Barking and Biting

[Sadiegal]

We just got our boxer puppy a couple days ago and havent had much time to train her so maybe I am over reacting a little bit but every now and then, out of the blue, Sadie will start barking at me or my mom (my mom mostly) and try to bit our faces/feet/hands. It is actually sort of scary and every time we tell her to stop, she just barks louder. Is she just trying to get us to play? I was just wondering if there is anything I could do to stop this. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! thanks!

 

[Cami]

Pups will do anything seeking attention. They are big goofballs and love to play. A good play session (multiple times) thru out the day will tire them out and they won't have a need to seek out play with biting and barking. When they do show unwanted behavior you must redirect them to appropriate ways of behaving. Ignore undesirable actions and reward good ones. There is no reason to fear a pups activity like this, they are communicating the only way that they know how, it's your job to teach them a better more civilized way! Training stimulates the mind and will wear them out just as physical play will. Kill 2 birds with one stone (so to speak) and make teaching a game they enjoy and look forward to.

 

[Jan]

The best thing is to try and redirect their attention as Cami said. If she persists, leave the room or give the pup a timeout in their crate. Puppies don't understand the word no and even negative attention can be diserable in their minds. The best thing is to ignore unwanted behavior. They will soon learn that it gets them no where. You need to reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior.

Good luck with your pup!

 

[apollosdad]

i agree with Jan and Cami. pups are very playful and will try and get attention whenever they can. the key is to make sure that we do not give them the desired attention as a reward for unwanted and inappropriate behavior. while there is nothing wrong with giving your dog love and attention, giving it to him after he has barked and 'playfully' mouthed you is not the proper time to give him that attention. as they grow older that playful mouthing might become biting and more dangerous. try their redirection tips.