I have a boston terrier who is 2 months old and he bites all the time! He doesn't chew up furniture or clothes, he just plays too rough. We popped him on the nose (gently) and said "no" in a stern voice, but nothing works. Any suggestions?
2007-08-30 17:22:17 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
We rescued him when he was 4 and a half weeks old.
2007-08-30 17:49:16 · update #1
First of all, never allow your hands to be the "toy" when playing with puppy. Always be sure to use a proper toy. There are 2 methods that were suggested to us by our vet and our obedience instructor, both of which worked well at overcoming this issue with our Border Collie when she was a pup...
1) To reduce the pressure of the bite-- when puppy bites you, let out an "ow, ow, ow" in a high pitched tone, which sounds more like a yelping puppy. This is how your puppy's litter mates told your puppy that the bite was too hard and hurt. Puppy will learn not to bite as hard.
2) To stop it entirely-- When puppy bites at you, scruff him, gently, but firmly (scruff is the loose skin at the back of the neck), lift him off his front 2 paws and shake him, firm yet gently and say "no bite" in a growl sounding tone. When puppy relaxes in your grip, this is a sign of submission and you can then release puppy. If he bites again, repeat the process. This is how momma dog disciplined your puppy when he did something wrong.
Both of these methods are speaking in a language your puppy understands. Just remember to be consistent and NEVER let a bite go unaddressed.
The combination of both these methods took care of our BC puppy biting problem very early on.
2007-08-30 17:33:26 · answer #1 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
it's probably play-biting and not an indication of aggression ... but you ARE right to address it NOW rather than let it become an established behavior.
Don't think that "bopping" him on the nose is the answer ... what worked with my dog was grabbing his muzzle and holding it closed, and saying very firmly to him "NO BITE" ... and NOT letting go until he showed submission (rolling onto his back, etc... essentially saying "okay, you win")
Your dog is very young, and at that age needs firm guidance, NOT punishment ... please do not do anything that causes pain. He's just about at the age to be thinking about puppy-classes ... have you looked into that? I would advise it ... it's well worth the money, and it's total FUN for both you and your dog. Also, it helps to build the foundation for a lifelong relationship that will be rewarding for both of you. Best of Luck!
2007-08-31 01:26:53 · answer #2 · answered by * 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recommend getting him into dog training classes. PetsMart usually has great trainers, and a wide variety of class times and levels. Once you get in there and he gets used how to learn, and you learn how to teach, it will be easier for the two of you to communicate.
Keep in mind also that he's also still just a puppy, and is testing his limits. The dog whisperer recommends at least two 45 mintue walk per day to properly exercise a puppy. They have TONS of energy, and a tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
Our dog trainer recommended taking our giant schnauzer to the dog park to play with other dogs as a means for exercise and socializing. He was really bad about playing to rough when he was younger (and at almost 2 years still does sometimes.) Playing with other dogs will help him learn what is too rough and what is considered "nice play." It only took a couple of times of getting his butt kicked around a bit by an older, wiser, and larger dog for him to realize he was bringing it on himself (he got his butt kicked in a playing way, not an actual dog fight.)
For the immediate future, try simply ignoring him when he does this. Play with him and when he gets too rough, stand up, turn your back on him and cross your arms. Don't look at him, and when he comes around to your front, just keep turning your back on him and pointing your head in the opposite direction from him. And don't touch him in any way, as that is really what he's wanting and even in a negative way is still a type of reward. Once he calms some, start to play again, and when he gets too rough (and he will) get up and turn your back again. It sounds kinda far-fetched but it really can work if you're consistent with it. He'll start to realize that the fun ends when he gets rough.
2007-08-31 02:04:47 · answer #3 · answered by Mary Grace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long have you had him? Removing a pup from its mother at too young an age can prevent him from learning important things from his mom, like bite inhibition. Bite inhibition is when they learn not to bite too hard when playing. That is one reason most educated breeders don't let puppies leave their moms before 8 weeks of age.
2007-08-31 00:45:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He probably bites you all the time cause you pop him on the nose.. Why wouldn't he be aggressive with you, you are being aggressive with him.. Don't give him attention when he is biting, leave the room..
2007-08-31 00:47:19 · answer #5 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When starts to get to rough simply stand up and turn your back to him. Wait a minute or so, and then try again. If he gets to rough, stand with your back to him. Make sure you ignore him completely.
It'll take some time, but he will learn that when he gets to rough, play ends.
2007-08-31 00:29:41 · answer #6 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Is there something else you are allowing him to play rough with? Or someone playing rough with him that is giving him the mixed signal? You should flick him on the nose (Not hard) and very sternly say no and then ignore him he needs to know that it's not good to play rough and when he settles down then you say good boy.
2007-08-31 00:29:45 · answer #7 · answered by Jules 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
my friend used to have a dog that would play rough... wut she did was fill up a spray bottle and wenever he bit her.. she would pray his face lightly with some water.. most dog's hate this and after u do this for a fw times he/she should get the idea that it's not right... then after a while.. u can just put the bottle away... if he/she keeps doing it.. just keep on spraying him more and more each time.. hope i helped :D
2007-08-31 02:08:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
whenever he gets too rough and puts his teeth on you, say "OUCH!" in a really high, loud, voice, simulating a dog yelp. Then pull your hand away, If he stops nipping immidiately after you do it, praise him by giving him a toy, showing him that that is what belongs in his mouth, not your hand.
2007-08-31 00:28:34 · answer #9 · answered by Kimberly A 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Kimberly.
Yell (Ouch) loudly, turn away from him and ignore him for five minutes or so until he learns that nipping will get him nothing but ignored.
2007-08-31 00:32:13 · answer #10 · answered by Sky Blue Waters ! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