At my wits end with biting yorkie, 12 weeks

[Eliza]

Please can someone help? I think 'm going to lose my mind! I've had Illy Picca Boo from 8 weeks old. He was a hand chewer when he arrived, and although I tried to stop him, it didn't hurt or draw blood. However he is now 12 weeks and quite large for his age. I have tried yelping, pinching his lip, shouting, treats when he doesn't bite (not very often). He bit me yesterday and drew blood, and it was very painful. I have tried stones in an empty water bottle and holding his mouth shout and giving eye contact and saying No! He just gets more aggressive and viscious, he grols and barks and jumps at me to bite me. He bites my legs when I walk about. I really don't know what else to try, I just want to sit with him and watch tv, but I cant even stroke him. Besides from the biting he is a good yorkie. He comes running when I call, sits on comand, gives me his paw and kisses. If he does something naughty and I shout No! he stops immediately. I love my little boy and have spent 4 weeks trying to correct this behaviour. I am so disappointed, I feel that I have let him down. He used to sleep on my bed, but has become so hyper, he has to spend the night in his crate. He has become a monster, and I am too embarassed to have friends around, as he will only bite them, it is so embarassing. He is so cute when he is asleep and when he first wakes up. He follows me everywhere, so he cant hate me. I really dont know what to do??????????

[cdawnfine]

Sometimes it is not how we do things but when. Instead of a water bottle with stones try a coffee can with coins it brings the noise level to a whole nother place. Try to have it with you at all times, you need to shake it the moment he goes for you if you wait because you have to find it your moment might pass. There is a short time span between beginning excitement and full blown attack. You might want to try with the pup on your lap have the coin can handy and pet the puppy the min. he goes to bite shake the can, just keep repeating this and he will learn. Also as you shake the can say no bite and take your hand away.

Good Luck

[Rae Rae]

To me it sounds like he's just going through puppy stages. When he starts biting grab a toy of his for him to chew on. I'm sure things will get better once he grows out of this phase. Also maybe try ignoring the behavior, walking away from him, just don't give any attention to it.

[Clioc]

Our pixie was a biter when she was a pup, so much so that on our first introduction to our rescued yorkie Wizzar she bit him. Wizzar thought "Ooooooohhhh exciting a female" and went sniffing, Pixie said "hold your horses their bucko!!" and she promptly bit his little boy bit!! So you can imagine who is the boss in our house!! we tried reprimanding her, ignoring here and the only thing that worked was a spray gun with water. When she did it she got sprayed, she did not like and has stopped!! it took about 2 weeks of constant work but it has been worth it. Best of luck!!!

[Sunnie]

You are going to have to work with him a lot. Between 8-12 weeks is when thier mommy is teaching them socialization and thus teaching them thier limits on biting. Since he missed that opportunity, you are going to have to be the mommy and teach him. A soda can with coins in it is an excellent teacher. I have also used a small square can like candies come in. I toss in a few pennies and it is handy to carry in your pocket. EVERY time he tries to bite, shake the can and firmly say "no bite" Don't yell, just be firm. As soon as you get his attention and he isn't lunging to bite, give him a toy that he can chew on instead of you. Be patient and it will pay off.

[Chellbe46]

Tino used to bit fingers and things when he was a young boy, well he still is . We used to say "no Tino" and he got the hang of it. I don`t thing we should shout or smack of dogs it really is not very nice, aslo i wouldn`t do the water spray thing too as it will make your puppy scared of water when its tinme to bath it. any more help let me know xx

[Lillium]

Suzy used to bite constantly when she was younger, she's now 7 months. She especially loved to gnaw on long fingernails. It took a while but she has stopped now. It took being firm and constant to get her out of the habit. I put it down to the fact that she was teething and liked the feel of my fingers and nails on her gums.