Biting puppy

sunflower · 12-10-2005

My parents have a terri-poo. She is only about 4 months. Sweet little thing but will not let you pat her. She is for ever biting your hands. If you tap her on the nose and tell her NO she goes after that hand. She is only playing but we want to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand. They purchased a muzzle but I can't say I agree it will help. Any suggestion?????

ILOVEDOGS:) · 12-18-2005

It the puppies keeps biting, when she goes to bite your hand use your thumb and pointer finger and push her bottom lip on to her teeth and say no. Keep doing it everytime she tries to bite a soon it will stop. Don't push her lip down hard enough to hurt her, but just enough so she knows it's her own lip. Doing this will keep the puppy from biting down. I used this on my dog who is a malamute/Pitbull, 4 months old as well and it worked great. She stopped biting the 2nd day we had her and it's not been a problem since.
I also don't suggest the muzzle, it won't help any. It would just prolong the problem, plus it's very cruel to do such a thing to a young puppy who doesn't understand why. :wink:

petshopgirl · 12-22-2005

I haven't been around here for a while. I try not to take puppy biting too seriously since they are usually just teething but I DO KNOW that it can be a problem. I kind of go between being firm and ignoring bad behavior. There have been times I go into a puppy room to refresh food or water and I am attacked mercilessly by nippy puppies (and even worse I become entertainment for customers who love to watch me being taken down by these cute little puppies- and losing my shoes or whatever).

I had a message here before about a bichon mix I was concerned about. Reporting back, he turned out to be such a good boy. He had a lot of energy, but he showed himself to be very smart. He has a home now.

Now I have a concern for a boxer I work with. He is smart, he will sit good and listen. If he gets excited then the growling and biting starts. Sometimes we have to be very firm but I also find that ignoring him and maybe saying "NO!" gets his attention. I try to use lots of positive reinforcement with him. He thrives on toys and playing. I still worry. I think that he is trying to be the alpha. Anyone have a good suggestion?