Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Pom pupppy, 12 wks old now. I am so frustrated I am ready to find him a new home. He will not stop biting. He wants attention, the minute you put your hand down to pet, pick up, touch, he starts chewing on you. My hands are torn up. I have tried the ignore theory, pennies in a can, squirt bottle, yelping loud, you name it, nothing works. I am at my wits end, I had a Japanese Chin for 14 yrs. that we just lost and so wanted a loving little dog to replace her, but so far this is NOT it. I don't want to get rid of him, he's smart, cute, funny, but if the constant biting doesn't stop he's gone. Any suggestions ????
Hurry !!!!!!!!!!!1

First you have to understand a little bit about the breed. While they are cute little dogs they are also members of the Spitz breed of dogs. This means they can be very independent, very headstrong and in their world everything will belong to them.

Even at only 12 weeks old this pup has established himself as the leader in the household. You will need to take back that leadership role. One thing that comes to mind that you can try is the NILF program. This stands for Nothing In Life is Free. A Google search will lead to many links about the program. If followed the program works but only if you and everyone in the household makes a commitment to have it work. Basically what happens is the pup must perform a simple basic command before he gets anything from you. This will mean greets at the door, pets, hugs and even food. Once he does what you ask even if it's just SIT... then you reward him.

Another thing to try is leash training. This will also help establish some limitations. Keep the leash connected to his collar. This will give you or someone else something to grasp when the pup misbehaves which in turn keeps you safe from bites. Above all, do not push him away to get him to stop, he thinks this is a game and will only continue.

Lastly... how much excercise does your pup get? A tired dog is a happy dog and your pup could simply be bored to death with a lot of pent up energy. He should get at least two very long walks a day or plenty of playtime in a fenced in area like a backyard or a park to burn off excess energy. These types of dogs have an over active mind and need plenty of stimulus to keep them occupied.

All is not lost with your little pup. By following some of above or any modification of it and you will soom have an extremely loyal dog who will soon understand that you are the leader.
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Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
PHMax

I agree with Max. . . . Time and training will help--and Nothing in Life is Free really does help. I remember those mouthy stages well, but if you're very consistent about not allowing it, they do grow out of it. I stopped play immediately any time my dog was mouthy with me.

Maybe there is a hint or two on the site that might help.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1128

Cheryl

Sounds like you need a behavior specialist to evaluate the pup and advise you. I would do it right away, because wherever he is, the way he is handled during critical development stages that are passing QUICKLY will be critical to his future behavior. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a local behavior specialist.

If this pup was not from a "normal" litter and not kept with the mother and littermates until the correct stage of development, you might have permanent biting problems. So, you need an expert in person to meet the pup and you, take the history, etc.
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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