8 week old yorkie biting - Pit Bull strength! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

CurtisAndMisha · 01-11-2011, 04:49 PM

So I'm the happy "father" of an 8 week old little girl. I've had her for 4 days now, and she seems to be adjusting extremely well. I get lots of kisses when I get home, she never shies from me, and she LOVES to play. She seems extremely happy and she never wants to leave my side.

The only problem is though, is she seems to be biting EXTREMELY hard when we play. She loves her toys and I've made an effort to find toys that are fairly tough and squishy at the same time (she loves her nylabone), in an attempt to find toys that feel like my hands.

My concern is that she's taking it pretty far, to the point of drawing blood at one point. She doesn't do this with any of my friends or anyone else, and I'm trying to tell myself that she doesn't hate me, but it's getting tough. We play a lot and I don't mind her playing rough and biting me, but I don't want it to continue after she's a puppy. I'm worried that she will think this is ok and do this with other people or a child or something later.

I don't want to stop her from playing, because that's what it seems like she's doing, but it really does seem like she's trying with all of her being to bite as hard as she can.

Has anyone else had this happen? Should I do my best to keep her from doing it at all, so it doesn't last until later? Is it possible she's just really into the playing? I hope she isn't upset with me or something!

Britster · 01-11-2011, 05:03 PM

Welcome to YT!

I am in Annapolis, so not too far from DC. I'm glad to see a daddy of a Yorkie on here, there's a few on this site, but not enough.

Nice to meet you!

Most Yorkie breeders will keep the pups with their moms until 12 weeks old or older. 8-12 weeks is when they learn about bite inhibition so now you have the job of teaching your pup! Another older dog will also teach a young pup about it too by yelping. That's one thing you can do (as silly as it sounds) when the pup bites you too hard, you have to yelp in a high pitched voice, to startle them. That's what their mama dog would do! Or you could replace your finger with a toy or a chew bone, etc and show her what is okay to chew on.

But don't worry, biting is a very normal behavior in puppies especially as young as 8 weeks, so it will get better! Just keep up with the training

DvlshAngel985 · 01-11-2011, 05:04 PM

Congrats on your new puppy! Nice to have another male in the yorkie forums.

Anyway, the reason she is biting is because no one taught her any different. It is recommended that yorkie babies stay with their mom and litter until they reach 12 weeks of age. In fact, the YTCA pretty much has it as a rule all of it's members must follow. The reasoning behind that is mom and litter mates teach the puppies proper doggy etiquete, one of which is bite inhibition.

Misha is home now, so you have to step in and fill that role that mommy and her litter mates were suppose to. Yelp, squeal or say ouch when she bites and stop all play. If you continue to engage her after she bites, she'll think biting is an acceptable form of play.

DvlshAngel985 · 01-11-2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Welcome to YT!

I am in Annapolis, so not too far from DC. I'm glad to see a daddy of a Yorkie on here, there's a few on this site, but not enough.

Nice to meet you!

Most Yorkie breeders will keep the pups with their moms until 12 weeks old or older. 8-12 weeks is when they learn about bite inhibition so now you have the job of teaching your pup! Another older dog will also teach a young pup about it too by yelping. That's one thing you can do (as silly as it sounds) when the pup bites you too hard, you have to yelp in a high pitched voice, to startle them. That's what their mama dog would do! Or you could replace your finger with a toy or a chew bone, etc and show her what is okay to chew on.

But don't worry, biting is a very normal behavior in puppies especially as young as 8 weeks, so it will get better! Just keep up with the training

HAHA! Brit you beat me by a min!

shodanusmc · 01-11-2011, 05:18 PM

you both beat me to it...but some will still bite, but it will stop. NO...and focus her attention elsewhere. Went went thru it with the Yorkie for a bit and she was 12 weeks, and we went thru it with the Cane Corso who was almost 10 weeks, and he was a little beat, over 20 pounds at the time....he got the hint, but it took some effort and training.

CurtisAndMisha · 01-11-2011, 05:29 PM

Haha well thank you for the welcome! My friends have made it all but too obvious that a yorkie isn't stereotypically the dog of choice for a 25 year old straight guy. Haha. But I love em, and Misha is a great dog, regardless of her size!

Well I'm glad to hear that it's more or less just a puppy/learning thing. I have a lot of people around me, and some of them have kids so I'd hate it for her to ever feel like it was ok to play that rough with any of them. But like I said, she's extremely nice with everyone else. I have just been trying to tell myself she's just that much more comfortable with me.

But I will try the yelping and stopping play. The yelping will be easy, the stopping play will be tough. Haha. I want her happy all the time!

DvlshAngel985 · 01-11-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtisAndMisha

Haha well thank you for the welcome! My friends have made it all but too obvious that a yorkie isn't stereotypically the dog of choice for a 25 year old straight guy. Haha. But I love em, and Misha is a great dog, regardless of her size!

I have 3 words for your friends....
CHICKS LOVE YORKIES.

shodanusmc · 01-11-2011, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

I have 3 words for your friends....
CHICKS LOVE YORKIES.

