Puppy biting in play

[Ali]

Hi

Our 11-week old labrador puppy is constantly biting our hands and feet when playing.

Have tried a number of things, such as saying "no" and walking away, shaking a jar of coins at her (worked at first but she's now used to this), giving her lots of her own toys to chew. Still struggling though. Will she just grow out of this?

Also, my husband enjoys a fairly aggressive play session with her in the evening - which they both enjoy, but I'm not sure if this is giving her the wrong message, i.e. that biting is sometimes o.k. What do you think?

Thanks

[cúréaltach]

Originally Posted by Ali

Hi

Our 11-week old labrador puppy is constantly biting our hands and feet when playing.

Hi Ali..
Things seem a bit quiet round here at the moment so I'll share a bit of info I know myself.....
If you want to stop a dog doing something then the worst thing you can do is occasionally let it get away with it. It is practically impossible to break unwanted habits if the dog can sometimes do it and sometimes not.
You have the right idea about stopping play when the dog bites, or even makes any "tooth contact". A method I have found very effective is to give a little yelp followed by stopping ALL contact with the dog (this is how a female or litter mates will react to over exuberant mouthing by a pup), now when I say contact I mean ALL contact ie; totally ignore the dog, NO eye contact, no talking , nothing at all for at least 10-15 mins. Depending on the dog it might take a while for the dog to make the connection between the mouthing and the fun ending but consistency by EVERYONE who interacts with the dog should give results.
If the dog is allowed to carry on with this the chances of growing out of it is doubtful as dogs dont just "grow out" of behaviour that is fun for it. The rough and tumble fun without clear rules and boundries can also be sowing the seeds for problems later, I know this can be great fun but care must be taken because as the dog gets bigger it wont understand that though this behavior is grand with your husband, it wont be appreciated by a small child or elderly person.
I'll just repeat..... instantly stopping interaction is a very good method for stopping certain behaviors (ignoring with no eye contact is a very important part of dog comunication and doesn't have the same conotations as it would for human comunication).
I hope I've been some help, Best of luck and happy walking!!!!!!!!

[nick_j007]

The above response is good to me

I do not advocate 'rough housing' in the home. It will encourage overexcitability and excessive behaviour. You'll then wonder why the pup is running in with its mouth open and nips and grabs clothing for example. it's all too much. OUTSIDE is the place for more rough and tumble. You should guide the dog into calm behaviour in the home...simple as that really. Show it how to behave like an adult dog now not later when you have a real problem. Dogs grow into problems not out of them in my experience.

Time outs can be given by swiftly placing the dog into a quiet environment for a couple of minutes and only let out once quiet and looking calm and respectful.

If of course the dog is biting due to being overly wound up by hubby, you are creating the issues yourselves and have the ability to change your own behaviour to then influence the dog.

HTH,

Nick

[tamdream]

Youve had great replies that i agree with. for me when any pup of mine has mouthed or nipped i have said ouch in a high pitch, like a litter mate would do if hurt while playing. that has worked for me for over 30 years.
i would recormend you look into clicker training too
ann
ps sorry about spelling and typing

[annecsmith09]

saying constantly "NO" with your voice raised is very effective.

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by annecsmith09

saying constantly "NO" with your voice raised is very effective.

The OP has already gone through this and it was not effective.

Do you really think shouting 'No' is the best way forward?

[RobD-BCactive]

Originally Posted by nick_j007

The OP has already gone through this and it was not effective.

Do you really think shouting 'No' is the best way forward?

Totally agree with Nick's point. Have experienced similar, where traditional disciplinary approaches were failing the pup I am training; though they had worked well for me in past on dogs of same breed. He was becoming rougher not less regarding it all as part of the game, further desensitising him to correction and making him uncontrollable.

What I needed to do, was distract using a shake of stones, then offer alternative activity. If the pup was becoming over excited and too rough and tumble, a few minutes obedience training practice with rewards, calmed the situation and kept things positive. This started a virtuous circle, fun all round, helping him bond and feel secure, with much more constructive human contact.

Using a crate to calm him down and ignore him seemed to back fire, he needed more attention not less, to be secure and really bond. It bought a peaceful interlude but actually stoked up the problem, rather than address it.

[Slika]

Hello..................


I would suggest that YOU OR ANOTHER ADULT try this approach and see how the pup responds.

When the pup puts his mouth on you in any fashion and starts to apply force let out an extremely loud "YELP" or "OUCH". He should understand what this means and should quickly release his bite and move to a submissive position. If he does this, you should praise him with something very small but yummy.

If pup doesn't respond to this very neutral response, you may need to show stronger disapproval for him to get the message. When he puts his mouth on you and applies pressure, lower your head, place a very piercing glare on him, purse your lips like you are very angry and stare him down. You need to watch him closely to see how he responds to this. If he backs off and wants to make nice then that is just what you want and the kids (depending on their age) can do the same thing. If the puppy shows signs of anger in his reaction, you need a trainer.

Also, it is very important that your kids are always in position of dominance over the dog. I suggest:
-Pup gets treats from the kids only when he performs a task for them. This can be as simple as come or sit. But he must do it to get the treat.
-Your kids should not be allowed to play tug or war with the dog. They can play fetch, but they should not engage in tug which is a competitive game of dominance in the dog world.
-Kids should alternate serving the dog his meals (when he is sitting calmly then the dish goes on the floor).
-Kids should practice basic obedience with pup.
-Kids should not allow pup to jump on them.
-NEVER GIVE THE PUP ATTENTION (that includes eye contact) when he is jumping, mouthing, or attempting to demand your attention. Only when the pup is sitting calmly should you give him attention or even just a simple glance of acknowledgement. This very simple rule goes a very long way.
-Last, as soon as your pup does something unacceptable your kids should immediately disengage with the pup and ignore him as if he weren't there. This includes jumping, mouthing skin, pulling on clothes, barking, etc. Everyone in the household should do the same thing and you should all be in agreement of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

This may sound harsh but you have a breed of dog that has immense personality and endless energy. Terriers of any sort require strong and consistent management in order to be mannerly and loving companions. This is especially true when children are in the house.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, KIDS, AND DOGGIE!

[RobD-BCactive]

Odd I thought a Labrador was a retriever, not in the terrier group.

I don't think puppy play has anything to do really with dominance, but about having fun, so the short cessation of attention and play after nips is key, as the punisher.

I do think that having reward based obedience in place, so anyone can gain control of the puppy and have a way to calm it, when it's over boisterous is a great idea.

[ellie4]

Some interesting suggestions. I have used the high pitch yelp method myself and it has worked. I also used to spray a water pistol, but they got used to it and started to drink the water!