Hi there, we have a gorgeous almost 6 month labrador retriever. Our first time having a puppy, she is absolutely beautiful except for when we go out into the backyard and she is in "game on" mode. She will attack (biting, jumping, barking, growling) myself or one of my 3 children (aged 13, 11 and 8). We understand that it is playful and she is not being aggressive however it always ends in someone being scratched or bitten and in tears. It's really hard to stop the children from screaming and freaking out - they get so upset. We have heard of a few methods to help however nothing seems to be working very well and wondered if anybody has had similar experiences and what may have worked. Her behaviour otherwise is really quite gentle and placid. Appreciate any assistance.
Hi there and welcome here! Don’t despair, you are in good company with your bitey puppy! If you take a look on the Puppy Board you will see that lots of us here have had experience with the dreaded “crocopup”. And it is so difficult with the kids involved as well. But, deep breath, you will get through this and come out with a lovely family pet! There are things you can do. I would highly recommend an article from the main site which will give you some ideas: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppies-biting/ Have a look and if you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask.
I would use baby gates to keep her separate from the children during her crazy times. With you, stand up, turn your back then when some semblance of normality returns, even for a second, use treats and do some training. Then give a tasty chew or Kong to keep her mind and teeth busy. You may need a lot of Kongs and to use half her food in them, but it’s worth it. I understand how full on they can be at this age, my Mollie was totally totally loopy and her teeth still hurt! She’s 12 months old now and a joy to be around. Persevere, you’ll get there.
Its hard to believe when people post saying it will pass, when its in the full thralls of crocopup! But it really does!I think others with children will come along and give some good advice on keeping your children calm rather than the puppy, as this excites the puppy! Hope it all works out
hi had the same with a black lab i had 5 months old literally tore the jeans of me was an angel inside house but not in back garden , tried everything even got a trainer out to help as thought i was doing stuff wrong but nothing worked ,it was a case of he ruled the garden in his eyes , eventually after a lot of trying my friend took him hes got one on one attention and it has stopped , have since got three golden labs aged 1 1 and 3 months and all doing well till today when the 3 month old one decided to growl and snap at my 18yr old neice ,hoping its a once off and not an over protective puppy again ,best of luck with yours
If that's what your trainer told you, then they're very out of date. That's not how dogs think. Most 5-month old puppies play rough and destroy your house, clothes and body, that's just part of the joy of them. A three-month old puppy growling and snapping isn't being over-protective, aggressive or anything similar. It's being a three-month-old puppy. It's what they do, so, no, it probably won't be a one-off. You should keep the puppy away from the baby until they have both grown up a bit.
Agree with @snowbunny I would recommend a look at this article from the main site which gives you ideas for what to do about biting puppies. It’s very normal and highly unlikely to be aggression. https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppies-biting/
Both were being totally normal puppies in need of training. All is play. My pup is 12 months old now and still needs a lot of support outside the home. Your niece will need to learn appropriate behaviour round young dogs for her sake and his. .
