Hi there, I am a Veterinarian Technician and I hope I can help you (and hope to ease your frustration!)!
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! 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.
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 DO NOT yell, grab, spray water, hit (not even a tap on the nose!!), or bite your puppy back (trust me, I have seen EVERYTHING! It will create fear in your pup), 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!
2007-10-23 12:23:31
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I agree that a training class is your best bet, but it isn't absolutely necessary. My puppy was just like that, and her teeth are RAZOR sharp. We got her to stop by taking a leash and tying it to the table leg (or any stable surface.) Play with your dog's favorite toy, but anytime he touches his teeth to your skin, abruptly saw "OUCH" and stand up so he cannot reach you, turning your back to him for a couple of minutes. Continue playing and doing this anytime his teeth come in contact with your skin, even if it is by accident. Dogs cannot be permitted to bite humans under any circumstance, and teaching them that early is the key. Remember, dogs, like children, have extremely short attention spans. Try 5-10 minute training sessions, twice a day. Be patient, it will pay off. Good luck!
2007-10-23 12:32:06
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answer #2
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answered by new SA mama 3
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No, your dog does not have a biting problem. You have a training problem. Remember that the problem is caused by the owner, NOT the dog. It doesn't matter why the dog bites, dogs should not be permitted to touch their teeth to skin unless you request it. A dog needs to be taught this from a young age or it will cause severe problems later. Do yourself and your pup a favor and get to a training class or behavior modification class fast.
2007-10-23 12:27:47
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answer #3
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answered by SC 6
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When he bites you make a loud high pitched yelping noise and turn away from him for a short period of time. Consistence and patience are key. The reason he is biting could be he never learned not to or he could be playing. I doubt it's jealousy.
2007-10-23 12:25:48
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answer #4
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answered by Scelestus Unus 5
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u are not the alpha dog in his mind u need to learn to be in charge.he could also be jealous and never let any dog "play bite" u its dangerous.when he bites become a standing statue-u never see a dog bite one of those.stand up tell him no then turn away and dont move,ignore him all dogs HATE to be ignored.to become alpha u need to be in charge of the food.u feed him after he sits and stays.if he goes for the bowl before u tell him he can pick it up and make him sit again.also no dog should ever sleep with u the alpha dog gets the best place to sleep and,eats first.hope this helps
2007-10-23 12:24:48
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answer #5
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answered by renee k 5
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ok for starters, ignore judy's advice, you never want to hurt a dog. there is no reason for it and for her to suggest you possibly injure your dog is wrong and shows what kind of owner judy is.
now on to your question:
If this is a dominance issue, then you need to establish that you are dominant in the pack mentality over your dog. The best way is to roll your dog onto his back, and hold him there. You will be standing over him the entire time. he will fight this at first, because he will want to be dominant.
Hold him on his back while standing over until you see him relax, and his head will fall back exposing his neck to you. This is the sign that he is giving up and acepting you as dominant over him.
If your dog is showing aggression then this is something else and you need to contact a trainer in your area. They will work one on one with you and your dog to assist in solving all issues, there is possibly something going on in the household that we dont know about.
2007-10-23 12:29:45
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answer #6
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answered by cheyenne 2
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Try bitter apple. Have your mom get it at a petshop.
2007-10-23 13:33:18
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answer #7
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answered by Freckles... 7
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no, he's biting because he thinks he is above you in the family chain. he wants to be equal to the other dog, who is above you. you have to assert yourself by hurting him more than he hurts you, and then holding him down, while you are at it, you might want to assert yourself with the other dog as well.
2007-10-23 12:22:44
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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