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Originally Posted by sharonmcclease  At my wits end...he is perfect in every way except the biting. I cant even dry his feet off from wet grass, brush him or anything. I know I get upset with him and it shows. I had a Cocker about 16 years ago that was agressive and would bite if you approached him. I'm so scared my Yorkie baby is going to be the same. What should my actions be when he is showing this displeasure/agression? I've enrolled him in a great puppy school but will this ever end? Are all puppies like this? |
As your puppy's pack leader, be confident, consistent, and persistent. Yelp if he nips at you and then look away (no eye contact) and ignore him (put him back in playpen area or crate). All they ever want is your attention, to play, and to eat. If they learn that biting means no attention from you and no play, they'll stop biting...eventually. But first, you need to show confidence. Don't get upset at him and convince yourself this stage will pass as long as you persevere. It might sound funny but dogs will sense your calm demeanor and listen and respect you.
You could also try hand-feeding - not sure if this is a proven technique, but there's the saying: don't bite the hand that feeds you. Dogs are incredibly loyal animals, I think this saying would apply to them. I hand fed my puppies their kibble meals during obedience training. They lick off the kibble from my hand/fingers - never ever bit me. You could try it. If he bites you - yelp, say a firm "NO", look away, and stop feeding. Wait a little bit and try again. Keep trying until he will gently take food from you and not bite. If/when he eats gently from you - tell him "good boy" and keep positively reinforcing him when he doesn't bite.
Also just as important, make sure to provide plenty of chew toys - a variety of materials for chewing - and keep things you don't want chewed up away.