Puppy nipping

[lilbonfire88]

Our newf is almost 4 months old. I must start by saying how awesome he is, we just love him. He is pretty smart and knows basic commands, and is working hard on heel and leave it now. He just started puppy classes so that we can work our way up the ladder, and hopefully have a therapy dog when he's old enough. The problem now is that he is very mouthy. Yes, we know pups mouth, and we have plenty of previous dog experience, and have been able to stop all mouthing in our previous dogs. For some reason, we can't get him to even realize it's wrong. He mouths sometimes when you pet him, hold his collar, or especially when the kids are playing. He's not trying to be mean, he is just extra playful I think. We've tried yelping when he does and leaving play for a bit, a firm no, and trying to redirect to a toy. He doesn't seem to get it though. He is a smart pup though, as he has picked up on all other commands quite quickly. We know he's only a baby still, but he's over 50 pounds now, and when we are out and he gets mouthy with new people, you can imagine how that can be intimidating to them. Any tips, advice, or even info on if this is a breed thing, that would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[lmfoltyn]

We tried everything when our little girl was a puppy...all the great advice that worked for everyone else did NOT work for us...we tried it all...she was awful...I had bites all over my arms and hands...and to this very day at 29 months of age she knows to get a toy in her mouth so she doesn't bite us when she is excited. She runs to look for anything to put in her mouth, shoe, towel, toy anything. It is funny to watch her...she knows that she has to have her mouth occupied. They are very smart dogs...good luck to you...I hope someone here can help with your dog...

 

[R Taft]

Yes get something in that mouth and praise her and if she does pull make 100% sure you do not pull, go still. It is the pulling we do automatically that causes the problem. if anything push towards the pup. I also have treats with me when my dogs are puppies and lure them off.... I get the treat and as they come off to get the treat I say "off"... eventually they also learn the word off and you say "off" they come off and you reward. If you have a really horrid little one that has the biting sort of as a learned behaviour... I get a little spray bottle with some water and a few drops of either geranium oil, lemon grass or lavender... all harmless as they are essential oils and spray, not near the eyes, but near the nose. it will work and after that even picking up the bottle will work or just the pretend action with your finger. I had a singleton pup, who had no littermates and she had no idea... she is now the softest mouthed pup. urshie is just one, she will take your hand, which I like for water training, but is soft. I also teach gently... she knows she has to soften or get ignored... I think it is harder when you have kids in the mix as they often pull away and scream... real no no's as the dogs think of it as play and it excites them, which leads to a more powerful bite... I still allow the dogs to take my hand, I just do not accept it hurting...