hi i'm new to this...desperate advice needed on food and behaviour issues...

[xsarax]

Hi all i'm new to this, just joined...i'm in need of some advice if possible...

I have a 19 week old labrador, female, lovely when she's good, but bites too much! (its not just play biting either) she sometimes even growls when shes going to start her biting sessions!! she also loves jumping up pulling and tugging at clothes...i dont think i own a piece of clothing without holes in now i have pretty much tried everything but its not so easy when my 13 yr old son and partner dont always do the same as me!!

I am interested to know if food can have much affect on their behaviour? Ive heard it can? but if so would anyone know of any good foods that would help with this at all?

I'm obviously still going through all the training etc and it is all very new to me, so any advice would be greatly appreciated xx

[Murph]

Hi xsarax,

Your pup is trying to play with you the same way that she would play with her litter mates. If she were to bite another pup too hard that pup would let out a loud yelp and your pup would learn bite control.

Most pups do this and get encouragement when their new owners laugh and continue to play with them, but as the dog gets older, bigger and stronger the owner doesn’t find the game as much fun, the dog however still loves it.

You should instigate a play session with your pup, a Lab will probably enjoy a retrieving game (use rolled up socks or a tennis ball). If the pup starts to bite or mouth you, make a high pitched yelp and immediately stop play (take the toy with you).

I would guess that when she is jumping up and pulling your clothes she is looking for attention or getting over excited, either way tell her a firm NO. She will soon learn that biting / mouthing stops play.

All members of your family will need to participate in training your pup and you will all have to be consistent in training your pup, be aware it may take some time.

It may be more prevalent in gundogs as I have a Vizsla that didn’t completely stop mouthing until he was 6 months old.

[Murph]

Also with regard to the question about food, it is fairly well documented that some food can make dogs hyper.

I feed raw or BARF as is sometimes called and believe it is the best way to feed a dog, however I realise it is not for everyone. Give the best food you can afford look for one with no colourings or artificial additives, few or preferably no cereals.