I have a 3 month old Lhasa puppy - how to train from biting?

Question

I understand that puppies bite as an expression of playfulness and communication, but his biting is getting worse and worse. Now he just wants to clamp down on you and not let go. I've tried telling him "No" and even tried to yelp in doggy talk as some articles suggest, but he just keeps coming back for more. Any tips please!

Answer 1

I've owned a couple of Lhasa's - they were not used as guard dogs they're used as centurion dogs, to alert their master of an intruder. The most effetive way to teach your pup not to bite is to wedge their lip under the teeth so when they bit it hurts - they'll associate hurting with biting your hand. Stop playing with the dog when it bites, and don't make eye contact - this does work! He'll learn that if he wants to play he can't bite hard - and certainly not your hand. It's also an immaturity thing, but your pup needs to learn that it can't bite people, but when they play with other dogs they bite each other.
However you choose to decipline the dog, make sure you're consistent and the dog will learn. Lhasa's are very stubborn and need consistency, they will test your limits!

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you cup your hand over the dog's snout and then push down gently for a second or two, WHILE you're saying NO in your mad voice. You need to do this the second that he even begins to 'mouth' you. You want his head to be down for a couple seconds so that he has to look up to see you. This is an expression of your dominance over the puppy that he should understand.

Playtime and / or attention should end immediately after he bites you, for a somewhat lengthy period of time. That will cement the fact that when you say NO the party's over.

If this doesn't get his attention, a sharp but gentle pat on the top of his snout along with the NO will further seal the deal. He will not be hurt, but startled, and that's the point. Again, you're trying to get him to associate that feeling and the big NO with the fact that he's bitten you.

If you can get this far, you can do what some other owners do, and try to expand the puppy's vocabulary. It's not a bad idea to say NO BITE when he bites, NO OFF when he's on something that he's not allowed to be on, NO DIG when he's digging up your carpet or under fences, etc. Get the idea?

A few more suggestions: Wear a pair of special gloves when you are playing with the dog, so that the dog associates the gloves with rough n tumble fun, and your bare hands with 'chillin' time. Also, get a crate that the dog can comfortably turn around in. There's nothing wrong with crates. Crates are really essential to all dog owners and even dog lovers.

Answer 3

He is grabbing your legs because he thinks you are playing with him. The baby teeth come out between 4 and 6-months-old, so trade your fingers for a bone, or toy, or carrot or something. Use garden gloves when you are training if you have to. For "no biting" I point at the puppy and snap my fingers and say "no biting" and when the puppy stops I praise him. I find that with biting I need to snap my fingers to get the attention and then the command. I address any behavior issues the second they start so the puppy knows I am serious. Some people whine or yelp if a puppy bites them, however, my puppies think I am playing when I do that, but if it works for you, do it. For grabbing the legs, I would also address it the second it starts, and point and snap my fingers, or use a clicker to get the attention, and then use a command like "shame" or "ssht". I don't use the command "no" as it comes up in conversation and confuses the puppy. I use different words, sounds, hand signals for each of my puppies, so if a command is not working change it. "off" "stop" "settle down" "behave" whatever works for your puppy and always praise when they do good so they know to keep doing good.

Answer 4

First off.. Dogs don't understand "time out". I don't know who came up with that one. Anywho.. Dogs learn first by touch. Simply saying "no" isn't enough. When a mother dog trains her pup that biting is unacceptable, she grabs him by the back of the neck until he submits to her. This is what you must do. When the dog bites, use your hand to simulate a mouth and touch him on the neck. In most cases, the dog will probably have a spasm of a sort, do not shy away from this, it is merely the dog protesting your correction of his behavior. Make the dog lay on its side and hold him there by the neck, using your fingers as teeth, not your whole hand. (This does not mean to be aggressive! Just assertive. You don't need to harm the dog in doing this, you're simply making him stay put. By doing this by the neck, it makes it impossible for him to turn and bite you in protest.) Do not let the dog up until it is calm and submissive. It doesn't matter how old they are, this is how dogs learn from pups. Once it is calm, firmly massage from his neck down to his hips. This shows the puppy that submissive behavior equals affection, while dominant or untollerable behavior equals repremandation. Naturally, you'll have to do this repetatively, this is how dogs learn. Also be sure the dog is getting pleanty of exercise! Puppys have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off, and if it isn't, it can and will result in negative behaviors. Daily walks are an absolute must to keeping a dog, of any age, happy and healthy, both physically and mentally. Best of Luck!

Answer 5

first you have to know the difference between biting and teething. if your puppy nips at you when he is teething it does not mean that they have a behavioral problem. do not yell at the puppy, just buy more toys for him to bite on. some toys do not interest some dogs so find one that your puppy likes to bite on. if the puppy is biting you then grab its mouth and hold it shut. then put your face about three inches away from his, look him angrily in the eye, and yell NO! (or another no biting command you want to use.) use this every time your dog bites you. another trick is to find a toy your dog really likes, and stick it in his mouth when he starts to bite. I hope I was of assistance. remember, it takes a while for certain puppies to learn things. be patient and be consistent and I guarantee you will see results

Answer 6

DO NOT YELP, he might think your just playing. But this might sound mean but my dog trainer told me to do this to my choc. lab/ rottweiler puppy so that he doesn't grow up being mean and biting but when he bites but do this only wile hes biting not after hes stopped. Stick your finger in his mouth and push down on the back of his tounge. At first dont push to hard to see how much pressur eyour dog can endure. if a little push doesn't effect him keep pushing harder till he realizes that his biting is hurting himself and stops. It seriously does work!!!!! And works well and quick!!!!!!! Hope this works and good luck. Remember though he's not gonna learn anyhting with out patience!! I've also got lots other dog training techniques so if u have any other questions just email me (in the subject line just write dog training questions) at [e-mail].

Answer 7

I have had a similar experience with my German Shepherd. When he bites on you, tell him "no bite" and put him in his crate (cage) and walk away and don't talk to him. Give him time to settle down and then try again. When he is good, praise him and act proud. It may take a few times, but he will finally get it. He will also start to outgrow it. It just takes time and patience. NEVER hit your dog. Remember, he is going to be your best friend.

Answer 8

Did you know that Lhasa's were actually used as guard dogs? They are not the little sweet things many people think they are. I have personally known 3 (different owners) all three of them were mean and would bite people. Again, people should research before they get an animal. Some people think they're fluffy little toys. They are not.

Answer 9

Your dog is probably viewing this as a game. When he bites you, fold your arms so he can't bite you and totally ignore him - don't say ANYTHING to him (not even 'no!'), and don't look at him. He'll figure out that biting = getting ignored, and he'll stop.