Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Black Lab (just turning 3 months old) and I'm curious about a few things (as this is my first puppy.)

I know puppies chew on everything (no problem) and mine likes to try chewing on my hands in a playful way. I've been told not to allow him to play bite on my hands by one person and told that it's ok to allow it by another. I don't want to mistakingly turn him on to any bad habbits so I wanted to ask those who've had dogs longer than I have: what's acceptable playtime behavior?

Second, I've taught him the command "sit" and the command to "lay down" but most of the time he gets the two confused and sits at any command nomatter what it is. My question on this is: how do I help my dog know the difference between different commands?

I greatly appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer my questions.

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>> I have a Black Lab (just turning 3 months old) and I'm curious about a few things (as this is my first puppy.)
>>
>> I know puppies chew on everything (no problem) and mine likes to try chewing on my hands in a playful way. I've been told not to allow him to play bite on my hands by one person and told that it's ok to allow it by another. I don't want to mistakingly turn him on to any bad habbits so I wanted to ask those who've had dogs longer than I have: what's acceptable playtime behavior?
>>
>> Second, I've taught him the command "sit" and the command to "lay down" but most of the time he gets the two confused and sits at any command nomatter what it is. My question on this is: how do I help my dog know the difference between different commands?
>>
>>
>> I greatly appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer my questions.

>>>>>>>>>>

I have written an article called "Puppy Biting" that explains a way to handle the mouthing. Also the article "Training: What Does Your Dog Need?" is important for a Lab owner, and the article on puppy class. And there are a bunch of articles about training specific exercises, too. To find them, go to the link below my name:
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47