He doesn't play rough, but he bites pretty hard. I've tried to hold his mussle toward his chest gently and say "no biting", but he thinks i'm playing with him, so he'll begin to play with my hands, jump on my hands and bite my hands harder. I've tried to stop playing with him for a while when he starts to bite, but that doesn't seem to help wither. Almost all of the techniques I've tried, he thinks it's a game and continues to play with my hands instead of listening. Any suggestions?
2007-03-14 15:51:45 · 9 answers · asked by cael 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ah, terriers. So sweet, yet so nippy. I am assuming that this is a normal case of the terrier-bites, not a behavioral disorder. So, you have to teach the puppy the way dogs teach each other; pretend that he has hurt you, and stop playing.
You are playing with him and he bites a little too hard. You make a high squeal of pain (like a puppy) and quickly pull your hands away as if you've been hurt. Then, give the puppy a short time out; either put him in his bed, or walk away for a few minutes (depending on how much you trust him, of course!). Don't be mean, don't yell or anything, just indicate that there can be no playing if he bites too hard by giving him a minute alone. When he bites too hard, the game is over -- the only punishment is that you aren't interacting with him. Then, when he has calmed, you can start playing again. When he bites too hard again, repeat. It can take a while, but this is the most effective way, in my experience. It takes persistence, and a little acting skills, but it is the healthiest way to train him.
Dogs are very social animals - more so than humans - and learn through social contact. If you teach the dog that having social contact with you involves rules, then the dog will come around. Terriers in particular, with their wonderful big personalities often have issues trying to dominate their owners as puppies. So, its important to make it clear that you decide when play starts and ends!
Good luck and I hope you enjoy many happy years with your new friend!
2007-03-14 15:55:04 · answer #1 · answered by coreyander 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When my Blue Heeler<1 yr. April 16,07> bites while playing, we say loudly "Ouch!" or "OW!" while looking her in the eyes and say
Also keep in mind that all dogs use their mouths, because it acts as their hand.....It's the only way they can pick things up...
2007-03-14 16:08:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a Jack/Rat terrier what a combonation lol, mine had the same problem, but quickly learned not to bite, how you may ask it may sound funny, but you have to show the dog who is the alpha. Every time he bites bite him back on the ear, just hard enough that he yelps a little, it doesn't hurt them just shows them you are the alpha. After a few times of this he will learn not to bite.
2007-03-14 16:01:51 · answer #3 · answered by frog72084 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another thing that helps is making a fist. This makes it harder for the pup to bite then replace your hand with a toy, and give lots of praise when he does well.
2007-03-14 16:11:22 · answer #4 · answered by haair 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah the girl above me is right but it might also just be teething and will get out of the habit as it grows older so I wouldnt worry so much same happend with my chihuahua you might want to buy him some chew toys or give him some old stuffed animals
2007-03-14 15:57:56 · answer #5 · answered by suggie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
every time he bites or nips turn around and show him no attention no matter what ur doing. he will learn he gets no attention when he bites and that he does not like ur reaction
2007-03-14 15:56:13 · answer #6 · answered by utopia760 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you can tap him on his nose hard and firmly say NO or spray him with a spray bottle filled with water, lemon juice, or bitter apple.
2007-03-14 16:58:31 · answer #7 · answered by cnhanna87 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of puppies nip, just because it's how they test their limits. it's what they would do if they were still with their litter mates.
you can try squealing really loud when he does nip, it's how his litter mates would tell him that he's bit too hard. yell out "ouch!" and then firmly say No.
2007-03-14 15:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by booda1113 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get a can with pennies in it and shake it when he does wrong including bite you.
2007-03-14 15:58:41 · answer #9 · answered by christy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