NOtti Doggy

[Eleana]

My puppy, Hockey, is around 2 and half months old now. He is very hyperactive and likes to bite on things...especially our arms and legs, which leave ugly scars on us. Is this behavior acceptable? I know during teething...he will tend to chew on things more often, but his behavior make it seems like a bad habit to bite on almost anything that interest him...yes...our poor flesh interest him the most. What should we do? Is beating him help?

 

[BeanMak]

Beating him won't help. But a firm "no" and a chuck under the chin may. And then immediately stop playing with him every time he starts biting. Have some raw hide chew things available. If he starts biting you, give him a chew, and again withdraw from play.

 

[Dagna]

A biting 2 month old puppy...sounds like normal puppy behavior to me. You have to teach the puppy to not bite you, but to chew appropriate things. The best way to teach him would be when he starts biting you, let out a high pitched "yelp!" and withdraw whatever body part he is finding interesting. Then direct him to an appropriate chew toy. The yelping helps because it's what the dog understands. Thats how puppies tell their siblings that their playing hurts and to let go and is the best way to teach a dog. No hitting in any form as it will only make things worse in the long run.

 

[KristiXP]

Say "no" very firmly, then just get up and walk away. Don't give the dog attention for 10 mintues or so, then go back and give 'em a little love. They should realize over time that "mommy/daddy must not like it when I do that because they don't play with me" and stop.

It worked for us.

 

[Eleana]

hehe so cute...sound like mommy disciplining her child. okay, I will try that. thanks!

 

[IvoryRain]

Of course beating him wouldn't help. Thats a rash, irresponsible decision.

Go to http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/ and visit the detailed site index for humane and responsible examples of ways to raise a pet.

 

[Eleana]

He bites me...leaving three ugly bloodly scars on my lip. I feel painful on my lip, but my heart hurt more....my mom wants to give her up for adoption. I really can't bear to leave him. How I wish he can be more obedient.

 

[Dagna]

How old was he when he was seperated from his mother & sibling? The age when they are seperated makes a huge impact on them. You have to remember he is a puppy. All puppies will do this to some extent. He thinks he is playing as he hasn't been taught to play properly. Keep working with him. Also, obedience classes are a huge help.

There is a product called "Bitter Apple spray" that you can buy at almost any petstore. Spray it on anything that you don't want the puppy to chew or bite, including yourself. Also, do not engage your puppy in play with any part of your body. Get toys that he can play with on his own. Anytime he goes to bite you, yelp or so no loudly and walk away. You can also put him in "time out". Get a crate or a baby gate and any time he bites or attempts to bite you, put him in his time out area for 5-10 minutes.

Above all though, remember that this is what puppies do! You have to keep working with him, even though it is a struggle. Dumping a puppy will only make things worse for him. Keep at it and you will have a good dog, it just takes some time.

 

[Serapha]

My puppy, Hockey, is around 2 and half months old now. He is very hyperactive and likes to bite on things...especially our arms and legs, which leave ugly scars on us. Is this behavior acceptable? I know during teething...he will tend to chew on things more often, but his behavior make it seems like a bad habit to bite on almost anything that interest him...yes...our poor flesh interest him the most. What should we do? Is beating him help?

Hi there!



Chewing is normal. Chewing on people is not normal and does not promote a healty relationship between yourself and your pet. But, never "beat" a dog, but consistently discipline with "voice tones" and rewards.


~malaka~

 

[MsDe]

I've found that a firm yet gentle shake to the scruff of their necks, along with a stern no, seems to work well. I don't know if your skin will survive long enough for the message to get through, though. I've also, when a puppy or dog puts my hand in their mouth, grabbed onto their lower jaw firmly and held it while saying sternly 'no bite' but in either case, I will then hand them an acceptable chewy, whether it's a rawhide or plastic toy, a ball, whatever.


I said 'puts my hand in their mouth' instead of bite because usually the pup or dog is playing.

 

[IvoryRain]

A shake can can also stop unacceptable behavior.

Get a metal can (coffee can) and put some coins or somthing in there. Duct tape it closed so you dont accidentally lose anythng out of it - and rattle it (to startle the pup) when bad behaviors occure.

 

[Eleana]

my hockey still likes to bite...but whenever we bring out the cane...he will stop whatever biting he is doing and starts acting cute. hahahaha oh how we do love him.