Puppy manners

by Susanna Abbott
(28590, Winterville,n.c.)

How do I stop my Thor from scratching and biting while I'm in a chair? I've tried everything the so-called experts have to say. Will he grow out of this? He's fourteen weeks and my arms look like I've been in a briar patch!

Comments for Puppy manners

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 03, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Do what a litter mate would do
by: Tressie

Puppies generally learn bite inhibition from their litter mates. If the dog was taken from the litter too young and did not learn socially acceptable behaviours from his litter mates then he may not have learned how to control his playful puppy biting behaviour.

The puppy learns when playfully biting that if their playmate yelps loudly, its too hard. And gradually learns what is an acceptable level of playful biting. I use that strategy with a dog who is overly mouthy as an adult or to teach a youngster that their biting is too hard. In other words, yelp really loudly as soon as he nips you. If he stops startled, the strategy is working. He may test it again, and each time he does yelp loudly. He will eventually learn that humans are whoozes with delicate skin.

Do not play tug of war with him because this will encourage biting, until he has learned bite inhibition.

The absolute worst thing you can do is push him away, which only encourages playful biting.

The other thing I would do beside yelp loudly when he nips more than once is get up and leave the room. Puppies do not want to be isolated, and this sends a clear message.

This will not go away on its own and can lead to serious bites as he gets older. You have to teach him that this is unacceptable behaviour in a way that he will understand.

Keep in mind, in a puppy's world this is play, so teach him how to play gently by showing him that it hurts when he nips you. Redirect the puppy need to bite, especially when teething to a toy.

Aug 04, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Nipping and Scrathing
by: Donna

If you obtained your dog from a reputable breeder, please ask their advice. They will be thrilled to help you out.

Here is some excellent information from Dr. Sophia Yin, too. This will give you what you need to teach your pup.

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/puppy_play_leads_to_nip_marks_on_hands_and_arms
Aug 04, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		manners
by: Anonymous

First of all keep his nails short! Then give him something to do so he stops thinking of you as a toy. Be firm and consistent in redirecting his puppy behaviour...he will get over this and calm down eventually. In the meantime, play outdoors with him and bring him indoors for quiet time. He will learn the difference in time. If you have played with him while sitting, you now have to undo that behaviour. Raising puppies is fun. But never do anything with them that you may not want a 120lb. dog to do! They grow big fast but stay like playful pups a long time. Good luck!
Aug 05, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: SusannaAnonymous

I will definitely try this advice! Thanks so much

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Chasing Bicyces

    Apr 12, 19 09:14 AM

    We got Lulu a year ago. At first she was fine on her walks but suddenly she decided she wants to chase bicycles problem we are on a connector street that

    Read More

  2. Pyper - Courtesy Posting

    Apr 03, 19 11:51 AM

    *ADOPTED* My name is Pyper and I am a Pyrenees/Maremma cross. I was born December 13 2017. I am a spayed female. I am hoping that a family could help

    Read More

  3. Plume - Courtesy Posting

    Apr 02, 19 06:16 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. February 2017 Plume is a stunning girl but comes with a couple of issues. She has to live outside with protection from the elements

    Read More

  4. Lincoln

    Apr 02, 19 06:10 AM

    His fosters fell in love. They have experience with epileptic seizures in dogs. Congratulations to his family. Lincoln is the sweetest boy, full of love

    Read More

  5. Chloe

    Mar 30, 19 05:13 AM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* Chloe is looking for a loving family.She had to come back from the farm where she was working because of her reaction to the other

    Read More

  6. Yuki

    Mar 27, 19 06:26 AM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* DOB: March 4, 2015 Yuki is back, again. She is a sweet sweet girl who is an escape artist and has separation anxiety. People have

    Read More

  7. Containment of Pyr

    Mar 25, 19 07:16 AM

    I am about to adopt a 6 month old great pyrenees for our 80 acre farm land. We plan to keep him outside our house or in our barn to guard the property

    Read More

  8. Elegant

    Mar 21, 19 04:37 PM

    DOB: January 6, 2018 Housetrained: Yes Crate-trained: Yes Other dogs: Reactive out of fear. He may be fine with proper introductions with a female in

    Read More