Constant, and I mean constant biting.

We are finding that it is becomeing very hard to even pet Luke let alone cuddle with him. All he does is bite, and his jaws are becoming mighty strong. I know it is completely normal, although not acceptable behavior for a puppy, but it is really ALL he does. We have tried all the advice I have found looking through posts here, such as yipping like he hurt us, handing him a toy to chew on when he starts to bite, NO, and ignoring him and walking away when he does it. It is becoming very frustrating because we are trying to bond with him and he seems to want no part of it. Our puppy class doesn't start until February :? so if anyone has had a puppy who bites excessively please let me know any additional tips you have. Like I said, I know puppies do this, but I have never had or been around a puppy that bites this excessively.
Respond to this topic here on forum.oes.org  
Puppies like to bite and it is very difficult to break the behavior but you do need to try. One thing I found helpful was to have lots of chew toys and bones available. When the biting starts say no and stick a bone in his mouth. Stop play and attention and let him chew on the toy. You may also find it helpful to have a toy handy when ever you play with him so that all biting behavior can be re directed to the appropriate item.
I know it's hard right now, but try not to get discouraged. I went through the same thing with Beaureguard. It felt like I could never just enjoy him because I was constantly correcting him for nipping. And, it seemed, at the time, that nothing I tried worked.

But, I just kept at it, consistently giving him an alternative to my hand, leg, foot, pantleg, shirtsleeve, whatever he was trying to chew. :roll: I put the teething ring in the freezer and gave that to him. While they're teething, they're very oral, so that helps soothe them, too.

Just be patient, :D , I know what you're thinking :lol: , that's easy for me to say, :lol: but it really does get better.

I remember the first time I sat on the chair with Beaureguard for a few minutes while he sat peacefully beside me and allowed me to pet him without him trying to nip me, I thought I was in heaven! I actually said aloud to myself, "I've been given a glimpse into the future, and the future is good!!" :D And you know what? It is good!!

You'll get there. :wink:
I am no expert....

but when Heart was younger, I tried to be consistant with all the suggestions, like Ginny's, I got here on the forum.

Is Luke getting enough exercise? Maybe he has too much unexpended energy that needs to be released.

You do not say if you are in training classes. Classes helped me establish my role with Heart. (Luke may see you as a litter mate as opposed to the leader--.)

Classes will also give you both challenging exercises. Maybe he is bored?

I know when Heart got "mouthy", I would ignore her for a while and then I would get her on lead and start practicing "puppy pushups" or simple stays, comes etc.... so she had to focus on me----

OR---
I would take her outside and run her until she was tired--She was more willing to relax and let me pet her and cuddle her without any nipping.

Good Luck... :lol:
A tired puppy is a calmer puppy. Then when you come back inside, sit quietly and start pet calmly. If puppy tries to chew, give the chewie and leave. You don't want the the pup associate you and chewing. You are not a pack playmate to be chewed upon, you are pack leader. Pup needs to learn you are there for rubbies, kinda sounds, grooming, food, leader on walks. Once past this oral period, you and puppy will grow very close indeed. Sheepies are very people oriented.
sheepieshake wrote:
I am no expert....


You do not say if you are in training classes. Classes helped me establish my role with Heart. (Luke may see you as a litter mate as opposed to the leader--.)

Classes will also give you both challenging exercises. Maybe he is bored?



We are signed up for a puppy class but it doesn't start until mid February unfortunately....until then we are on our own.
Beaureguard's Mom wrote:
I put the teething ring in the freezer and gave that to him. While they're teething, they're very oral, so that helps soothe them, too.



