Hi All, We have a lovely 8 week old yellow lab puppy, she is doing great except she really does nip a lot, especially when playing and when she is excited, we are trying the 'substitute for a chewy toy' thing and standing up after she nips, ignoring her. Any other suggestions? She has already drawn blood on my 12 year olds toe! Don't get me wrong, we did expect a bit of this, just not this much!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have several more weeks with a bitey pup. Can you identify any triggers? One of my puppy’s triggers was petting him. He was almost three months old before I could pet him without setting off a bite fest. I got him during the summer, so he was in his bitey phase during shorts season and got nipped all the time behind my knees when I least expected it. The good news is, it will get better. Teach her some basic commands, and when she gets over excited, work with her on those commands. Mine seemed to calm down a bit. If he had something to focus on. He’s seven months old now and he still bites some, but I’ve learned how to redirect him.
Hi, I also have an 8wk old Yello lab girl. I read somewhere before I got her that you can use treats (I use her puppy food) to reinforce good behavior. This àrticle I read earlier (what brought me here) has some great ideas I think. What I have been doing for a few days now is when she is being calm and letting me pet her I say good girl and give her a bit of food maybe one it two pieces. If she moves her head toward my hand open with her mouth I take my hand away and say no bite, then ignore her for a little bit before trying again. I have the kiddos do it the same way but supervised by me so that I can intervene if I need to. I also have the boys work on obedience training with we had well, sit and lay down are what she can do so far, only sit works with out a treat. Sorry this is rambling and I don't really know much more than you do but I hope this helps a little. Also this article has some great advice. https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppies-biting/
Thanks so much for the feedback, I’m doing those things too. It feels good to know others are in the same boat or have had experience too. She’s sometimes better if I ignore her and let her calm down before I per her. I permanently have kibble in my pockets!
I am trying to remember to put the kibble in a baggie and then in my pocket. But yeah, it is getting better but it is slow. They are not kidding when they say you need patience for your puppy.
Have a read of old thread on here, it’s a common theme. Labs are fondly known as crocopups. It does pass so hang in there. Distraction worked for us...I kept her mouth busy with stuffed kings, cardboard boxes, frozen carrots...
Hi there, and welcome! If you haven't seen this thread yet, you might find it helpful : https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/biting-puppies-help-for-new-puppy-parents.24782/. Hang on in there, things will improve
Hi. Our Black Lab is 4 1/2 years old now but the best technique for us was for ANY mouthing, we screeched as if hurt us and withdrew from play. If was extremely over excited then used ‘time out’ she was put in her own area and left until calm. Over the years, if she has ever caught my hand etc in play, she has instantly realised and I may get connection with teeth but has never created a cut.
