[cjhamel81]

I have a 10 week Bullmastiff and he love to bite...I would love some help nefore he gets out of hand!

Thanks all

CJ

[Todd]

Common issue here. He'll most likely grow out of it. That's what my dog did. It's a puppy thing. How they explore the world. If it bothers you and you'd like to nip the habit try handing the dog acceptable toys to chew on instead when it tries to mouth on you. Making a high pitched squeal and turning your back/ignoring the dog when it bites/mouthes is another technique to try. That's what a littermate would do. If that doesn't seem to do the trick try considering a spray bottle or water gun to spray the dog wish when it bites. Another thing I have seen work is gently but firmly hold the dog's mouth shut for a second and say leave it when it bites or mouthes. This should get the point across that the biting/mouthing in unacceptable. When he complies be sure to reward him with plenty of positive reinforcement such as praise, toys, and treats.

good luck with your pup!

[cigwyllt]

At 10 weeks he is very much a baby. Remember he is teething so he will have sore gums - as Todd says make sure he has lots of appropriate toys to chew on as his mouth will be hurting. You can soak a rope tug toy and freeze it - lots of pups find that comforting.

But remember that like human babies puppies will investigate the world around them with their mouths. You need to teach your pup that you do not want to be investigated that way. One thing that is well worth doing but very hard to do is to try and be as "hands off" in your care for him as you can be - don't pick him up, don't keep petting him - give him lots of attention in every other way - eye contact, speech, playing with toys but only reward him with touch when he is calm and if he tries to mouth you then withdraw from him for a few moments.

I have never had a dog as keen on mouthing as my Jack Russell and I really struggled to stop handling him. I read online that many pups find touch to be overstimulating and mouth because they are so wound up. So I held off on the touching and now my dog is the softest, floppiest lap dog I could ask for. Obviously that is probably not what you are aiming for with a mastiff but the principle is the same LOL

[Todd]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

At 10 weeks he is very much a baby. Remember he is teething so he will have sore gums - as Todd says make sure he has lots of appropriate toys to chew on as his mouth will be hurting. You can soak a rope tug toy and freeze it - lots of pups find that comforting.

But remember that like human babies puppies will investigate the world around them with their mouths. You need to teach your pup that you do not want to be investigated that way. One thing that is well worth doing but very hard to do is to try and be as "hands off" in your care for him as you can be - don't pick him up, don't keep petting him - give him lots of attention in every other way - eye contact, speech, playing with toys but only reward him with touch when he is calm and if he tries to mouth you then withdraw from him for a few moments.

I have never had a dog as keen on mouthing as my Jack Russell and I really struggled to stop handling him. I read online that many pups find touch to be overstimulating and mouth because they are so wound up. So I held off on the touching and now my dog is the softest, floppiest lap dog I could ask for. Obviously that is probably not what you are aiming for with a mastiff but the principle is the same LOL

You could ignore him as you suggested and only gentle, calm touch but obviously that isn't an option for some people. If it isn't maybe consider doing that when he mouthes and treating him as usual when he doesn't. This may teach him not to do it. Don't forget to reward as well as positive reinforcement is equally important...

[cjhamel81]

WOW that's great info guys, thanks for your help,

CJ