New Puppy Behavior Questions

[shaqsmom]

Our 6 week old puppy that we just brought home (we haven't had to train a puppy in 13 years, we're a little out of practice) and didn't know if some things were normal. Our new bundle is a not a big chewer, only on us, but likes to nip at your face if you are on his level. The breeder also allowed him to chew on socks, so now we have an issue with walking with socks on because he tries to attack your feet, socks, toes, doesn't matter, whenever he can. What can I do to break the snapping at the face and the sock/toes issues?

 

[Barron's mom]

Puppies learn behavior from their mother and siblings and that education needs to be continued with you. A sibling would squeal if hurt from a sibling biting him so you need to do the same. Let out a high pitch squeal when he bites you and then turn your back on him and stop playing with him. He will get the message. Also, when he bites something he is not supposed to bite, take that object away and replace it with something acceptable, i.e., bone, etc.

 

[LaceyMae]

I JUST went through all of that. My pup is now 3 months old... and those were the EXACT things we went through. The squealing works! Use "no" afterwards and then you will eventually only have to use that one little very important word. I do advise teaching him inhibition biting tho. That way he will know what's too much for people. I think just having fingers and such from Mom is a way of "puppy love." But "no" and "thats enough" tells him exactly what it is. --- As for walking through the house being a fight! I had a time with biting, nipping, and feet chasing. Oh, boy.... just stop- stop walking and say "NO" every time he gets to chasing and chewing. I had to stop, go, stop, go... frustrating, but it worked for me! As well as replacing the chew on stuff. If he's play-chewing on you... give him something he can chew on. Worked very well with Bandit... but I had to replace things. He got bored with em. Congradulations on your new family addition!!

 

[Caney Creek]

Exactly what Barron's Mom said -- squeal or yelp, then ignore for a few minutes. With consistency, he'll get the message. Here's a more in-depth article on bite inhibition:
http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/bitestop.htm

 

[ehayes21]

Yikes, 6 weeks is too young. Your pup should have stayed with it's mother for another two weeks. Bite inhibition is something that is learned from the mother and littermates. You can teach it, but it's going to take some persistence on your part.