Lol this might be a funny question but do you mean they actually have puppy teething rings?? I haven't seen them but if they have them I will run right out as soon as I get off and get one. If not, I've got a ton of them from when my son was teething :lol:
Oh yes, they make them for puppies, too. They're pretty tough, as you know, those puppy teeth are like razor blades they're so sharp! :lol:
Murphy was the same way. I had cuts and bite marks for months. However I did follow all the advice given here and did work. He does not mouth now. my skin is free of murphy marks! now if he i could get him not to pull on the leash...
i know you can't believe it but it will stop just keep putting stuff in his mouth other then your arm :lol:
I'm sorry you're going through this with Luke. :(

Trust me, I understand! Our puppy is just barely over 5 months, and she's just now starting to let me pet her without eating me. :P I think they are more calm when they're tired, if that helps. (Pet him while he's napping!) I tried the advice on here too, but Nanny would spit out the toy or replacement chew thing and go back for our arm/hand/clothes. It's frustrating and tiring (and painful!). 8O

Fortunately, they start to lose those puppy teeth around 4-5 months, and the adult ones are less sharp. And as they get older they get a little better. I know it's hard to have an adorable puppy and not be able to be as affectionate as you want. However, I think they do this because they're a herding breed, so it's instinctual. I think patience and perseverence is all you can do for now, while practicing the advice given. Good luck! :)

(ps - they love ice cubes though, and putting oven mitts on your hands helps!)
I used an old washcloth, tied it in a knot, soaked it in water and froze it. I got me through Nigel's worst puppy biting. Now it only ever happens once in a while, and he is immediatly corrected for it. He is totally in the brat stage too at 7 + months. This too shall pass.
The frozen washcloth was a gem for us! Just make sure you are supervising him while he chews. A few months ago Tucker found one in the laundry and ate the entire thing - I didn't know it until he (thankfully) threw it up!!

Try everything...just be patient and persistent. Tucker was really nippy, especially when he felt playful, but with our help and the blessing of just getting older, he seemed to suddenly outgrow it around 6 or so months.
Ah, puppies! It's so much fun to have puppies! :twisted: How old is he? For teething these are great ideas but if you want to do a little training before you take him to puppy classes it won't hurt. Here you can read about

* Leadership Exercise

* General Rules for Dogs

Let me know if you have any questions!
Hi,

Sorry you're having problems with Mischievious Luke.

Sometimes it's not enough to let them know what NOT to do...but you also have to replace it with acceptable behavior and show them what they are supposed to DO.

When Luke starts biting your hand, give a high pitch yelp as his litter mates would give when they play too rough. A firm NO works too. Then IMMEDIATELY replace the behavior with something he's allowed to chew..such as a toy. Then immediate praise and lots of good boys when he takes it in his mouth. Eventually Luke will learn hands are unacceptable but toys are good to bite and chew on.

The advice given about a tired dog is a good dog is great too. It works! Long romps work great and doggie will be more apt to listen when they've been allowed to let off some pent up energy.

Don't let him chew household items ... old shoes, socks..ect as he won't be able to tell the difference between the ones he's allowed to chew to the good ones. He's teething and will be for a few more weeks so his need to chew is not only a learned behavior but he needs to do it! In the wild, mom wolves will often bring sticks in the den and drop it for the pups to chew while they are teething. It's a good idea to get teething toys for your pup. Remember whatever work you put in now will pay you back for the next 10 years or more.

Best wishes to you and remember we're all here to help. :D

Marianne
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
Counter

[Home] [Get A Sheepdog] [Community] [Memories]
[OES Links] [OES Photos] [Grooming] [Merchandise] [Search]

Identifying Ticks info Greenies Info Interceptor info Glucosamine Info
Rimadyl info Heartgard info ProHeart Info Frontline info
Revolution Info Dog Allergies info Heartworm info Dog Wormer info
Pet Insurance info Dog Supplements info Vitamins Info Bach's Rescue Remedy
Dog Bite info Dog Aggression info Boarding Kennel info Pet Sitting Info
Dog Smells Pet Smells Get Rid of Fleas Hip Displasia info
Diarrhea Info Diarrhea Rice Water AIHA Info
Sheepdog Grooming Grooming-Supplies Oster A5 info Slicker Brush info
Dog Listener Dog's Mind Dog Whisperer

Please contact our Webmaster with questions or comments.
  Please read our PRIVACY statement and Terms of Use

 

Copyright 2000 - 2012 by OES.org. All rights reserved.