Puppy Biting part 2

[Sarah_Rose]

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.

Absolutely. Whether it's regular puppy behavior or not (and I don't think any of us can judge that without meeting the puppy in question), if the owner is fearful of the dog and doesn't understand what it is doing, a trainer needs to become involved.

We have had excellent experiences with both group and private trainers. I think getting involved with a good group training class is extremely important, but at this point I would also get a private consultation ASAP. It might be a week or more before the owner could get her dog into a group puppy class, and I would personally want to get started on some groundwork immediately.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

I agree with other posters that some of this behavior is just playfulness, but you must teach your pup NOT to play rough. And never let your kids play roughly with the pup either!
The leash tether works great. Pup can't misbehave when attached to you with a leash. Pup has to "earn" everything (ie: nothing in life is free). You go through doorways first, pup should be required to sit before getting a treat or food dish, etc. He needs to learn that you are the alpha and he is at the bottom of the totem pole.
I think puppy kindergarden is just what you need, and be sure to include the kids so everyone learns together!
Good luck with your furbaby!

 

[marie1203]

Is this your first dog? I am sorry but it doesn't sound like you did your research and know what you were getting into. You need to call a professional trainer that knows how to communicate with the dog and understand the dog. The problem it is not just going to go away unless you know what to do. Clearly the dog is walking all over you and if you don't learn how to communicate with the dog now it will just bring more problems when he/she gets bigger.

 

[goofy!]

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!

First of all, most of the previous advice was to get the puppy to a trainer ASAP. Have you done that yet?

Did your breeder temperament test the puppies and advise you on what temperament would fit best with family?

Sounds like you have a major alpha puppy, one that should have never gone to an inexperienced family. But you can learn quickly how to train this puppy with the proper help. And it will be so worth it. A well trained alpha dog makes the best family dog in my opinion. (Of course, I have a very alpha breed, so have a fondness for that temperament.)

As for Goldendoodles being hyper, no one can say that. Goldendoodles are not breeds, they are mixed breed dogs. Therefore, they do not breed true to a temperament (or anything else) like a purebred dog. Therefore, you need to realize that you are dealing with any combination of a Golden temperament and a Poodle temperament.

To make matters worse, most "doodle" breeders are just in it for the money. They do not take temperament or health into account when breeding. Also, most dogs used for the creating 'designer mutts" are poor quality specimens of their breed in the first place. This is because no reputable breeder would ever allow their well bred golden or poodle to be used for creating fancy named mixed breed dogs for profit. Consequently, they use puppymill dogs that don't come with spay/neuter contracts and usually have health and temperament problems.

But again, the good thing is, your puppy is exhibiting behavior to establish where he/she belongs in the pack. This can be controlled and trained. But since you have such an alpha puppy, you are going to need professional help. You need to be firm and make sure the puppy understands that he is at the bottom of the pack at all times. There are many little things you can do, such as never letting the puppy go through a door way before you, that establishes that the puppy is at the absolute bottom of the pack. But you need professional help, otherwise you are going to be dealing with a n 80lb dog that thinks it is the boss.

If I recall correctly, you also brought the puppy home before 8 weeks. That last week with the dam is very important for behavior as to learning bite inhibition, etc. Again, a roadblock, but one that can be overcome.

Please do not bring this puppy to a shelter. You made a commitment to this puppy when you brought it home. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but it can be done. And it will all be worth it.

Get this dog with a professional trainer ASAP. Not only for the dog, but also for your own education. I have been showing our Komondors for years and they still all go through several obedience classes when puppies.

 

[goofy!]

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.

I do not agree with PetCo or Petsmart. Their "trainers" undergo a short training period and then are put on the floor as trainers. Most don't have any real background knowledge on dog behavior.

I agree with the previous poster to find somebody who does competition obedience and then ask them for a recommendation. These are people who do animal behavior for a living.

And I also agree with not having a trainer come to your house. A group setting, where the puppy learns to behave amongst all sorts of distractions is the best.

