Just bought staff pup 4 weeks ago he's 11 weeks old but keeps biting our hands and feet.He has lots of toys so he's not bored but i'ts becoming a problem.Want to nip it in the bud so he is not a dangerous dog.any suggestions appreciated.
2007-10-21 11:13:18 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I've got a 16 week old Staff puppy and she used to nip all the time when we got her. We used to push her away firmly but gently and say 'NO' while we did it. We would ignore her for a minute or so. She really picked up the message quickly and although she still gives the odd nip when excited she is much better.
I would advise you to try not to squeel or yelp in pain when she bites. My pup used to get so excited when we reacted vocally to the bite that she would bite some more! My husband 'grumbles' at her, a sort of low growl in his throat when she misbehaves and she stops doing what she is doing immediately. I can't do this as I can't get my voice low enough but it really seems to work!
Don't worry that your puppy will become a dangerous dog because of his biting - its a phase all puppies go through, they just need to be taught that it isn't acceptable behaviour. Do socialise your puppy as soon as he can go out in public, take him to puppy training classes (ask your vet or go to the Kennel Club website) so he gets used to other dogs and people. The trainer will also be able to advise you on how to deal with any other concerns you have too.
Enjoy your puppy, my little Staffy is just adorable and so funny!
2007-10-21 20:31:33 · answer #1 · answered by ELLE T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree this is a puppy problem not a breed specific problem. As many here have said it is best to say "ow" or "no" and then ignore him (you might even want to leave the room for a few minutes). He won't like the fact that his favorite play toy (you ) has left. Make sure that everyone in the house follows the rules when it comes to him using his teeth. Consistency is the most important thing at this point. If everyone treats him the same way the moment that teeth touch skin or clothing (as that is an extension of you) he needs to be told that what he is doing is wrong and then ignored for a few minutes.
When he does play properly make sure you tell him what a good boy he is!!
Good luck with your pup!
2007-10-21 11:35:34 · answer #2 · answered by kismetsguardian 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first mistake you've made is buying him 'lots of toys'. What a lot of dog owners don't seem to understand is that giving a dog LOTS of toys is much worse than giving a dog ONE toy, when he is good, and taking it away when he is bad, eg when he bites. In this sense the toy becomes a great tool for both positive and negative reinforcement (a reward for when he's good and a punishment for when he's bad). Also, no matter how much you don't want to do it, the best way is to smack him on the nose, grab him by the nose tightly, look him straight in the eyes displaying obvious anger and say 'NO!' loudly. It sounds like he doesn't realise your in charge (he sees you as another, possibly lesser member of his pack, not the leader which you should be). If he tries to snap when your holding his nose apply pressure to what feels like a soft canal which runs along the bottom of his lower jaw, this is a very sensitive place on a dog. Things like making sure he sleeps in his own bed every night, eats AFTER you and your family (the leader of the pack in the wild always eats first) and, instead of stepping over him, make him move out of your way. This shows him you are the boss. Its also worth generally training him (commands like sit etc) if he doesn't know it already as this reinforces your authority. Some of this advice may seem harsh, but its much kinder in the long run and he will respect you rather than take the piss. Hope this helps and good luck.
2007-10-21 11:31:33 · answer #3 · answered by mallybb298 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
All pups do this, it's not just a Staffy problem. There's no instant solution but when he starts biting, instantly stop playing with him, if you are sitting in a chair, lean back, don't look at him and fold your arms. If he does it when youare standing up, same thing but turn your back on him. If he persists, shut him away from you for a few minutes until he calms down. If he's hanging on to your clothes when you walk, offer him a tugger type toy instead of your ankles/trousers.
You can also try shouting "Ow" very loudly, it works for some dogs and not for others, but he really doesn't mean to hurt you and will know if he has.
