How Do I Stop Pup Biting?

[Lynnie]

My little puppy is just 7 weeks old today and after being with us for a couple of days she is settling in well and generally being really good. My only concern is that she likes to bite and she has very sharp teeth. She's only playing when she does it of course but I need to stop her fast as she drew blood this morning when she took my hand in her mouth and I definately don't want her doing that to my 9 year old daughter - or one of the cats for that matter. I said 'NO' when she did it but she still continues, is there another way of controlling this or is it just something we have to ride out? In which case,how long does it last? I bought her a puppy dental kong this morning so that she had somewhere else to concentrate her chewing but sh much prefers flesh. :b I've had puppies in the past but it's been a while and toy breeds don't have teeth this sharp believe me!

Other than this I adore her, she's so cuddly and a real pleasure to play with generally, although she does keep running into things and hurting her little self, por love

 

[scooby]

Hi, I always used a little bottle filled with water , and when the pups bit I gave a little squirt and said No! I did feel bad but , have to admit this method did work and are dogs are all loving , with great natures

 

[peppermint lady]

when she does it you shout "OUCH" that should stop her in her tracks :wub: we would love to see some piccys of your new family member :wub:

rope toys are also a good idea, as they love to chew them

 

[fallenangel]

I do ouch realy quite load and sharp and allso plays stops as soon as any bits or mouthing start if there mough goes on me no play for 5 minets it will take a few weeks to get it through to her but keep it up as any mouth contact in not allwoed ever here unless its whippy kisses lol

 

[Rosie]

The 'ouch' is a good thing plus I would always have a toy or a chew to hand when I was playing with or cuddling my pups to redirect the biting onto. Your daughter could do the same . With all things with puppies they do grow out of it, can't remember what age though!

 

[Lynnie]

Thanks for your advice everyone and I'll post a piccie of her now

 

[twinkletoes dylan]

try a high pitched short squeal, and then go still with your hands out of the way and ignore her for a min before praising and carry on with the game, only play with her when holding a toy or she will think your hands are the toy.

 

[elviszippy]

My 2 pups, 5 months old, bit and chewed everything for the first few weeks. They have completely stopped it now. We refused to interact with them for a short period of time when they did it and also shoved something "chewable" in their mouths. Thought it was never going to stop and it just did quite suddenly.....

 

[Eceni]

Run, don't walk to your nearest bookshop (or let your fingers do the running and use Amazon) - get hold of Dr Ian Dunbar's book 'Before and After Getting Your Puppy' and read it from cover to cover as soon as you can....

He describes in detail the stages you need to go through to create a good 'bite inhibition' which is the most important part of your pup's development - and he tells you how to do it by positive reinforcement so that you won't destroy your pup's trust in you/other people.

He also goes on to describe all the other stages of a pup's necessary development, how to crate train, how to socialise, how to train them to chew what you want them to chew and not the furniture/walls/carpets.

it's the best investment you'll make in the life of your pup.

good luck

e