Puppy Biting part 2

[jemmouse]

This is my second thread. I am feeling very sad at the moment. I did the yelping like so many said to do for when she bit me. For a while it helped especially when it was just playful biting. BUT now whe she gets mad she puts her butt in the air and lowers her front legs and GROWLS AND SHOWS TEETH then she also barks at me. While doing this she is lunging at me with her mouth open trying to bite me anywhere she can. This really breaks my heart. But also I will tell you, I was attacked by a dog and right now I feel as if I have upper hand cuz she is a puppy but not sure How I will respond when she is bigger. My son now is iffy around her. He likes her yet only when he feels he is safe with her and that is if me or dad are in room. Has anyone had a pup do this. I know when she play bites it's soft and then she releases, but this is very aggressive. Will this stop will it get worse? I love her but I don't want a mean dog. I have a bunch of kids always at my home and now am nervous if this little pup will growl at them. And it seems she does it te most to me and my son. I tried grabbing her I stop this behavior and while I am going to get her she lunges more. When I have her I sometimes try to pet her or if I had enough I put her in her crate. My friend just got a King Charles Cavalier pup and she never does this to we or her kids. I have heard from people Goldendoodles are hyper, but this isn't hyper. I last had a Cocapoo and she was so gentle. Any words of wisdom I would appreciate to hear. I am feeling quite blue and beat right now!

 

[roxysmum123]

My dog did this when she was a puppy, it was frustrating that's for sure.


As I said before, put her on a leash and don't grab her it's just going to make the behaviour worse because she's got something to defend from or she thinks she's playing and you're reciprocating.

She behaves like this because for whatever reason she's getting something out of your reaction from it.

Best advice for you, from a trainer, GO SEE A DOG TRAINER WHO CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO FIX THIS.

There's only so much that can get done getting pages of advice from people who aren't able to properly observe the behaviour.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Sounds like you need a professional trainer. Or at least some type of obedience course for the puppy. They can work with you while the puppy is actually showing these behaviors and show you what works best for your dog.

 

[diesel]

I promise you it does get better. Our lab went through an awful biting phase but as soon as his adult teeth came in it went away quickly. There were days I had bite marks all over my hands and it didn’t matter what I gave him to chew on he liked my hands better. Hang in there.

 

[Nolcrest]

Is there any chance she is doing this because she wants to play? I have a standard poodle and when he wants to play he will do that : butt in the air and he really starts barking. If you didn't know it you would think he was ferocious.

I also don't react to that behavior. I don't step away from him. I usually walk towards him and just tell him to knock it off. He has a toy box filled w/toys and his favorite game in the house is to find a toy. Now he is no longer a pup and has been thru obedience training but he is put in a sti/stay and I hide a toy and then he needs to find it. He LOVES this. And he stays with it looking all over the house until it's found. When he finds it I play with him & the toy for bit and then we do it again.

So any chance your young pup needs more mental/physical stimulation? If you have a treadmill I'd also consider putting the dog on it for exercise. Both Goldens and Standard Poodles needs lots of exercise.

Good luck and I hope you are able to find the answers that you need to allow your pup to grow into a stable & fun mature dog.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

At this point, I would call your vet for a recommendation on a trainer who will come to your home to work with the pup. When puppies are very young, this kind of behavior is pretty easy to nip in the bud, but it can become worse as the dog gets older. It sounds like you feel like you're in over your head, so I would definitely call in a professional. I'm sure there are people here who would feel very comfortable dealing with this on their own, but there are many more who would need help. We've personally worked with a fantastic private trainer who did more in one hour than we could have accomplished in months on or own or with group training sessions.

One or two sessions with a trainer/behaviorist who can come to your home and work with your whole family will do wonders for both the dog, and for your own comfort level with her.

 

[jen0610]

Is there any chance she is doing this because she wants to play? I have a standard poodle and when he wants to play he will do that : butt in the air and he really starts barking. If you didn't know it you would think he was ferocious.

I also don't react to that behavior. I don't step away from him. I usually walk towards him and just tell him to knock it off. He has a toy box filled w/toys and his favorite game in the house is to find a toy. Now he is no longer a pup and has been thru obedience training but he is put in a sti/stay and I hide a toy and then he needs to find it. He LOVES this. And he stays with it looking all over the house until it's found. When he finds it I play with him & the toy for bit and then we do it again.

So any chance your young pup needs more mental/physical stimulation? If you have a treadmill I'd also consider putting the dog on it for exercise. Both Goldens and Standard Poodles needs lots of exercise.

Good luck and I hope you are able to find the answers that you need to allow your pup to grow into a stable & fun mature dog.

