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Do you have a puppy that would rather
use your arm than a bone as a chew toy? While it is normal for puppies
to use their mouths when playing with each other, this behavior becomes
a problem when it carries over into their interactions with us.
Puppy habits
Initially, a puppy will use his mouth to investigate his
environment. He also uses it in play. At a very young age, puppies begin
to learn how much pressure with their mouths is too much by the reactions
of their mothers and littermates. When puppies play, they chomp each other's
ears and chew each other's necks until one bites down too hard. Then the
bitten puppy lets out a piercing "iey, iey, ieeyy" (referred
to as the hurt puppy noise), gets up and walks away. This teaches the
biting puppy that when he is too rough, play ends. The puppy learns bite
inhibition through these playfighting sessions when allowed to remain
with his litter until seven weeks old.
Acceptable behavior
As a new puppy owner, it is necessary to establish what
is and isn't acceptable behavior from the very first day. Most puppies
will do anything to please you and will benefit from expectations that
are consistently displayed. Puppies teethe from four to six months, so
mouthing is quite common then. However, mouthing can become a way for
your puppy to try to control you, allowing him to take the first step
toward assuming a leadership role within your home. It is important that
you not allow this to happen.
What you should do
The following techniques are recommended for most puppies
up to 4 months old, depending on their size.
- Provide chew toys for your puppy, both soft and hard.
These may include large nylon bones and hard rubber Kongs.
- Large rawhide bones and carrots can be placed in the
freezer and given to a teething puppy.
- Braided fiber bones dipped in chicken broth and frozen
are also good.
- If your puppy chews on you, use your "hurt puppy
noise while leaving your hand in their mouth. Once the pressure is released,
slowly remove your hand. Praise them and offer them a chew toy if their
cooperation is immediate. You may also wish to offer them the back of
your hand to lick (a sign of deference.)
- You may also choose to correct them consistently with
a command such as "no bite" or "no mouth."
Problems with Dominant or "Bossy" puppies
Does your puppy start mouthing you if you don't play when HE wants to?
Is he constantly tripping you up or trying to play tug-o-war with the
leash when you're walking in the direction YOU want to go? Is he uncooperative
when you ask him to do something like get off the couch or wait for you
to go through the doorway first? If so, you may have a bossy or dominant
puppy. With this type of puppy, you may need to exercise a little more
discipline.
"Discipline" doesn't mean punishment,
it means correcting an unwanted behavior and teaching a new, more desirable
one. In this case, we want a puppy that understands by our reactions that
their behavior is unacceptable. These puppies must learn to accept you
as the leader. There are several things you can do to let a bossy puppy
know that you're in charge:
- Touch a toe or paw and give a treat or praise if they
don't mouth you. Touching the paws or tail of a confident puppy often
provokes a mouthing response. If they do mouth you, use your "no
mouth" or similar command and try again. Your goal is to be able
to squeeze their paw gently in a non-threatening way. This will also
help with nail trimming later on.
- As a prelude to good dental care, they should get used
to your fingers in their mouth. Begin by coating your finger with tuna
fish oil and sliding it into the pouch created by their jowls on the
side of their muzzle. Try to briefly massage their gums while praising
all the while. If this presents no problem, slip back towards their
molars and run your finger over the surface of the tooth. If your puppy
bites down too hard, use one of the corrections previously mentioned,
again offering your hand to lick.
- With a very difficult puppy, a more direct approach
may be needed. For this method, your puppy should be wearing a well-fitted
buckle collar. Should he begin to mouth you, slip your fingers under
his collar just below the jaw on either side. Looking directly into
his eyes, say "no mouth" in a growly voice. Wait for him to
look away or to put his ears back slightly, as a sign of submission.
Release him and walk away or briefly close him in another room for a
few minutes as a "time out." There is no need to shake the
puppy or overdo this type of correction; he will get the message.
- For the lunging, snapping puppy, remember that movement
encourages him. You may be encouraging him to mouth without realizing
it. Never encourage games involving your hands or feet as targets. Hold
your leash so that there is never any part of it dangling. Until you
have retrained your puppy, it is a good idea to avoid wearing loose,
flowing garments.
- Instead of pulling your hand away when your puppy mouths
you, concentrate on pushing your hand further into the puppy's mouth.
This creates a bit of discomfort, causing him to "spit" you
out. You regain control by reversing the situation. Once your hand has
been released, praise him.
- Spraying your hands and leash with a commercially prepared,
bitter tasting spray can act as a deterrent. Diluted lemon juice can
also be used in a pinch.
- If the above methods don't work, you may need to become
a "statue." Instead of your puppy playing "tag, you're
it," cross your arms across your chest, turn your back to your
puppy, and become motionless. When you do not respond, your puppy gets
no reward for his behavior; when done consistently, this should extinguish
the "game."
If you are having a serious biting problem, especially
with an older puppy, consult your veterinarian and consider attending
obedience school or bringing in a private trainer to help you solve the
problem. Ask what methods they use. Rule out any trainer that advocates
harsh corrections, as they can have a long-lasting negative effect on
your relationship with your puppy. They often make matters worse.
Guidance and consistency are the key ingredients to good
training, even when those needle-sharp teeth are gnawing at your patience.
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