say OW THAT HURT!!! Then immediately give my girl a chew toy ( preferably one that was cold) and say chew this not me! Then when she chewed on it, I gave her lots of praise- good girl-nice girl. In a few days they will start thinking- these humans skin is so delicate i better be careful! Believe me- it works, and puppies will learn fast with diligent training. DO NOT let it go one time if he bites you, even if you are playing or if someone thinks it is cute- that will send a mixed message to the pup, and you will have to begin training all over again. oh, my girl is a pitty- very well trained, and very much loved- she is my only daughter lol

Answer 4

Our male dobe was the same way. I'll catch it from all directions with this one, but this is what worked for us and our dog (who is now 92 lbs, imagine if I didn't get him to stop).

I know it's just play, but damn those needles hurt, and if you don't get a grip on it now, someone could get seriously hurt.

As soon as the teeth touch you, pinch his lip and with a growling voice say "NOOOO BITE" and push him away with the same hand. At first it is going to be like a challange to him, and you might have to pinch a little harder each time. Even if you have to make him yip a little....
This simulates a correction of disapproval from the pack leader (you).

Answer 5

When he bites you yelp out in pain. This is how puppies know they are biting to hard in their litter. When you yelp stand up fold your arms, and don't look or talk to him. Puppies hate to be ignored, and he will see he doesn't get to play or get attention when he does this. This may take a few weeks, but you will see he will slowly stop this behavior. Also make sure you have lots of different textured toys for him to chew on like hard rubber, soft, and bones..When he bites you when you yelp and are standing up give him a toy to chew on. I carried one around for two months with my last puppy. Good luck and yes its normal puppy behavior, your in laws with just have to deal for a short time longer.

Answer 6

What you need to do as soon as he bites you stand over top of him (him between your legs) and talk to him and put your hand over his mouth and discipline him saying "bad dog", "don't do it again". Only hold your hand there for a few seconds or until you think he is ready to calm down. If this doesn't work(try a few more times) consider going to an obedience school.

Answer 7

Good grief - all puppies go through this stage!! Now is the time to teach him what "no!!" means. Use it, consistently, he'll learn. You could also try yelping, or saying "ouch", but whatever you do, you need to do it consistently. If he won't stop, ignore him. He'll learn that if he bites, he gets no attention. All puppies go through it and all of them grow out of it - with training.

Answer 8

I have taught puppy classes for years, had mouthy dogs and the fastest most effective way to get them to stop is the "Ouch!" then ignore method. One variation is after the "Ouch" give the dog something he IS allowed to chew. Consistency and perserverance are what will stop it. This also means not playing with him in a fashion that gets him excited so he will mouth. You can also try spraying your hands with something that tastes nasty. With hands I suggest you start with plain, old, nasty Listerine. If that doesn't work you can graduate to the bitter products.

Answer 9

When your dog bites you, don't get angry, give him a chew toy and pet him. If you don't have a chew toy near you, if you whimper or yelp like a dog (I know this sounds so stupid, lol) then he'll stop and usually perk his ears. This tells a dog that he is hurting you. Try it, you'd be surprised!

Answer 10

Get him a chew toy. He's teething and it feels good to his gums to bite. Its also a sign of affection for a puppy that age.