Our Ori-Pei - turned 1 on 1/4 - does this as well. He has his butt up in the air, front half all lowered to the ground, growling and barking. But his tail is going a 100 miles an hour. He does it to us and our other two dogs. He'll do it to the other dogs, until one of them "plays" chase with him. Some times all they need to do to "chase" him, is lung towards him and he takes off running like crazy. With us, he does it until we "rough house" with him.

He has nipped us when "rough housing" but I think that is because that is how he is with other dogs in his pack and he just considers us apart of his pack. All three of ours, have nipped at each other. No major wounds or fights, just playing with each other.

 

[mamamary]

I promise you it does get better. Our lab went through an awful biting phase but as soon as his adult teeth came in it went away quickly. There were days I had bite marks all over my hands and it didn’t matter what I gave him to chew on he liked my hands better. Hang in there.

Our lab was like this too. We got ours at the shelter when he was 6 mos. old. The first few months were rough. Now I couldn't get him to bite even if I wanted to. He is truly the sweetest thing.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You can't let the dog get the upper hand in this and it sounds like you are. Yelping is not the answer. Put the dog on a leash and correct it immediately. Don't respond to the biting. Just correct with a No. Distract with either something it IS ok for him to bite or a command like sit, and make it happen. It doesn't mean you have to be rough. You just need to take control. Dogs, even at a young age, will take the lead themselves if they don't have a firm leader to follow (but they're usually happy to follow the leader if they do). If you have to get a trainer in, do it. You want to be successful with this or your anxiety will transfer over to the next dog and next situation. If you don't watch The Dog Whisperer, tune in to see how common it is to have dog problems due to human behavior around the dog and how changing your own behavior is what needs to happen for the dog to truly understand what's expected of him. But this is fairly normal puppy behavior. If the dog was around other dogs, they wouldn't put up with it very long. Think of it that way. Do not be afraid of the dog. Did you get Good Owners, Great Dogs? Those same authors also have a good book called My Smart Puppy and a website by the same name.

 

[Nette]

She's still biting because you haven't shown her who the Alpha is... When she nips you need to respond in the same way an older dog would. Firmly grab her muzzle and tell her no. Yelping is reacting the same way a peer would react when playing.

If that doesn't work (and it should), then you need to pin her (gently) by the scruff of her neck and lean over her... YOU are the alpha. She needs to see that. And it can be done gently, but it must be done firmly.

 

[Happy Mom2]

You need to see a professional dog trainer who can help you.

 

[calypso726]

This is my second thread. I am feeling very sad at the moment. I did the yelping like so many said to do for when she bit me. For a while it helped especially when it was just playful biting. BUT now whe she gets mad she puts her butt in the air and lowers her front legs and GROWLS AND SHOWS TEETH then she also barks at me. While doing this she is lunging at me with her mouth open trying to bite me anywhere she can. This really breaks my heart. But also I will tell you, I was attacked by a dog and right now I feel as if I have upper hand cuz she is a puppy but not sure How I will respond when she is bigger. My son now is iffy around her. He likes her yet only when he feels he is safe with her and that is if me or dad are in room. Has anyone had a pup do this. I know when she play bites it's soft and then she releases, but this is very aggressive. Will this stop will it get worse? I love her but I don't want a mean dog. I have a bunch of kids always at my home and now am nervous if this little pup will growl at them. And it seems she does it te most to me and my son. I tried grabbing her I stop this behavior and while I am going to get her she lunges more. When I have her I sometimes try to pet her or if I had enough I put her in her crate. My friend just got a King Charles Cavalier pup and she never does this to we or her kids. I have heard from people Goldendoodles are hyper, but this isn't hyper. I last had a Cocapoo and she was so gentle. Any words of wisdom I would appreciate to hear. I am feeling quite blue and beat right now!

I showed and bred Champion Golden Retrievers for many years so I will chime in with that experience and those of my mentors that have been showing and breeding for over 40 years.

Goldendoodles are a mixed breed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Both breeds are very active and energetic. They were also both bred to retrieve game which means they are MOUTHY. Goldens especially like things in their mouth and they don't discriminate, hands, socks, pants, feet, shoes etc. They need to be taught early on not to put their mouth on skin. They learn part of this from being with their litter mates. I am guessing you got this pup prior to 8 weeks of age. The rest they learn from their pack at home. You are supposed to be the pack leader. This puppy does not see you as such and is treating you like a littermate.

