My dog (6 week old puppy) is constantly biting at grass, socks, and shoes. Is this normal? and if it is, when will it stop? or can i train him to not do this?
2007-04-23 10:50:23 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, is there any chance you can take him back to his mom for at least 2 more weeks? He's really too young to be adopted away from his mom yet.
Second, yes, all puppies bite things. The best ways to teach him not to bite YOU is to always provide him with things he CAN bite, like dog toys, and put them in his mouth any time he touches you with his teeth, and if he does bite you, walk away from him for a minute.
The reason for walking away is to show him that you won't play with him if he bites. Don't hit him... it could make him learn to bite harder which will be a problem when he grows older.
2007-04-23 10:55:36 · answer #1 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is normal, he is testing the limits of his authority to see if anyone in the house is in charge. At this age, they respond incredibly well to proper vocalization. I'm sure that you have already used the 'NO' word to try to make him stop, well put the right tone of voice with it a hard,(almost a growl) but not loud (yelling, screeching and baby got a boo boo from you voices are all wrong). That's a hard, deep voice. If he doesn't stop immediately and look at you quizzically then put your hand on his little body, firmly but gently, move him away and repeat the word in the deep, hard, growly voice. If he does stop immediately or even if you have to move him give him immediate praise in a high, happy voice using whatever words you want to. Remember to pat him vigorously (appropriate to his size) and keep the happy voice going.
Now get some old tea towels or dish cloths and tie them in knots. Soak them down with water and put each one in a seal-able baggy and freeze it. You can now give the good puppy a frozen old towel to chew on(it's also great as a teething aid) and save your socks, shoes and hands.
Check out some local trainers and take him to Puppy Kindergarten the trainers will give you some great tricks to help you and your puppy through the next few months.
2007-04-23 18:37:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is called teething and can last for up to a year to a year and a half depending on the breed. When he reaches about 3-9 months it will be at its worst. It is best to ensure that if you arnt going to be around and like your stuff you place him in a crate if you dont want him to chew. (placing him in a room doesnt stop him from chewing, he might chew on any wood baseboards, carpet, anything he can get his teeth around could become a chew toy)
The crate is also the number one recommended way to potty train, and will help him learn to hold his bladder as long as the cage is only big enough for him to turn around and lay down. Never put food or water in the crate because your just making it harder for him to hold his bladder.
Never use the crate for punishment and put a towel or blanket over it, and he will LOVE that cage. My dog is crated when I go to work, and I open the door and he just stays laying down because he likes his cage so much, and randomly wanders into it if the door is left open when Im home during the day.
Even though your puppy might not seem like it will destroy much TRUST ME, the worst thing in the world is to come home from work and all of the sudden after weeks of the puppy not chewing anything your carpet is all chewed up. It can happen as the puppy goes from 3 months to its first year that it randomly turns on a household object for chewing comfort.
Caging him when not watching him will help decrease this, and protect him from chewing on something electrical that could kill him.
You can also buy a spray called "Phooey", and spray this on anything you do not wish for him to chew. There is another spray called "bitter apple" but some dogs like its taste so the phooey is better.
Buy him rubber chew toys, and ropes are great because they massage their gums and floss their teeth as they chew them.
Try to avoid the fluffy cute toys because they will be destroyed the fastest.
There is a wonderful toy called a treat ball, and it dispenses treats as it rolls and this should distract him from chewing if you dont wish to put him in a cage, but want to have him distracted from chewing.
Walking and exercising him more often will also help leviate the chewing because he wil have less energy to practice being naughty.
Hope this helps calm you chewer.
2007-04-23 18:23:12 · answer #3 · answered by neonorangcrayola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is absolutely normal. Puppies love to put things in their mouths, and sometimes these things can be dangerous. It is up to you to make sure that he doesn't hurt himself. When you see him chewing on things that he is not supposed to, firmly tell him no and then give him something that he is allowed to chew on. Puppies have to chew, they teeth just like human babies do, we just have to give them things that are safe for them to chew on. Do not give him Nylabones or cow hooves. I just came from a canine dentist, and anything that hard will crack the dog's teeth. There are rubbery bones that won't crumble and there are safe chew toys made especially for puppies. Just make sure not to give him anything small enough to choke on. Alot of puppies eat rocks, and this and socks can cause an intestinal blockage which may require surgery. So, make sure he knows what toys are his. And make sure to puppy proof your house. They will get into everything, but if you are consistent with him he will learn what he's allowed to chew on and you will both be happier.
2007-04-23 18:00:15 · answer #4 · answered by Bexx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Six weeks is too young to be away from mother.
Yes, it's completely normal...
It's like a baby. They don't know better. You can start training him, certainly, but don't expect him to learn quickly. He's a baby, still. Direct his attention to something else when he chews, something that's okay like a toy. Praise him for good behavior. Bad behavior should get a correction [taking his mouth from the object] and a firm "no" [don't yell].
Consistency is the best policy. Don't hit, don't yell, and he'll learn. Eventually.
Good luck.
2007-04-23 18:00:56 · answer #5 · answered by dark_reaction 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, for a puppy that young, it is quite normal. After all, he would have just barely been weaned.
You're going to have to train him, and meanwhile puppy-proof your home. Be patient: Right now, he's exploring his world. And later on he will be teething.
Get him things that he can chew on, and praise him when he does.
Good luck!
2007-04-23 18:08:01 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
RELAX, gosh nothin maijor! every pup goes through this its call teething its where they chew on everything it last maybe a few months but if u just go 2 the pet store and get some toys(rubbery)
and the dog will chew on that his teeth r just growing in even people do this
2007-04-23 17:59:49 · answer #7 · answered by tommy girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very normal. He is exploring his world, and puppies do this with their mouths. It's hard to train when they are so young, but if he chews something that isn't his, pull it out of his mouth and trade with something that does belong to him (like a toy). Make sure he has things of his own to chew on.
2007-04-23 17:55:36 · answer #8 · answered by JessRN 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is normal for a puppy your dog's age. They don't know any better (until you teach him) and also need something to knaw on because their teeth are growing in. Still, make sure you show him not to do it. Also, buy him lots of toys so he will play with his many toys instead of you belongings. Good luck!
2007-04-23 18:08:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is very normal for a puppy to chew on things. Puppies explore with their mouths beings they have no hands.
2007-04-23 17:54:55 · answer #10 · answered by Dressage all the way! 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