and she likes to bite when she's playing...sometimes she plays too rough....and sometimes she'll even growl at us...what do i do? i dont want her to grow up to be mean....
2007-06-20 14:25:35 · 7 answers · asked by Itsjustme 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The first answerer was right, in a way. If the puppy got taken from its mom too early (before 8 weeks) than it didn't learn valuable skills about biting and pack order.
I'm assuming this is puppy play biting, not aggressive biting. If it is aggression, you need to see an animal behaviorist, not Yahoo Answers! When the puppy bites you, squeal loudly (like a puppy yelp) and turn your back to the puppy and completely ignore him for at least 3 minutes. Once 3 minutes are up, go back and play like nothing happened. If you have trouble ignoring him, tie a leash to a piece of furniture and have it be the time-out leash. When he bites, squeal and without talking or anything, put him on the leash and ignore him. By doing this, you are immitating what his litter mates would do if he bit them too hard. They would yelp and refuse to play with him anymore. If this does not work after several weeks, you could fill a spray bottle with half and half vinegar and water and spray him IN THE MOUTH when he bites. Lemon juice also works. Be sure that you show him his toys and what he is allowed to play with once you stop ignoring him. Good Luck!!!
2007-06-20 15:31:18 · answer #1 · answered by Lauren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When she bites you, you should yelp loudly (like a puppy would) and stop playing with her for 5 min. The yelping is how puppies teach each other that they are being too rough. Sorry, but I don't agree with holding her mouth. Also I would suggest that you read a couple of books on dog training, such as "The Culture Clash" and "The Dog Whisperer" both teach positive training techniques. If you have a chance, take your puppy to SPCA training classes, they are great. I used to volunteer and help in these classes and can tell you that they are very effective, for both dog and owner. Good Luck!
2007-06-20 21:40:41 · answer #2 · answered by bfiori 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, if she is a month old that means she is only 4 weeks old and way too young to be from her mother. I hope you meant she is older.
Right now your puppy is using her natural instincts. Puppies growl, rough play, and bite. They did it with their siblings and their wolf ancestors did it. It is part of being a dog. It does not necessarily mean she will gow up to be mean but if you don't do something to show you are alpha then it may cause problems in the future. Pitbulls are working dogs who require a lot of exercise and firm but fair training. If you are not experienced with these dogs then you should seek advice from a training expert. For now, show simple obedience techniques. If she tries to bite scream something like "oww!". If she tries to play too rough do not add to it by wrestling or tug of war. Reward her for good behavior.
2007-06-20 21:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by greyfluffykitty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When she starts biting too hard just tap her nose lightly and tell her no! Then stop the play to let her settle down a little before resuming.
Playing rough is part of a pit bull's natural they play rough. So you are going to have to learn how to play rough with them.
2007-06-20 21:34:31 · answer #4 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whenever u play with her and she growls or bites grab her muzzle and say no in a strict voice.
train her well!!!
2007-06-20 21:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
whenever she bites or growls lightly grab her moth in your hand and hold it shut lightly flick her nose and say no in a stern(not yelling) voice.
2007-06-20 21:30:59 · answer #6 · answered by chesneylvr3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get the dog back with it's mother... it is too young to be away from the mom!
2007-06-20 21:28:58 · answer #7 · answered by Jocelyn7777 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