Forelegs down and butt in the air is an invitation to play. Not a display of aggression. Often times what you hear as "growling" is simply "talking" there is a difference. Many Goldens and other breeds and mutts can be quite vocal when excited and happy so talk when they are very excited. Sometimes it's with a toy in their mouth and sometimes not. Many dogs, including Goldens "smile". They peel their lips back and grin at you, mostly front teeth showing. It will help when you understand canine body language. You will understand what you dog is telling you. It easier to communicate that way with them using their own language. Remember they don't speak English. Mother Knows Best is a wonderful book to help with training and communication with your dog. All of the families that where approved to have one of my puppies were required to purchase this book and read it BEFORE they got their puppy. Reputable breeders spend a LOT of time with the new families before the pup goes home and are available 24/7 for those families for the life of the dog.

I also showed Cavaliers. They were bred to be lap dogs. While they can be quite sporting they are not mouthy as a rule. My 9 year old Cavalier does like to carry around toys but she was brought up around a bunch of Goldens and just did what they did. I don't think she realizes she is not a Golden

Please educate yourself on canine body language and begin training this puppy now. Make her understand that you and her two legged family are the pack leaders, not her. She can read your body language and your son's and she thinks you are all on the same level. If she were of my breeding I would be recommending you tether her to you at all times. She does not enter a door/entry way before you. She does not eat until she does something for it. "Sit" is easy enough to start. Start training her. Do not train a baby like her for more than a minute or two at a time though, she will lose interest.

If you hire a trainer to help you please be careful. People can get certified in dog training online without ever having gone near a dog. If you can find someone who does competition obedience, that will be a good bet. All of my puppy's families were required to go through group obedience classes with my grandpuppies. I don't recommend private in house training. Your puppy needs to learn to obey you in ALL situations not just at home. The best places to train are where there are other dogs, puppies, people, sights, smells and surroundings that are FAR more interesting than "mom or dad". When they learn in THAT type of environment they are more likely to obey when it really matters like slipping the leash and heading straight into traffic.

Hope this helps.

 

[roxysmum123]

She's still biting because you haven't shown her who the Alpha is... When she nips you need to respond in the same way an older dog would. Firmly grab her muzzle and tell her no. Yelping is reacting the same way a peer would react when playing.

If that doesn't work (and it should), then you need to pin her (gently) by the scruff of her neck and lean over her... YOU are the alpha. She needs to see that. And it can be done gently, but it must be done firmly.

This method has been shown to increase incidences of aggression, proceed with caution if you choose to do this.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

This is my second thread. I am feeling very sad at the moment. I did the yelping like so many said to do for when she bit me. For a while it helped especially when it was just playful biting. BUT now whe she gets mad she puts her butt in the air and lowers her front legs and GROWLS AND SHOWS TEETH then she also barks at me. While doing this she is lunging at me with her mouth open trying to bite me anywhere she can. This really breaks my heart. But also I will tell you, I was attacked by a dog and right now I feel as if I have upper hand cuz she is a puppy but not sure How I will respond when she is bigger. My son now is iffy around her. He likes her yet only when he feels he is safe with her and that is if me or dad are in room. Has anyone had a pup do this. I know when she play bites it's soft and then she releases, but this is very aggressive. Will this stop will it get worse? I love her but I don't want a mean dog. I have a bunch of kids always at my home and now am nervous if this little pup will growl at them. And it seems she does it te most to me and my son. I tried grabbing her I stop this behavior and while I am going to get her she lunges more. When I have her I sometimes try to pet her or if I had enough I put her in her crate. My friend just got a King Charles Cavalier pup and she never does this to we or her kids. I have heard from people Goldendoodles are hyper, but this isn't hyper. I last had a Cocapoo and she was so gentle. Any words of wisdom I would appreciate to hear. I am feeling quite blue and beat right now!

I did not say to yelp, because I don't agree with that.

However put the pup on a leash & correct that way. Grabbing a pup is asking for more. Think of your hand as a "mouth". When you go to grab you are "biting" back egging on play fighting.

Use the leash, use the leash, use the leash....

I would set boundaries and allow NO FREE ROAM AT ALL until pup learns some respect for the house. Pup would be on leash with me or in the crate. That way you can correct, correct, correct.

Also start training and walking. If you don't know how to do these things find a good training school.

 

[jrmasm]

This method has been shown to increase incidences of aggression, proceed with caution if you choose to do this.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I showed and bred Champion Golden Retrievers for many years so I will chime in with that experience and those of my mentors that have been showing and breeding for over 40 years.

Goldendoodles are a mixed breed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Both breeds are very active and energetic. They were also both bred to retrieve game which means they are MOUTHY. Goldens especially like things in their mouth and they don't discriminate, hands, socks, pants, feet, shoes etc. They need to be taught early on not to put their mouth on skin. They learn part of this from being with their litter mates. I am guessing you got this pup prior to 8 weeks of age. The rest they learn from their pack at home. You are supposed to be the pack leader. This puppy does not see you as such and is treating you like a littermate.

