Solution to prevent biting and chewing hands/fingers. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

AmyLeeWannabe · 02-08-2006, 08:24 AM

I know puppy's are all cute and adorable and when they softly nibble your fingers, it's very sweet right? But imagine if a nervous kid goes to stroke your puppy and your puppy mouths their hands, it's called 'playbiting' but I think they should get out the habit of it because they may, in time, think that biting is okay. And once they get strong teeth, even playbiting might hurt! And when you're playing and dragging a toy round the carpet, you'll notice they tend to use your hands as if they are toys and will follow them around the carpet, pouncing and stuff. It hurts after a while doesn't it? Hands should be an affectionate thing, not something to play with. So, when your Yorkie is young, as soon as you get it you must stick to this rule. (I got this off a website).. everytime your puppy mouths your hands/fingers or something it's not meant to, blow a soft, low raspberry in it's face. It's a distraction to the puppy, imagine if someone did that to you? You'd be a bit surprised aswell! The puppy will go back to your hand but keep doing it and get visitors to always do it aswell and your puppy will eventually get the idea.
Remember, LOW AND SOFT! Loud farting noises scare them instead of distracting them.
Also, for Americans as I dont think you get 'Its Me Or The Dog' over there.. but theres a programme with this amazing dog trainer who helps families with troublesome dogs. And one, last night, was of a dog who kept running away along with various other problems and the trick is to distract them when they're running and walk the opposite way with your back on them. She got this man to do loads of weird bleeping noises and whatever noises you want whilst flapping your arms about and calling their name, it really worked.
Don't blame me if it doesn't though! It worked on the other dog, so.. Worth a try isn't it? Apparently when they run they want you to react as if you're playing.
Remember, when your puppy does the right thing, {stops chewing, comes back to you etc} always praise them immensely.
Hope I've helped some of you! It's defintely killed all my fingertips typing this up! Post some other ideas aswell if you like, I'm sure there's lots.

fasteddie · 02-08-2006, 03:02 PM

Thanks for sharing. Yes, positive praise is good and encouraged.

02-08-2006, 08:24 AM	#1
AmyLeeWannabe Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manchest-oh! (lol) England. Posts: 136	Solution to prevent biting and chewing hands/fingers. I know puppy's are all cute and adorable and when they softly nibble your fingers, it's very sweet right? But imagine if a nervous kid goes to stroke your puppy and your puppy mouths their hands, it's called 'playbiting' but I think they should get out the habit of it because they may, in time, think that biting is okay. And once they get strong teeth, even playbiting might hurt! And when you're playing and dragging a toy round the carpet, you'll notice they tend to use your hands as if they are toys and will follow them around the carpet, pouncing and stuff. It hurts after a while doesn't it? Hands should be an affectionate thing, not something to play with. So, when your Yorkie is young, as soon as you get it you must stick to this rule. (I got this off a website).. everytime your puppy mouths your hands/fingers or something it's not meant to, blow a soft, low raspberry in it's face. It's a distraction to the puppy, imagine if someone did that to you? You'd be a bit surprised aswell! The puppy will go back to your hand but keep doing it and get visitors to always do it aswell and your puppy will eventually get the idea. Remember, LOW AND SOFT! Loud farting noises scare them instead of distracting them. Also, for Americans as I dont think you get 'Its Me Or The Dog' over there.. but theres a programme with this amazing dog trainer who helps families with troublesome dogs. And one, last night, was of a dog who kept running away along with various other problems and the trick is to distract them when they're running and walk the opposite way with your back on them. She got this man to do loads of weird bleeping noises and whatever noises you want whilst flapping your arms about and calling their name, it really worked. Don't blame me if it doesn't though! It worked on the other dog, so.. Worth a try isn't it? Apparently when they run they want you to react as if you're playing. Remember, when your puppy does the right thing, {stops chewing, comes back to you etc} always praise them immensely. Hope I've helped some of you! It's defintely killed all my fingertips typing this up! Post some other ideas aswell if you like, I'm sure there's lots.

02-08-2006, 03:02 PM	#2
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	Thanks for sharing. Yes, positive praise is good and encouraged. __________________ YODA & WINKY R ::: RIP Winky ::: RIP Yoda!