Hi all, I have seen some threads recently regarding older puppies biting and wondered if anyone had any suggestions for dealing with a 6 month old puppy that is very persistent in her biting. I posted a few months ago seeking advice around biting and it seemed to get a little better. She was however spayed last Tuesday and it has been really difficult keeping her calm. She has been very insistent on biting our hands and trying to pull us by our hands or clothing. Its as though she is trying to engage us in some kind of rough play and despite turning away, walking away, closing doors on her to try to give her time to calm down and take away attention, she tends to try it again when we return. We don't play fight with her but she wishes we would. I am struggling for ideas as to how to get the message across as her bites hurt quite a lot now she has her adult teeth. I also don't want her to be considered an aggressive dog or worse yet develop into being aggressive with others, although as the moment I suspect its more puppy tendancies. Any suggestions or shared experiences would be so helpful. Thanks
Hey there Bonza, sorry you are still having trouble with biting. I can't think of anything particular for an older dog that wouldn't have been the same for a puppy. I guess the key might be to avoid rewarding the biting behaviour. This stuff isn't my forte, but ensuring any bites are not rewarded at all, so no loud voices, interactions, scoldings, giving of "reward" toys etc. Removing yourself from the room possibly? Hope someone else can chip in for you. jac
Hi again, I thought I would give a few more details as to what seems to be happening on a daily basis. She stays with my mum and dad during the day whilst I am at work and I pick her up each evening/afternoon. She always greets me wagging and wanting to be stroked and then within around 5 minutes, if that she will try to grab my hand or clothes or anything she can reach really. Her bites are just that, not nips - more of a bite and then a tug. I thought a bit more information might help with any suggestions. Of course feel free to ask me anything if more info is needed. Thanks Jac for your reply too
Hi @Bonza , I can sympathasise with your concerns, it is worrying when the nipping persists, Cassie was/is like this. She 16 months and my first Labrador. I think the thing is you just have to go back to basics and keep withdrawing yourself, arms etc so that she can't do it, if she does it on your return just keep doing it consistently, keep doing it. Cass tends to grab peoples arms even now, not so hard, but I get what you mean about not wanting her "labelled" as aggressive. I discussed it with a behaviourist who said just keep removing arms when she does it -- it is working. It's tough though when they nip you in greeting, you don't want to withdraw yourself! She does tend to mouth me more if she's upset or perturbed.
