Hi everyone, another newbie here! Can anyone help/advise me please, I'm starting to feel the pressure and I'm not sure if I'm doing the right or best thing here...help! Ruby is 11weeks old now, we've had her for 2 weeks and every time she sees my children whether they are sitting watching tv or playing in the garden, she launches herself at/on them and nips or hangs on with teeth for dear life! The kids are 9 & 11 so they understand to a point that she needs to learn some rules and manners however, my son is now becoming quite fearful of her being around. I've read other forum posts regarding biting and over excited puppies and both I and the kids have tried doing all things suggested, squealing ouch, water spray, I've even put a lead on her to drag around but she is undeterred by them all. I end up having to put her in her crate for time out, but she seems to spend more time in there than out....I feel bad doing it to her but it's like she's possessed! I use kongs, frozen carrots, nylabones, antlers, you name it she has it. Can I do anything else or do I just have to ride this one out? Someone else already posted on here and me and the kids feel the same, we can't wait to give her a big kiss and cuddle but without her ripping our faces off in the process! Any thought or suggestions gratefully received, thank you!
Re: New puppy and the kids Welcome Seems like a normal puppy to me. She is just trying to find her boundries, the biting and nipping is normal you will just have to persevere. Allow her to mouth your hand but if she bites hard yelp like a puppy stand up and walk away, go back to her after 30 secs and try again and repeat if she bites. The reason is that she needs to learn bite inhibition, you don't an older dog to bite hard. My pup is 6 months now and still mouths but does not hurt. How much excercise is she getting? Are you trying to train her, she needs mental stimulation. Just simple stuff like sit and come. Make her sit for her meals. Do not use the lead, she will become fearfull of it.
Re: New puppy and the kids Hi! As Indy just said, it's all normal! I have a 12.5 week old pup who is finally calming down from all the nipping, biting, lunging, etc. I was quite shocked by her behaviour to start with and it seemed that we couldn't get near her without being "attacked". In the last week there has been a marked change in that behaviour. I make sure I have something to hand to put in her mouth when I know she is being nippy and make sure that any play is ended before it gets out of hand. Feeding meals in something like a Kong Wobbler has helped, lots of small training exercises throughout the day, plastic bottles to chase, toilet rolls to chew : , and when you are able to take her out side for a walk that will also help lots. It's not easy to turn away with a small furry creature hanging on your ankles , but keep at it, it will get better as she learns that she will not be rewarded for her behaviour. Hope that helps a little bit.
Re: New puppy and the kids Hi there and welcome to the Forum.im glad you've had a chance to explore a few other posts to see that you aren't alone it can be a tough time these puppy months.I missed a lot of it as my dog came to is at 5 months but there is a lot of experience on the forum and advice that will help. Best wishes Angela and Dexter,yellow boy 20 months x
Re: New puppy and the kids Yes - you have a normal lab/crazy crocodile! Here are three excellent articles on the subject by Pippa - http://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-play-safely-with-a-labrador/ http://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-cope-when-your-labrador-puppy-bites/ http://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-cope-with-an-overexcited-labrador-puppy/
Re: New puppy and the kids Sending sympathy and more reassurance that it will pass. When my son was a toddler we had a cocker spaniel puppy and I used stair gates on doorframes not just the stairs. It might be a way to give your children a break from the puppy without pup having to be crated. Do try to involve them in training too - such as sit - as it will build their confidence. Wouldn't use the lead but if you've desperate how about a trailing house line, so you can pick up the end if the situation is getting out of hand. (Don't leave the puppy alone on the line though).
Re: New puppy and the kids Welcome to the forum! There is an article just up today on the main site which explains about teaching bite inhibition, and (sorry!) why it may not be a good idea to stop a puppy biting too soon. I know this might not help with the kids, but it might help to know your nipped arms and fingers are in a very good cause.
Re: New puppy and the kids They are not very nice at that age are they? I have always found that it pays to maintain a height difference when puppies are around. Kids usually like to lounge around on the floor, but puppies seem to think that is an invitation to play, but they don't know how to play nicely. They also tend to snap at things, so I spent the winter in jeans and sweaters. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it was when I could finally wear my dressing gown again
Re: New puppy and the kids from a teeny tiny black 5 1/2 year old Lab known as The DivaDog and her pet human
Re: New puppy and the kids Hi, welcome to the forum. I too have a 9 year old child and have gone through exactly the same as you. Murphy is now 20 weeks but there's been lots of tears from my son due to Murphy jumping on him, chasing and hanging onto clothes etc. I am pleased to say though there is life at the end of the tunnel and things defo get better. At the time though if my son Lewis was watching tv or playing with toys on the floor, I kept Murphy out of the room. Also I let Lewis read the "rules" on here about what children should and shouldn't do to over excite the puppy eg lying on the floor, loud pitched squealing, replacing a toy into his mouth if he starts nipping etc. I am sure in another few weeks things will calm down, your kids and your puppy will be best friends in no time at all. Karen xx
Re: New puppy and the kids Thank you, thank you, thank you all! You know, I know Ruby is 'a normal lab puppy' however it is really hard watching her tear chunks out of my kids :-\. I think I just wanted some reassurance that I'm doing all that I can. So thank you for the support and advice....some of you with children who have experienced this really struck a chord with me & did make me giggle (we all need new dressing gowns now!). I am hopeful that in a weeks time when I can take her out for a walk I might start to see a difference, in the meantime the kids are off the floor and actively involved in training and I've done away with the lead...watch this space, will keep you posted! Thank again x
Re: New puppy and the kids Hi ya I have a 6 3 and 11 month old. This is what I done. Now I did this over a few days and it took time but it has worked. I got the kids to play as normal and with a bag full of treats I let izzy into the room when izzy was being goôd and leaving them be I said good girl and gave her a treat when she was being naughty I woul tell her no in a firm voice and me and the kids woul turn away from her and ignore her come back and try again. I would do this about 2/3 times aday for about 30/40 mins. As time went on I would reward her with a treat and also reward with a rub. Now I only reward with a rub. I use the work off instead of down. She will also only get attention when àll 4 paws are in the ground. Also when trying to get her off you or the kids move away don't use your hand as the hand touching her is like a reward to her. 9/10 times me saying off or no works if she is annoying them which doesn't happen much now. I would also get the kiddies to over do their actions and movements if you know what I mean. Just to test her. I found so good videos on YouTube for training too. Hope this makes sense and helps you.
Re: New puppy and the kids Hi and welcome! We have a Ruby too (13 weeks old), and she literally did tear my nose a couple of weeks ago due to a mis-timed attempt at a kiss (my mistake!). I completely understand where you are coming from, as I have a 1 year old and a 3 year old who both bear little scratches on hands and one on the face It seems such a shame that we can't cuddle them when they are so cute and appealing! Those teeth are so sharp! I have a big playpen/fireguard which i have stretched out across the room the kids play in so that she can be in with us, but not constantly stealing their toys or jumping (and scratching) all over them. It's helped a lot as it's impossible to try and watch them all the time. Hang in there - I'm sure we'll look back and laugh at some point...?
