[PRIYERZ]

When is it necessary to correct your puppy for mouthing. I just brought him home yesterday. Since then, he has already learned to go potty outside (save 2 accidents, one of which was mine), and he already seems to understand the word "No!" (he just looks at me and starts chewing his toy instead of whatever he was chewing).

When I am playing with him, he gets mouthy as all puppies do. It doesn't hurt me yet, but he's only 7 weeks. I've been using the technique where you yell in a high pitched voice like a puppy so he learns to bite lightly. I'm sure it will start hurting as he gets older. Does anyone have any other ideas? I got the bitter dog spray (recommended by a friend) and he actually just licks it which is really weird (made me want to try it!). His jaw is still pretty weak, so I do want to find a technique that works before he gets strong enough to hurt someone.

Any help is welcome!

Also, I am workin on teaching him his name, but he doesn't really look at me when I say it. The cue that works for him is me slapping the side of my leg when I'm standing or sitting and he will come to me and sit down. I know it's only been 2 days so I'm going to keep trying my technique of saying his nameand if he looks giving him a treat. ANy help on that matter is welcome as ewll!

[Lara's mom]

First and foremost, your little one is just a baby. Babies chew, especially when they are teething which you have yet to experience. Make sure you have lots of safe stuff for your baby to chew. A teething puppy will be very happy with a rag dipped in beef stock and frozen. The cold will help to soothe the gums of a teething pup.

[PRIYERZ]

thanks very much ! I am going to try the frozen cloth thing!
So far I tried 3 different things but his favorite one is a little dental bone for teething puppies.

He takes that thing everywhere and if we move it out of his "toy box area" then he takes it and puts it back when we're done.

What a mama's boy! I'm enjoying him so much so far.

I was told rope toys are not good for puppies since they might eat it by accident. True?

Should I not worry about the mouthy part yet?

[Lara's mom]

There are those who would disagree but, in my humble opinion, he is just a baby and there is only so much that can be taught at that age. Don't encourage it - turn away from the puppy if he decides to "chew on you." Offer an alternative. Offer several if you have to. Once he gets a little older, you will be able to start training.

[Todd]

Yep. I agree. Make sure he has plenty to chew on such as the frozen raw. Some raw meaty bones would be idea too. Just make sure they're raw and NOT cooked.

The high pitched squeal is also a great technique. I personally wouldn't stress about it because most dog just grow out of it. And no it may not hurt more as he grows. Puppies teeth are MUCH sharper than older dogs teeth. At least that's how it was with my Lucky. As the dog grows it will most likely grow out of this stage and won't use jaw strength because the purpose is to teethe not to harm anyone.

Good luck with the new pup!

[cigwyllt]

I agree with Lara's mom, he's just a baby. There's a world of difference between refusing to allow him to mouth you and punishing or discipling him. My dog who is now a total couch potato and who will not mouth me under any circumstances was an absolute horror as a small pup. I read somewhere that touch can be over stimulating and they can react with mouthing through sheer excitement. So I made a conscious effort when he was very small to stop handling him unless it was absolutely necessary. I had two other dogs for him to learn about bite inhibition so I had no worries on that score. I would not touch or pick him up but I did play with him - we would play fetch or with a tug toy and I talked to him and made eye contact with him all the time. If he was relaxed and sleepy by my feet I would get down to his level and stroke him and if he was calm and climbed onto my lap then he could sleep there but if he started using me as a chew toy I just walked away. It took weeks for him to get the message but now he is a joy to cuddle!

[PRIYERZ]

Thanks guys! I never really "punish him" persay. I'm trying the reward for good behavior only technique and teach him what you would RATHER him do instead of punishing him if he's chewing on somethign you don't want him too.

I've found he doesn't really care WHAT he chews on. If he is walking towards a ball and something insteresting comes along he'll chew on that instead. He never really holds on to one thing. Puppy ADD I suppose!
I've also found that I have a lazy puppy. He'd rather lay on his back while I pet him and he chews on something than go outside and play.
Finally, he's scared of going anywhere off my small little plot of grass ( i live in the city but my house is in a little neighborhood). I think he'll grow out of this. But if i want him to walk ANYWHERE I have ot pick him up,c arryhim so whatever he knowsi s out of sight, and then he will follow me. And even then he'll just sit down and not follow.

Anyone have any adivce about the latter? I know he's still a baby but I don't want to reinforce this behavior. Especially since he could weight as much as me some day!!!
Today a dog came up to our plot of land and he ran retreated into my house. The dog approached very slowly and just to sniff him. Is this weird behavior or normal for a puppy this young?

Am I just reading way too into his actions?

[Todd]

Originally Posted by PRIYERZ

Thanks guys! I never really "punish him" persay. I'm trying the reward for good behavior only technique and teach him what you would RATHER him do instead of punishing him if he's chewing on somethign you don't want him too.

I've found he doesn't really care WHAT he chews on. If he is walking towards a ball and something insteresting comes along he'll chew on that instead. He never really holds on to one thing. Puppy ADD I suppose!
I've also found that I have a lazy puppy. He'd rather lay on his back while I pet him and he chews on something than go outside and play.
Finally, he's scared of going anywhere off my small little plot of grass ( i live in the city but my house is in a little neighborhood). I think he'll grow out of this. But if i want him to walk ANYWHERE I have ot pick him up,c arryhim so whatever he knowsi s out of sight, and then he will follow me. And even then he'll just sit down and not follow.

Anyone have any adivce about the latter? I know he's still a baby but I don't want to reinforce this behavior. Especially since he could weight as much as me some day!!!
Today a dog came up to our plot of land and he ran retreated into my house. The dog approached very slowly and just to sniff him. Is this weird behavior or normal for a puppy this young?

Am I just reading way too into his actions?

He sounds like a submissive pup. He's probably not sure what lies in the outside world because he's so young. You def. want to introduce him to the outside world starting as soon as you can to prevent any social problems when he grows older. Take him out every day. Even if you have to carry him outside at first do it. Make sure everytime he goes outside he gets TONS of positive reinforcement. You want him to associate going outside to rewards and positive reinforcement. Has he ever had a traumatic experience outside or is it just that he's a shy dog and unsure what awaits? When you take him out give him plenty of praise and also plenty of yummt treats and toys. Try and make every experience as stress free and positive as possible. Be patient though. Don't rush things. You don't want too many set-backs. Let him meet dogs and other people. Even setting up situations yourself with friends or family members will help. For example, let's say you have a neighbor who loves dogs. Walk or even carry your dog over at first and when you go inside have your neighbor praiuse your dog and give him a toy or treat. This way walking outside is associated with reward in your dog's mind. Eventually he'll walk gladly on leash with you without a problem! He'll get more and more comfortable. Use verbbal praise, treats, and toys to both of your advantages. He's still a pup so your job is going to be much easier than dealing with an adult dog. Get started right away.

Good luck!