New Mommy Questions: Please Help
 

This is Bodie and my fourth day together. Things are going well. I am already in love and want the absolute best for him. He is great about pooping outside, but has had a few little pee pee accidents inside. He is not afraid of the blow dryer and he loves when I rub his belly.:D

However, as a new mommy there are a few things that he does that I am not sure if I should be concerned or if it is just normal puppy behavior.

1) I bought him a new Squidgee ball yesterday and he loves it. He gets excited when he sees it. He plays (chews) rough with it and kind of grunts while he does this. Is this normal?

2) He likes to play rough and nip at my fingers. He nips at them almost all the time. Today he nipped really hard and left a little bruise. Is this normal? How do I stop him from trying to nip at my hands? He has a few toys that he likes to chew, but he seems to especially like my fingers.

3) How do I know if he likes me and is happy? He does lick my nose and my fingers, but I don't know.


These may seem like silly questions, but I have never had a dog before. I want him to grow up happy and well behaved so I want to start on the right track. Thanks for your help.

P.S. - He is 11 weeks.

it sounds like you are being a great mommy and everything sounds normal... layla ALWAYS growls at her toys. it is too cute! and for the fingers... ah as cute is it is... when he does it "yelp" and say no in a stern voice.. then give him something else to chew... because after a while it just hurts! if he was unhappy or stressed he would not be playing or eating or pooping/peeing, so as long as those are all ok. oyu are doing great.. now let's see pictures!!

1) I bought him a new Squidgee ball yesterday and he loves it. He gets excited when he sees it. He plays (chews) rough with it and kind of grunts while he does this. Is this normal? This is COMPLETELY normal

2) He likes to play rough and nip at my fingers. He nips at them almost all the time. Today he nipped really hard and left a little bruise. Is this normal? How do I stop him from trying to nip at my hands? He has a few toys that he likes to chew, but he seems to especially like my fingers. Don't let him bite or nip at your fingers. You need to discourage this behavior. Whenever he tries to nip at your fingers, tell him NO and give him something else to chew on.

3) How do I know if he likes me and is happy? He does lick my nose and my fingers, but I don't know. If he is licking you, that means he likes you! :D

GOOD LUCK with your new baby! And WELCOME to YorkieTalk!

I feel better...
 

Thank you both!! I feel better knowing that everything is normal and he is okay. He is just the most loveable little thing. I tried using the Kong Binky when he wanted to play and nip at my fingers at it worked. I put him down to play by himself and he couldn't get enough of it.:D I am so glad that I found YT!!!

As for pics, we haven't taken any since he's been home. These are from Christmas night before he came home.

oh my god he is so cute!!!

What cute little guy!!
As for the nipping, I agree with giving him something to chew on instead.

OMG he is so precious. Looks like your questions have all been answered. Just wanted to say congrats and there is no such thing as silly questions. I used to ask the funniest questions. We've all been there so ask away. If you want to control the piddling in the house you can use belly bands on him so at least your carpet isn't get pee pee-fied. Many of our members sell them. They look like headbands, they go around the weiner and velcro on the back so when he pees it goes in there and not on your carpet. Just an idea. For pee pee you should be taking him out about every 20 minutes, and after play time, feedings and naps. They go a lot...lol

:yorkietal Welcome to YorkieTalk :yorkietal

What a cutie pie! I could just eat him alive with kisses.

The nipping is perfectly normal puppy behavior and will go away as he matures. Thre are several ways to help discourage the "too hard nipping. Here are my two favorites. I am sure you will get lots of ideas.

1) Tell him NO in a firm voice and stop playing and ignore him completely for about 5 minutes (any longer he wouldn't understand)

2) Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz him when you say NO

It looks like there is some serious love going on there -- :hearts-xx

Oooo what a cutie wutie!!!:D Sounds to me like he's doing everything a puppy should.

Belly bands are a great thing for playtime so you don't get little whizzes on the carpet. My poodle used to wear them when he got elderly and Tink wears diapers when she is out playing and we have guests. But don't depend on them or he'll never get potty trained. :(

Welcome to YT. You'll get good advice and soft shoulders here!:)