Socializing means introducing her to new places and people, it doesn't necessary mean letting them all touch her. Some dogs are better than this then others, and I find with Joey, he allows certain people to touch him on his own terms. Some people are just dog people and know how to approach a dog, usually offering their hand for the dog to sniff, but Joey doesn't like it if just anyone tries to handle him, and neither do I. Your dog is teething and biting and chewing everything is normal now, I think I would just tell people that "she's teething, and might bite you, so please don't touch." When she bites you, I've read that you should say "no" and give an appropriate substitute, like a chew stick. This didn't work too well with Joey, and I tried the technique where when trying to bite, you push your hand further into the mouth causing a slight gag reflex, and say "no". This worked for Joey. Bathing should be made a very pleasant experience. I have plenty of towels on the counter for padding, and wash him in a small plastic dishpan, so that he has secure footing. Puppies can't tolerate hot water, tepid water should be the aim and test with your forearm, and it should feel slightly cool rather than hot. I warm Joey's towel in the microwave, and wrap this around him afterwards, and this is his favorite part. He lays they all covered up and just veggies out. They sense how you are feeling so try to act matter of fact when you are grooming or bathing. Babying them doesn't make them feel more secure; in fact, it teaches them that there is something to be afraid of. Cutting the nails is difficult, and I took Joey to either the vets or Petsmart for this, the first two years, it's only recently that I've developed the courage to try, after have a lesson with Joey's breeder. I learned that cutting the quick isn't what is painful, it's not holding the nail base firmly when you cut, and the wiggling of the base of the nail is what causes the pain. I know people won't believe this, and if I hadn't seen it for myself neither would I. Hold that nail firmly, get some safety cutters, and just cut the tips. |