 

[ilovejack02]

I am a new Foster momma with a rescue .I have no real experience with pups , but reading as much as I can .
I have a very mouthy dog right now , he does the same as yours is doing . I would never grab and pin to ground to show him who is boss . I normally distract quickly and use sit command immediately . He stops, I hand him a toy and he off doing something else before I can blink. We walk him alot and throw the ball , a tired pup is a good pup I have heard. His mouthing is becoming less and less . When I am distracted and we havent had our daily play session he is more apt to start the whole hopping around, butt in air , growling talk .. He is saying to me, I want to play NOW. When we get to that point it is always my fault, because I am late with morning romp time.

Read read read, and get a trainer.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I do not agree with PetCo or Petsmart. Their "trainers" undergo a short training period and then are put on the floor as trainers. Most don't have any real background knowledge on dog behavior.

I agree with the previous poster to find somebody who does competition obedience and then ask them for a recommendation. These are people who do animal behavior for a living.

And I also agree with not having a trainer come to your house. A group setting, where the puppy learns to behave amongst all sorts of distractions is the best.

We had great experencies with every dog we have brought there.

But like I said...It is what it is for the price. Sit...stay...a little socialization.

 

[marie1203]

First of all, most of the previous advice was to get the puppy to a trainer ASAP. Have you done that yet?

Did your breeder temperament test the puppies and advise you on what temperament would fit best with family?

Sounds like you have a major alpha puppy, one that should have never gone to an inexperienced family. But you can learn quickly how to train this puppy with the proper help. And it will be so worth it. A well trained alpha dog makes the best family dog in my opinion. (Of course, I have a very alpha breed, so have a fondness for that temperament.)

As for Goldendoodles being hyper, no one can say that. Goldendoodles are not breeds, they are mixed breed dogs. Therefore, they do not breed true to a temperament (or anything else) like a purebred dog. Therefore, you need to realize that you are dealing with any combination of a Golden temperament and a Poodle temperament.

To make matters worse, most "doodle" breeders are just in it for the money. They do not take temperament or health into account when breeding. Also, most dogs used for the creating 'designer mutts" are poor quality specimens of their breed in the first place. This is because no reputable breeder would ever allow their well bred golden or poodle to be used for creating fancy named mixed breed dogs for profit. Consequently, they use puppymill dogs that don't come with spay/neuter contracts and usually have health and temperament problems.

But again, the good thing is, your puppy is exhibiting behavior to establish where he/she belongs in the pack. This can be controlled and trained. But since you have such an alpha puppy, you are going to need professional help. You need to be firm and make sure the puppy understands that he is at the bottom of the pack at all times. There are many little things you can do, such as never letting the puppy go through a door way before you, that establishes that the puppy is at the absolute bottom of the pack. But you need professional help, otherwise you are going to be dealing with a n 80lb dog that thinks it is the boss.

If I recall correctly, you also brought the puppy home before 8 weeks. That last week with the dam is very important for behavior as to learning bite inhibition, etc. Again, a roadblock, but one that can be overcome.

Please do not bring this puppy to a shelter. You made a commitment to this puppy when you brought it home. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but it can be done. And it will all be worth it.

Get this dog with a professional trainer ASAP. Not only for the dog, but also for your own education. I have been showing our Komondors for years and they still all go through several obedience classes when puppies.

Obviously the breeder didn't do any temperament testing since it doesn't seem to be a "reputable" breeder. No good breeder send the puppy home so early to someone that doesn't seem to know anything about the dog. It is obvious that OP didn't do her job and did research before she got the dog. I hope that OP realizes the amount of exercise a dog needs both breeds need a lot of exercise.

 

[roxysmum123]

I do not agree with PetCo or Petsmart. Their "trainers" undergo a short training period and then are put on the floor as trainers. Most don't have any real background knowledge on dog behavior.

Agree and disagree. If you can find a trainer that has been there LONGER than 5 years, then they would have been trained from the old program which was at least 6months of bookwork and learning. And even of those who have been there less than that, some of them are very into professional development and pursue further education. Don't discredit them because they work for a company that doesn't have the greatest program anymore to train their new trainers. I've known some very knowledgeable trainers that have been training for 30+ years that now train for Petsmarts simply because they didn't want the stress of running their own businesses anymore - not from a lack of skill. There are some goobers out there though, I agree with you there, OP take the time to talk to the trainer to learn more about their skill level - and if it seems like a good match the other PP is right you really can't beat the price for an introduction to what needs to be done.