I have found, taking both Carlo and Maxine everywhere, that Chicks prefer Carlo 7 to 10, and guys perfer Carlo 10 to 10. We can;t walk down Michigan Ave with Carlo without getting stopped every 10 feet by someone wanting to pet him or ask about him. Yes, Mazine gets jealous and reminds us when we get home on the RUG that she did not care for it!

DvlshAngel985 · 01-11-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

I have found, taking both Carlo and Maxine everywhere, that Chicks prefer Carlo 7 to 10, and guys perfer Carlo 10 to 10. We can;t walk down Michigan Ave with Carlo without getting stopped every 10 feet by someone wanting to pet him or ask about him. Yes, Mazine gets jealous and reminds us when we get home on the RUG that she did not care for it!

But that's because Carlo is extremely handsome. Who can say no to that face?

My Sophia · 01-11-2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtisAndMisha

Haha well thank you for the welcome! My friends have made it all but too obvious that a yorkie isn't stereotypically the dog of choice for a 25 year old straight guy. Haha. But I love em, and Misha is a great dog, regardless of her size!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Yorkies. I hope I'm not the first one to break the news but she's only tiny on the outside LOL. On the inside I guarantee she thinks she's 10 feet tall, 200 pounds and totally bulletproof. And we wouldn't have them any other way.

FlDebra · 01-11-2011, 07:09 PM

I lost a momma dog and had to hand raise a litter. To try to immulate a momma dog, I would take forefinger and thumb and gently pinch a small bit of skin right at the nape of the neck approximating a momma's bite to reprimand the pup. I also used the sharp "NO" as the momma dog would give a warning bark. You don't need to hurt them -- combining the sharp "NO" with the nip using your fingers will be enough for them to realize it is a negative warning. Then I'd replace my hand with an appropriate chew toy, but not allow any more hand contact for several minutes (5-10 is enough, more than that and they have forgotten why). I would reward gentle biting when it was obvious they were holding back full strength hurt, by praising with the gentle voice they like and petting extra, adding in a belly rub or ear rub. Be consistent.

I ONLY did this because the momma was gone -- no breeder should sell a toy-size puppy before 12 weeks. That gives them the advantage of getting mom's teachings, along with sibling socialization skills and allows a more stable health situation before all contact with mom is stopped. You would be surprised at the emotional/social differences in pups allowed at least 12 weeks with the litter & mom VS pups taken away too soon. If you are in a situation that you could return the pup for another month with mom, that would be great. But usually people don't want to hear that -- so I will just give the info for future reference.

gemy · 01-11-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

I have found, taking both Carlo and Maxine everywhere, that Chicks prefer Carlo 7 to 10, and guys perfer Carlo 10 to 10. We can;t walk down Michigan Ave with Carlo without getting stopped every 10 feet by someone wanting to pet him or ask about him. Yes, Mazine gets jealous and reminds us when we get home on the RUG that she did not care for it!

Umph well I think ppl can't see the wee one by the big one! lol. Very few "chicks" come up to Magic, and about 50% of guys do, but I'm with you all the guys love Magic. Walking Razz our Yorkie on my own, 100% of the "chics" approach us and ooh and aawh over that scamp. Most guys ignore Razzle.

CurtisAndMisha · 01-11-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I lost a momma dog and had to hand raise a litter. To try to immulate a momma dog, I would take forefinger and thumb and gently pinch a small bit of skin right at the nape of the neck approximating a momma's bite to reprimand the pup. I also used the sharp "NO" as the momma dog would give a warning bark. You don't need to hurt them -- combining the sharp "NO" with the nip using your fingers will be enough for them to realize it is a negative warning. Then I'd replace my hand with an appropriate chew toy, but not allow any more hand contact for several minutes (5-10 is enough, more than that and they have forgotten why). I would reward gentle biting when it was obvious they were holding back full strength hurt, by praising with the gentle voice they like and petting extra, adding in a belly rub or ear rub. Be consistent.

I ONLY did this because the momma was gone -- no breeder should sell a toy-size puppy before 12 weeks. That gives them the advantage of getting mom's teachings, along with sibling socialization skills and allows a more stable health situation before all contact with mom is stopped. You would be surprised at the emotional/social differences in pups allowed at least 12 weeks with the litter & mom VS pups taken away too soon. If you are in a situation that you could return the pup for another month with mom, that would be great. But usually people don't want to hear that -- so I will just give the info for future reference.

Unfortunately her momma is 4.5 hours away and I don't own a car

I just talked to someone on here who lives a couple blocks away, with one that is a little older...could be a good idea to get them together, yes?

yorkieusa · 01-11-2011, 07:36 PM

Welcome to YT. You've got a bit of chewing and biting to go through yet. They don't start teething until they're around 4 months old.

FlDebra · 01-12-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtisAndMisha

Unfortunately her momma is 4.5 hours away and I don't own a car

I just talked to someone on here who lives a couple blocks away, with one that is a little older...could be a good idea to get them together, yes?

After your pup has all of its shots I think any socialization would be great. But not until fully vaccinated.

