Kingdom of Pets

Posted by suzyspag
Oct 20, 2008

My 10 week old puppy is sweet and calm when she first gets up, but when she gets woundup or just feels like playing she starts biting our hands ,feet and pulls at our pant legs. My hands, arms and feet look like I have been in a cat fight.I have tried replacing with a toy, turning and ignoring her,putting her in time out, yelping like a puppy or just say a firm no. She may look at me for a second, then jumps back on us to play. She thinks we are playing nonstop. I have even sprayed her with a water bottle, which I hated to do..She just looks at me and starts biting again. In other areas she is great. Potty training is doing ok, she will sit, stay and come. Walking on a lead is getting better every day. I have all your material and tried it all. I have taken her to the park, she loves everyone. She was only 51/2 weeks old when we got her and I know she didn't have time to play rough with her littermates. I have bought tons of toys. I only work 2 days a week and have someone come in on those 2 days.I feel I am missing something to do, please help me. She is a darling pup and can be so cuddly when she first wakes up. I'm just afraid she won't stop when she gets older. Need your help.

Thanks, Susan Spagnuolo

Posted by KOPsBecks
Oct 28, 2008

I have been in exactly the same situation as you and yes I know how frustrating and PAINFUL!! those little teeth can be!
Puppies tend to be very chewy and this doesn't stop until after they've finished teething unfortunately. One way I've found to stop them biting me is to make them see how strong they're little teeth are. When she goes to bite you, using a free hand grab over the top of her muzzle and put your thumb and 3rd finger onto her upper lips and push them into her mouth and round so they are in contact with her little teeth. Put a little pressure on and she will let out a little squeak when she feels their sharpness. Now the important thing in this case is to not use excessive force in any part of the procedure, and as soon as she realises it is unpleasant then let her go. This will not cause her more than a seconds discomfort as long as you are gentle. If you do it everytime she goes to bite you she will learn quickly that if she goes to bite you, somehow she gets bitten herself, which she doesnt like. After you have done this offer her toys to chew on, she will realise that biting them is not uncomfortable and so will do this preferably over you.

puppy biting