 

[kacaju]

I agree it sounds like your puppy is trying to play..not eat you!!
http://www.cardunaldogtraining.com/Home_Page.html

Try calling this place if it is not too far from you...or if it is..ask if they can direct you to someone who is closer to you.
I agree you need someone who does competition obedience...they should really be able to help you...it doesn't matter if you have no interest in ever competing with your dog either!

We (my dd16 and I ) just went to obed lesson tonight with our dogs...If you lived in NJ I would send you to them!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

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.

I agree with this method, it's how we trained our dog, and she is very obedient, happy, but obedient. But this method needs to be used deliberatlely and more importantly, consistantly.

Also, with any dog, even if you are attempting to do this, never put your face close to their mouth because lunging, especially during initial training can happen and you don't want to be nipped.

This type of training is definately more advanced, but very effective. Considering the OP seems to be very frustrated, I would more recommend a professional trainer, not just for the dog, but for her too.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I agree it sounds like your puppy is trying to play..not eat you!!
http://www.cardunaldogtraining.com/Home_Page.html

Try calling this place if it is not too far from you...or if it is..ask if they can direct you to someone who is closer to you.
I agree you need someone who does competition obedience...they should really be able to help you...it doesn't matter if you have no interest in ever competing with your dog either!

We (my dd16 and I ) just went to obed lesson tonight with our dogs...If you lived in NJ I would send you to them!

It's a slippery slope, though... We didn't even know that competition obedience existed when we joined one "intermediate/advanced" obedience class.... a year later, we were still attending the class and working on our CDX title.

 

[kacaju]

It's a slippery slope, though... We didn't even know that competition obedience existed when we joined one "intermediate/advanced" obedience class.... a year later, we were still attending the class and working on our CDX title.

Awesome!

 

[hsmamato2]

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.

bad bad idea for OP who sounds scared already. Not saying it 'can't work for an experienced dog trainer, but it sounds like OP needs some real help,and this is the opposite of help,in her situation. I am no trainer, but from what I know of dog behavior,this is a puppy,and is learning now what it can/can't do socially. It also sounds like the dog is in play mode with paws out and butt up, no dog attacks from that position, that's not aggression,that's foolish puppy. Probably foolish puppy testing to see how far he can go.
seriously,some dogs growl,mumble and 'talk' without meaning to sound aggressive. ALl puppies mouth and bite. All of them go through this!
It's how the owner handles it that determines what the dog learns.
Call a trainer, a positive method trainer if possible!

 

[kimmyann]

We have a chihuahua puppy & she tries to be very nippy at times. If she is wanting to play & starts biting I give her a firm NO & give her a toy. If she is just being a pest & trying to bite (like when she is sitting on me), I simply give her a firm NO & put her down. Your dog needs to know that your the boss & not a litter mate. They want attention & if they bite then they need to be redirected or ignored. Even simple things like making sure you walk in a door ahead of your dog shows that you are the leader. Get some books & read up on training. I disagree with taking your dog to a trainer. This has to come from you. (on second thought, maybe so they can teach you how to handle the dog)

When we got our 70 pound shepherd mix I made sure I educated myself & my family on how to handle him because I knew he would be a large dog. Part of his training included putting my hand in his food dish & taking it from him while praising him. He is now a very chilled, relaxed & awesome 6 year old baby. Never once has shown one sign of aggression. Be very consistant & never back down & it will save you alot in the future. Good luck.

 

[StanH]

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.

Exactly - the dog needs to be shown who the Alpha is.

I suggest that when she gets aggressive, you pin her on her side, gently, but firmly leaning your body onto her, while holding her down. DO NOT let her get up or away from you. Assert your dominance. While she is being held down, growl into her ear. Keep holding her down until she stops struggling. That will signify her giving in to you. A few times of you dominating her, she will learn.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Exactly - the dog needs to be shown who the Alpha is.