01-11-2011, 04:49 PM	#1
CurtisAndMisha YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 8	8 week old yorkie biting - Pit Bull strength! So I'm the happy "father" of an 8 week old little girl. I've had her for 4 days now, and she seems to be adjusting extremely well. I get lots of kisses when I get home, she never shies from me, and she LOVES to play. She seems extremely happy and she never wants to leave my side. The only problem is though, is she seems to be biting EXTREMELY hard when we play. She loves her toys and I've made an effort to find toys that are fairly tough and squishy at the same time (she loves her nylabone), in an attempt to find toys that feel like my hands. My concern is that she's taking it pretty far, to the point of drawing blood at one point. She doesn't do this with any of my friends or anyone else, and I'm trying to tell myself that she doesn't hate me, but it's getting tough. We play a lot and I don't mind her playing rough and biting me, but I don't want it to continue after she's a puppy. I'm worried that she will think this is ok and do this with other people or a child or something later. I don't want to stop her from playing, because that's what it seems like she's doing, but it really does seem like she's trying with all of her being to bite as hard as she can. Has anyone else had this happen? Should I do my best to keep her from doing it at all, so it doesn't last until later? Is it possible she's just really into the playing? I hope she isn't upset with me or something!

01-11-2011, 05:03 PM	#2
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	Welcome to YT! I am in Annapolis, so not too far from DC. I'm glad to see a daddy of a Yorkie on here, there's a few on this site, but not enough. Nice to meet you! Most Yorkie breeders will keep the pups with their moms until 12 weeks old or older. 8-12 weeks is when they learn about bite inhibition so now you have the job of teaching your pup! Another older dog will also teach a young pup about it too by yelping. That's one thing you can do (as silly as it sounds) when the pup bites you too hard, you have to yelp in a high pitched voice, to startle them. That's what their mama dog would do! Or you could replace your finger with a toy or a chew bone, etc and show her what is okay to chew on. But don't worry, biting is a very normal behavior in puppies especially as young as 8 weeks, so it will get better! Just keep up with the training __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

01-11-2011, 05:04 PM	#3
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	Congrats on your new puppy! Nice to have another male in the yorkie forums. Anyway, the reason she is biting is because no one taught her any different. It is recommended that yorkie babies stay with their mom and litter until they reach 12 weeks of age. In fact, the YTCA pretty much has it as a rule all of it's members must follow. The reasoning behind that is mom and litter mates teach the puppies proper doggy etiquete, one of which is bite inhibition. Misha is home now, so you have to step in and fill that role that mommy and her litter mates were suppose to. Yelp, squeal or say ouch when she bites and stop all play. If you continue to engage her after she bites, she'll think biting is an acceptable form of play. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

01-11-2011, 07:09 PM	#11
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	I lost a momma dog and had to hand raise a litter. To try to immulate a momma dog, I would take forefinger and thumb and gently pinch a small bit of skin right at the nape of the neck approximating a momma's bite to reprimand the pup. I also used the sharp "NO" as the momma dog would give a warning bark. You don't need to hurt them -- combining the sharp "NO" with the nip using your fingers will be enough for them to realize it is a negative warning. Then I'd replace my hand with an appropriate chew toy, but not allow any more hand contact for several minutes (5-10 is enough, more than that and they have forgotten why). I would reward gentle biting when it was obvious they were holding back full strength hurt, by praising with the gentle voice they like and petting extra, adding in a belly rub or ear rub. Be consistent. I ONLY did this because the momma was gone -- no breeder should sell a toy-size puppy before 12 weeks. That gives them the advantage of getting mom's teachings, along with sibling socialization skills and allows a more stable health situation before all contact with mom is stopped. You would be surprised at the emotional/social differences in pups allowed at least 12 weeks with the litter & mom VS pups taken away too soon. If you are in a situation that you could return the pup for another month with mom, that would be great. But usually people don't want to hear that -- so I will just give the info for future reference. __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

01-11-2011, 07:36 PM	#14
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Welcome to YT. You've got a bit of chewing and biting to go through yet. They don't start teething until they're around 4 months old. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

01-11-2011, 05:18 PM	#5
shodanusmc BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,603	you both beat me to it...but some will still bite, but it will stop. NO...and focus her attention elsewhere. Went went thru it with the Yorkie for a bit and she was 12 weeks, and we went thru it with the Cane Corso who was almost 10 weeks, and he was a little beat, over 20 pounds at the time....he got the hint, but it took some effort and training.

01-11-2011, 05:29 PM	#6
CurtisAndMisha YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 8	Haha well thank you for the welcome! My friends have made it all but too obvious that a yorkie isn't stereotypically the dog of choice for a 25 year old straight guy. Haha. But I love em, and Misha is a great dog, regardless of her size! Well I'm glad to hear that it's more or less just a puppy/learning thing. I have a lot of people around me, and some of them have kids so I'd hate it for her to ever feel like it was ok to play that rough with any of them. But like I said, she's extremely nice with everyone else. I have just been trying to tell myself she's just that much more comfortable with me. But I will try the yelping and stopping play. The yelping will be easy, the stopping play will be tough. Haha. I want her happy all the time!