2007-10-21 11:19:38 · answer #4 · answered by anwen55 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Despite the ignorant answers of some of the other people... these are great dogs. I have 2 and a 1 year old daughter and have never had another breed that is more loyal, protective, and tolerant of kids. But I digress... Puppies of all breeds do this and need to learn it is not acceptable behavior, but this breed has a few quirks to understand. First off they are huge on dominance roles. What your dog is doing is testing the borders of were you stand in his pack. Next time he nips you, grab him by the collar and pin him on his back with you on top of him. A stern "NO" would be good at this point so he learns the word. Don't do it so hard as to hurt him, but to let him know that you are in charge and he doesn't rank that high in your pack. The other thing with this breed is they are big on Territorial issues. It doesn't sound like this is a problem yet based on your question, but keep an eye on it in the future. If they are charging the door every time someone knocks, make them back up and let them know that it's your door and your space around it. Hope this helps.
2007-10-21 11:38:27 · answer #5 · answered by jesuslovespancakes 1 · 1⤊ 4⤋
We have a 1 year old staff, they are fantastic dogs. the best way is to replace your hand or whatever he/she should not be biting with a toy or bone that they can chew. Say no very loudly and firmly. Remember to praise good behaviour. Also the most important thing to remember with any breed of dog is , they are at the bottom of the pack. Any human is above them. Dogs love to know their place.
2007-10-21 11:32:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Turn your back on him and ignore him. When he stops biting (it isn't really biting it's mouthing!) then give him lots of praise and affection. Offer him a toy instead of your hands and praise him when he accepts it. You can try a sharp NO! when he mouths you but don't shout or sound aggressive - he's only a baby and it's what all puppies do!
2007-10-21 11:30:52 · answer #7 · answered by miranda6382 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is typical of all pups of any breed at this age
WHAT TO DO:
- Substitute a toy or chew bone when the puppy tries to chew on fingers or toes.
- Puppies tend to mouth hands whenever stroked and patted. When you pat the puppy, distract him by feeding tiny pieces of treat from your other hand. This will accustom the pup to being touched without mouthing.
- Give a high-pitched yelp, as if you are in pain, when the puppy bites too hard. This should startle the puppy and cause him to stop, at least momentarily. Praise the puppy for stopping and/or for licking you.
- Time out can be effective, especially for curbing mouthing in older puppies and adolescent dogs. When you receive a hard bite, give a high-pitched yelp and (a) walk away from the puppy and ignore for 30-60 seconds, OR (b) leave the room for 30-60 seconds. Option B is only feasible if your belongings will be safe from the puppy and if the puppy will be safe left where he is.
- Encourage non-contact forms of play, such as fetch and tug-of-war, rather than wrestling and rough play.
- Provide plenty of interesting and novel toys so the puppy will be inclined to play with these.
- Provide plenty of opportunity for your dog to play with other puppies and with friendly adult dogs. It’s important that he can engage with non-human playmates.
- Be patient and understanding. Playful mouthing is normal behavior for a puppy or young dog.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Avoid enticing the puppy to play by waving your fingers or toes in his face or slapping the sides of his face.
- You should not discourage the puppy from playing with you. Play builds a strong bond between the dog and his human family. The objective is to teach the puppy to play gently—not to stop play altogether. - Avoid jerking your hands or feet away from the puppy when he mouths. This encourages him to jump forward and grab at you. It’s much more effective to let your hands or feet go limp so you aren’t much “fun” for him to mouth.
- Physical punishment for playful mouthing (slapping, hitting, etc.) can make the puppy afraid of you and could even cause the mouthing to escalate into aggression. We’ve heard of various “caveman” methods such as scruff shaking, whacking the pup on the nose, sticking fingers down a pup’s throat—these are cruel and inhumane.
2007-10-21 11:34:06 · answer #8 · answered by g g 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Learning how to train your dog will improve your life and hers, enhance the bond between you, and ensure her safety and it can be a lot of fun. Dogs are usually eager to learn, and the key to success is good communication. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes. Check here to learn how to train your dog properly https://tr.im/70d39
2015-01-28 09:34:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
all dogs do it you don't want a dangerous dog you shouldn't av even got a dog if you think that a dog is getting its teeth at that age next you will be saying you don't want the dog looking at you wrong or it will attack you a dog would rather play with you and your things i have 2 staffs let it know your in-charge and you will av a friend for life
2007-10-28 06:18:30 · answer #10 · answered by Keisha W 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