I suggest that when she gets aggressive, you pin her on her side, gently, but firmly leaning your body onto her, while holding her down. DO NOT let her get up or away from you. Assert your dominance. While she is being held down, growl into her ear. Keep holding her down until she stops struggling. That will signify her giving in to you. A few times of you dominating her, she will learn.

This is a method that some trainers would suggest. I would definitely proceed with caution with this type of "training" and I would never suggest it to a beginner. It will work for some dog temperaments, but will cause more problems with others.

 

[roxysmum123]

This is a method that some trainers would suggest. I would definitely proceed with caution with this type of "training" and I would never suggest it to a beginner. It will work for some dog temperaments, but will cause more problems with others.

Exactly. The more educated trainers who base their methods in the science of dog behaviour would not do such methods that are widely considered to be outdated and controversial at best. I can't even count the number of dogs I've had to work with and "fix" because this method was done by someone who was clueless about how to do it "properly" (if there is such a thing) and made their dog 10x worse. And it most definitely is not for someone inexperienced with timing and dog body language - that's your sure fire way to get hurt.

I don't doubt it worked for the people who posted about it, but in my experience they're in the minority.

 

[jemmouse]

Thank you for the responses and the techniques. To those who suggested i did NOT do my homework, etc..., I did. Every dog is different no one can predict. Like someone posted she is a mixed breed and with that can come varying types of personalities. I am trying and that is why I reached out. I also would like to say that with my last dog we did goto "school" and she was a very good girl . And I am hoping in time my new little Molly will be also. I am quite familiar with dogs. I grew up with German Shepard, Dalmation, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Poodles, and a Golden Retriever. But never have I seen such a nippy little one like my Molly....

I did take Molly into the vet and she also suggested Puppy School mainly for socialization because she also said Molly should've stayed with mom for one more week. The reason Molly came home early was due to the breeder losing a family member in another state and her whole family was going to the services so no one was there to help with dogs. Sometimes in life things happen and well I don't think that made her an irresponsible breeder!

Also after talking to the vet, I realize this is friendly PLAYFUL activity for Molly. Perhaps maybe my fear came back from when I was attacked, who knows. But today was a much better day. I listened and when she came at me i redirected her with one of her toys. And it worked.

I am this week going to check into several different puppy classes. so hopefully in a week or so little Ms.Molly will be an enrolled student...

Now if I can get her to stop chewing the corner of my breakfast bar that would be wonderful....

I will keep you all posted...Thanks again for the help, ideas and support.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Start teaching her how to play fetch. It will help disperse and redirect her energy. Don't get into a tug of war with the ball, though - when she comes back with it, have her sit and "give". Don't try to take it away - just wait till she "gives" (it may take a little while to teach), say "good girl", release her from her sit with an "ok", then throw the ball again, which becomes her reward.

Chewing the corner bar has the same principle as the biting as far as keeping her on a short leash and correcting immediately with a firm, "No" and moving her away from it, replacing with something she can chew, and saying, "Good girl" when she does what you want her to do. Try bitter apple spray if you must.

Having a puppy is a LOT of work and a LOT of heartache at times, especially when the dog is high energy or difficult in some way. It's hard to know exactly how to handle situations when you have a dog who's "different" and you're run down. It's not unlike having a baby. There's something about it that makes it so you can't always see clearly, either, lol. It's easier to see from the outside than it is on the inside when you're actually dealing with it.

Hang in there, you are in the tough process of establishing routines, rules and boundaries between you. It is a process and it will get better but it will take some time and a lot of work on your part. I'm sitting here patting my beautiful, sweet and mellow girl, and thinking back to when she was a puppy what a freakin nightmare it was. If I could recapture the time and energy I've put into her it would probably be enough to last me a lifetime. Just take a deep breath, have confidence that you're in charge, keep redirecting and repeating commands and eventually you'll have a nice little well behaved dog. (And people will say to you, "Wow, I wish I had a good dog like her!" lol)