Good morning everyone. I’m new to this site but have read lots of helpful and interesting threads. I’m hoping you guys have some advice for me... We have a just over 6 month old male chocolate lab pup who is amazing apart from the biting! He rarely nips at me or my family any more and will actively seek out a toy when greeting me now. When he does get excited he jumps up and nips at clothing and skin and it’s very painful. Whenever we have visitors it’s a race to get a toy in his mouth before he rushes excitedly and bites and jumps. He gets so excited that he tries to start licking but just can’t help nipping unless he has a toy. He will then circle around visitors legs for ages. After the initial excitement he settles down but if the visitor moves, he’s straight back to them for attention by jumping up and nipping. He has actually caught my face where he jumps so high nipping. It’s painful!! I’m worried that this behaviour is never going to end and that someone will get hurt. Especially a child. If anyone pays him particular attention while out walking he will do it with them too. What can I do? He is such a lovely, sociable dog but he is a big 6 month old and obviously getting bigger. I’ve thought about a behaviour specialist? Any suggestions very gratefully received.
Yep, we experienced this too. Ella is now four and I can't remember exactly when it ended but, in time, it definitely stopped. Just keep doing what you're doing and it will end. My suggestion would be to separate. Use a crate or a baby gate to prevent pup from getting to your visitors. We still do this now. Then, after a period of time when everyone is settled, either let him out or bring him out on lead. I used to bring Ella out on lead and put her bed by my feet. Once she'd settled on her bed, if unclip the lead. If she got up, I'd just watch to see what she did and if any silliness started, I'd either pop her back on lead or separate again. Now, we don't have to do this at all - it just takes time. Oh, frozen kongs help too. Gives pup something to focus on that's nice and calm. I ended up becoming more assertive. I asked people not to approach, I said no when people asked to pat her and I taught a "turn and escape!" type exercise. Basically, when I found myself suddenly in a position where it was too crowded, we'd get out of there asap. Good luck, it sounds as though you're on the right track
@KSJSS It would help the more experienced to help if they know what you've tried so far. Theres so many good vids on teaching them to sit and or keep all 4 feet on the ground) or they don't get the attention they want. Knowing what really has your pup, is it food is it a squeaky toy, is it mental work. Sounds like you have others there that can assist you on this. Also not putting your pup in a situation they will fail. Im not sure yet how to link articles or Id link one. My Maggie is close to 6 months. Ill tell you the things that worked for us. On days she was more wound up before a "walk" I would throw the ball for her on a long line so she could get out the initial energy. When entering the house we don't make a "grand" enterence. I found when coming home from work if my hub just entered without getting all excited she stayed calmer and doesn't get crazy.(read that somewhere and this really hit home) The actual biting...I have frozen cloths, Kongs frozen with different things etc. BUT it was actually MY OWN behavior that escalated hers. I would yell out loud if she bit and it hurt (cause it did) and repeatedly she would keep coming back as I squealed and hoped around. So I started being ready, and really watching her for signs that she was in that bitty time, and if the toys or commands didn't work straight out I got up away from her instead of expecting she would control herself. I would put her into her crate so we both could calm down. Really recognizing when she wasn't biting and was calm, playing on her own, and praising her and rewarding that behavior I wanted her to emulate. There was almost an immediate turn about. Be consistent! Good luck.
Thank you both. He is now pretty good with the off command if jumps up and toy in mouth stops the biting to a point but as soon as he drops it it is back to the nipping. I can see some improvement and it’s good to hear that it actually can improve. The thing I worry about is people and children walking up to him and excitedly saying hello when on a walk. If there are no other dogs to draw his attention he starts to jump and nip. Food is definitely his love - surprise surprise! He’s not interested in bringing balls back or chasing them in the first place. I can keep his attention for a long time with the promise of a treat. Thank you very much for your advice.
In the training section look for the sticky "Look at that" LAT trains has save us! I think using a clicker wiould be faster so as soon as the eye contact happens you click, but I didn't have a clicker when I started it, just a "yess". Any method or training has to be consistent. I know there are days you just don't want to do it, but just stick to it! Good luck!
I think you're doing a great job with the toy and encouraging carrying the toy instead. You can make one change so things are even better, which is to ensure he is trailing a puppy house line - so you can grab that when you need to and prevent him from reaching guests for example...
