Biting Me

[rachd38]

hey guys,

Why does my puppy only really bite me and not my boyfriend. ive been doing a lot of the training but he does to do it. ive been trying all the techniques - getting him to chew his own toys, holding his bottom jaw, taking him outside where he usually goes toilet, he's currently in time out but that doesnt really do much. He's only 9 weeks and ive only had him 5 days so i know its going to take longer, im just worried its going to escalate as it hurts already.


Thank you

[kglacer]

I am in the same situation! Finn rarely bites my boyfriend or other people only really ME! I asked the same question about a week or so ago - I've been trying everything! The best things that have worked for me so far are to keep the leash on him so when he his biting me I can pull him off with the leash and say "NO" (sometimes he gets my hands while trying to grab the leash ). Second thing that works is asking him to sit or down - most times he'll stop what he's doing and drop into one of these positions, then I give him an eye say thank you and bring him to his bed, ask down, treat and play with a toy to try and get him to forget he was biting me in the first place. Third thing that works sometimes is to hold onto his mouth lightly (if he'll let me) and look him in the eye and say no. There are the odd times that none of this calms him down and hes super excited and just goes nuts so I put him in a time out - attach his leash if not already attached and tie it to something in the house (for me it's my bakers rack in the kitchen) where he can't really get into trouble - he will calm down and lay down and when I think he's okay I let him off - sometimes he goes right back on!!

I've been doing this now for 3 weeks and at one point I had no hope but every day its SLOWLY getting better - like others on here told me, he is only young so we just have to keep trying!!!!! But the experienced people will have lots to help you out with! I am just here to let you know you're not alone! haha it makes me feel better that I'm not alone at least...

[rachd38]

Thanks for replying that makes me feel a bit better that im not the only one its happening to. I've been putting him in another room until he calms down which seems to be helping, he's doing it less today although he's taken to barking instead. Im sure ill get there eventually just found myself getting very frustrated.

[kglacer]

I was almost in tears out of frustration but he also managed to get my face twice - my lip and right under my eye - and I was probably pretty close to needing stitches for both cuts! And I didnt have my face in his face he just jumped lunged at my face when it was just close enough so I understand the frustration! (He doesnt go for my face anymore -phew!)

I am starting to think that time outs - when saying "no", yelping, standing up, walking away, all don't work - are the best and only option!

Are you enrolled in any classes? I find they help us a lot and knowing I'm going to a class soon also helps keep my hopes up haha

[rachd38]

Yeah he tries to get my face lots to he's got me on the lip twice but hasnt drawn blood (yet). Time outs seem to the only way he responds as well, if i yelp he thinks its a game. He's got his 2nd injection on tuesday so we'll be off to classes after that. Hopefully they'll help.

[Traevas]

You can try to examine the signals you are giving your puppies. If they are only nipping you, it's quite possible that you are sending mixed signals to the dog. Those inconsistancies are getting them frustrated, and they are doing what this breed is designed to do: herding.

Obidience classes are a must. Our body language, vocal tone and emotional state are all things the dogs will pick up on a million times better than we could ever imagine. They look to us for leadership (cool, calm and collective). It's entirely possible they are not seeing you as the one in charge and in their eyes your status is that of sibling or livestock to be herded, both of which are prime nipping targets.

Im a big advocate of shaping and positive reinforcement. With Merlin the clicker meathod of petting him and click/treat reward got him out of the nipping state within a few days. Remember to reward them when they are doing things we may take for granted like relaxing, getting pets and laying down without being asked.

This site is chock full of good info: http://www.clickertraining.com/

Best of luck!