Forelegs down and butt in the air is an invitation to play. Not a display of aggression. Often times what you hear as "growling" is simply "talking" there is a difference. Many Goldens and other breeds and mutts can be quite vocal when excited and happy so talk when they are very excited. Sometimes it's with a toy in their mouth and sometimes not. Many dogs, including Goldens "smile". They peel their lips back and grin at you, mostly front teeth showing. It will help when you understand canine body language. You will understand what you dog is telling you. It easier to communicate that way with them using their own language. Remember they don't speak English. Mother Knows Best is a wonderful book to help with training and communication with your dog. All of the families that where approved to have one of my puppies were required to purchase this book and read it BEFORE they got their puppy. Reputable breeders spend a LOT of time with the new families before the pup goes home and are available 24/7 for those families for the life of the dog.

I also showed Cavaliers. They were bred to be lap dogs. While they can be quite sporting they are not mouthy as a rule. My 9 year old Cavalier does like to carry around toys but she was brought up around a bunch of Goldens and just did what they did. I don't think she realizes she is not a Golden

Please educate yourself on canine body language and begin training this puppy now. Make her understand that you and her two legged family are the pack leaders, not her. She can read your body language and your son's and she thinks you are all on the same level. If she were of my breeding I would be recommending you tether her to you at all times. She does not enter a door/entry way before you. She does not eat until she does something for it. "Sit" is easy enough to start. Start training her. Do not train a baby like her for more than a minute or two at a time though, she will lose interest.

If you hire a trainer to help you please be careful. People can get certified in dog training online without ever having gone near a dog. If you can find someone who does competition obedience, that will be a good bet. All of my puppy's families were required to go through group obedience classes with my grandpuppies. I don't recommend private in house training. Your puppy needs to learn to obey you in ALL situations not just at home. The best places to train are where there are other dogs, puppies, people, sights, smells and surroundings that are FAR more interesting than "mom or dad". When they learn in THAT type of environment they are more likely to obey when it really matters like slipping the leash and heading straight into traffic.

Hope this helps.

Very good info and advice.

 

[Lynne M]

Yelping is what puppies do when they play together. It doesn't mean "stop doing that." When you pick her up and pet her, you're telling her that you're pleased with her behavior. I know you don't mean to, but the things you're doing to try to stop the behavior are really giving her positive reinforcement. She thinks you're enjoying the play and want more of it. She's trying to please you.

And the "forelegs down, butt in the air, growling and barking" thing is not aggression. She's asking you to play with her. It's joy. A friend's dog that I've known for years, who is crazy about me, greets me this way every single time I go to their home. She's happy to see me.

I may be misunderstanding, but I see in your post that you were attacked by a dog. I think this may be leading you to interpret playfulness as aggression.

Seriously, call in a professional. Find a good dog training class in your area. Look for reviews online to make sure it's a good one.

 

[JessicaR]

It sounds like you are becoming fearful of your puppy and your son is reacting based on your actions. Ask your vet for a trainer that he/she recommends. Dogs do need to know their place but it does sounds like he is just playing.

Give the pup lots of walks, the exercise is exactly what they need to get rid of some of their extra energy. Some dogs are more mouthy than others - just like kids!

When one of my dogs was a pup every night after dinner he got what we called 'the rage' he ran laps like a lunatic, made noises that could have been misconstrued as growling. It was his way of releasing energy. I have never been fearful of any dog.

A trainer is for you too, not just the pup.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Yelping is what puppies do when they play together. It doesn't mean "stop doing that." When you pick her up and pet her, you're telling her that you're pleased with her behavior. I know you don't mean to, but the things you're doing to try to stop the behavior are really giving her positive reinforcement. She thinks you're enjoying the play and want more of it. She's trying to please you.

And the "forelegs down, butt in the air" thing is not aggression. It's an invitation to play.

I may be misunderstanding, but I see in your post that you were attacked by a dog. I think this may be leading you to interpret playfulness as aggression.

Seriously, call in a professional. Find a good dog training class in your area. Look for reviews online to make sure it's a good one.

I agree...OP-If you have a PetSmart or PetCo in your area they have fairly priced puppy classes. They are what they are for the price, but it is a place to start.

 

[Lynne M]

A trainer is for you too, not just the pup.

This.

Dog training isn't so much about educating the dog as it is educating the owner in how to manage the dog's behavior. And what the PP said about 'reading' the dog is so, so true. You need to start by learning to pick up cues the dog is sending- is it happy, is it angry, is it frightened. I really don't you can successfully train a dog without learning that.