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!

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Aug 03, 2015
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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
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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
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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
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: SusannaAnonymous

I will definitely try this advice! Thanks so much

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