Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!

I have à 3½ months old little dobe and he's alway's biting everything that pass near his mouth...including my hands, pants, shoes,...

I'm trying very hard to teach him that it's not correct but he just don't understand... I know he can learn a lot of things, he aleready know sit, lay down and stay, but how can I teach him not to bite?? I know he's making he's teeths but that's not very fun for any of us in the house to be bitten like that, even if he just think it's to play...

Do you have some tricks to help me please?

Thanks

Phil

Hi there

First rule would be, zero tolecance. That means, he is not allowed to bite, i.e., touch you with his teeth. Ever. And make sure you create a lot of occasions by playing fetch, exchange objects, hand feed, making him let go of some prized posession. Now, what dou you do when bite does happen? Yelp and stop whatever rewarding activity was supposed to come. For example, if you had feed and feel any of those tiny teeth yelp, stop feeding (right away, not one extra bit), put treat away, turn your back and go. Dignified Or if you play fetch, the moment you feel his teeth while taking the ball, again, yelp, and stop the game.

It takes *a lot* of patience and exercise, but it's the only method I know that works. Important is, to react very quicly, so he understands what was wrong, to create a lot of occasions, so he can notice it right and to be consistent, and never let a mistake go, without reacting to it. This is how he can understand, because for the puppies this kind of bites are normal (they learn bite inhibition) and they can not realize how annoying this is for us.

As for chewing objects, that's a different story, as they won't yelp. Especially when they're all alone :-D Make sure he gets a lot of chew toys (soft, and squeaky, stuffed and not) and praise and reward him anytime he chooses to play with them. Keep "sensitive" items (like shoes) away from him, don't let him make mistakes. Just try to make the chew toys more attractive. As he grows and learns, you'll be able to leave unattendend shoes without danger, but there's a long way to go before then.

I hope this helps, have fun with your puppy, they grow so fast!

Regards

Adriana

What we do for pur pup seems to work great. We have a water bottle that we keep on hand just in case, if he starts chewing on the kids...because he doesnt bit at all, we say no and squirt him once with the bottle. My doggie daycare provider uses this method and it has been working wonders. It works also with keeping him off furniture and our bed.