How do you stop a 9 month old puppy/dog from mouthing people?

Question

I have a nine month old hound cross just recently she has started to mouth people. She is not actually biting but I do not want it to get to that....Also I have two children so if it does not stop I will have to get rid of her. I am hopeing to break the problem first. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hi there, I am a Veterinarian Technician and a Dog Obediance Instructor specializing in puppies. Rottie's I hope I can help you! First of all, congratulations on your new puppy! How exciting! Secondly, I do have two suggestions/strategies to help you stop your puppy from nipping! It is good to know your puppy is only play biting (which is the case 9 out of 10 times), but please be aware if play biting is not stopped, it can lead to agressive/territorial biting even over something as silly as a sock they want to play with. I am also wondering if it is a quick bite or a clenched on bite, there are different ways to go about those. Anyways, luckily for you, it is not too late!! The first strategy I would like you to try is something littermates would teach each other when they were very young pups still with mom: Each time your puppy bites you I want you to let out that loud, earpiercing, yelp that I know you have heard from other dogs. That is how other dogs communicate to each other that the behavior is not acceptable. It is important that you don't yell, hit, or bite your puppy back (trust me, I have seen EVERYTHING!), instead let out a loud yelp. It might take a few times for your puppy to realize what your message is, but remember it is so so important to remain consistant! Don't yelp every other time she bites, yelp each and every time or you will leave your puppy confused as to why sometimes she can bite, and sometimes she can't. If that doesn't work (it really should if done consistantly!) then you can try to associate a word with a behavior and a consequence. Think when you try to teach your puppy to sit. You associate a word ("Sit!") with a behavior (when they actually it) with a consequence (a cookie, praise, rubs, etc. remember... consequences are not always bad! they are just a result o a choosed behavior!). So apply the whole sit concept to the biting. Your word could be as simple as "Ouch!" (say it sternly, you can use a louder voice, but don't yell) when she bites (behavior) and the consequence (as SOON as your puppy releases from the bite reward them with a cookie, praise, rub, etc. Again, it might take a few tries (ok, maybe a week, so again, stay consistant. If you feel like the cookies, praise, etc. are not working you could absolutely still use your word "Ouch!" and then immediately pick your puppy up (not in an angry way, just sternly) and put her into her crate for 1 minute. Go on doing your business as she is crated, ignore any barking, crying, eye contact. Then after the minute is up let her out and praise her! Each time you say "Ouch!" and place her in her crate she will associate the behavior (biting) with the consequence (crate). Dogs are smart and want to please, she will catch on! Just remember to stay calm and assertive!

Answer 2

I may sound like a terrible mother but all I did was put everything in the dishwasher. Doesn't that sterelize everything? Heck, With my second child I was using warm tap water in the bottles and mixing that with the measured formula. You learn to cut corners when you have no microwave to warm the water. I learned with my first child that I was starving him to death. He was drinking so many bottles in one day and I was told that he needed baby food to feed him baby food. Duh............ they were right. He goobled the food up and was drinking less formula at about 9 months. Try giving him maybe the first stage banana. See what he does. Use the dishwasher to wash everything. Is ok. My kids are 14 and 11 and healthy.

Answer 3

I'm a guy, and privately, I don't like long nails. I actually know a lot of like long, painted nails cause they're "so pretty", but I don't like them.

Answer 4

A little bit of toe nail is fine... but I agree together with you. Long nails are kinda gross.

Answer 5

There were two things I did with my puggle puppy to get him to quit mouthing me. Every time he put my hand in his mouth, I'd either pinch his tongue, or I'd stick my finger into the back of his throat. He learned pretty quickly that my hand in his mouth wasn't a very pleasant experience for him, and he stopped.

Answer 6

Whenever she tries to mouth, say "OFF" and tell her to sit. Give her a dog toy to chew on instead. Reward he for chewing on the toy. It is hard for children to train a dog, so you need to tell her "OFF" if she tries to mouth the kids as well. Be consistent and praise her when she is doing well. Read Dr. Ian Dunbars book "After You Get Your Puppy" for lots of great info on puppy training, especially on this subject. You can order it through Amazon, about $14.00. Best book you can buy. :)

Answer 7

She needs to be trained. When she does it gently push her away and say NO. She probably is just showing her affection for you. Get her some chew toys that well help.

Answer 8

A NICE SWIFT KICK IN THE A$$