Hi everyone, Buddy is 11 weeks and the last 2 weeks has started to be really nippy and growly. I've read a few threads on here and it's reassuring to know that it's may not be aggressive behaviour as such but just feel exhausted with it. I'm trying time out in his crate at the moment but when he comes back out 5 mins later and he's back to being bitey. My kids are starting to get a bit wary of him as he lunges at us. Any advice is welcome before I lose my sanity Laura
Yes, it’s very normal Lab puppy behaviour. Anyone who says different has not had a Lab puppy! He will grow out of it, meanwhile be more determined than he is (and that’s very determined!) that he will bite toys and not you. The growling is all play. Have a puppy toy on every shelf and in every pocket to put in his mouth. Wear skinny jeans and tight sleeves. With one of my pups I even wore wellies in the house! Here is the best advice. I have a pup every year and go back to it every single time - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppies-biting/ .
Hi I had a very bitey boy with Bailey when he was this age - it seemed no matter what we did it just did not stop! Like Mags I kept putting a toy in his mouth, I also turned my back on him, withdrawing all attention from him, just for a minute and then resumed play, but as soon as teeth came into contact with my skin the game stopped and I withdrew all attention. It takes a while but after a couple of months (and he still does this now), when he greets anyone he rushes and grabs a toy and the whole time he is saying hello he has the toy in his mouth. Kept me safe and sound from those teeth, that is for sure! The article on the link above really is good - it covers how children can safely play with your pup - something I followed, although I have no children but I work at a rugby club where on a Sunday morning there are around 200 kids running around screaming and playing rugby! We made sure they all acted appropriately around him and supervised all interactions. If we couldn't do that then the children were not allowed to be with him.
Thank you so much guys think I just lost my way a Bit, will read the article, top up my determination and stock up on extra toys! It's good to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel
Very normal behaviour for a pup. I taught my nieces and nephews to stand up straight, cross their arms and ignore the pup. The pup usually gets bored then. If he continues then remove him from the room for a min to calm down. I always had a toy to put in her mouth when she was little and everytime someone comes to our house now she grabs a toy.
