Help - I can't play with my puppy

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

My pup, a lab is 2 months old. This is my first puppy and we have not had any formal training yet but we start next week with that. I've done a lot of reading about how to teach commands and I'm doing pretty well with that. She's a very smart dog. BUUUUUUUUT! She is crazy. I know she's a puppy and that she has loads of energy but I can't get her to exert it all. My husband is able to play with her until she passes out. When we go on walks together she behaves for the most part but when I go on my own with her it's a different story.

Part of the problem is she is mouthing. She's not just puppy nibbling but biting HARD, breaking skin and leaving marks. It is so painful sometimes that I can't even begin to try and give a command. I'm holding back so hard from giving her nose a smack because I don't want to train her with violence. I've tried "the claw" on her butt along with the command no bite and I've also tried yelping which I guess I do anyway all the time with the command but it seems to make her bite harder and/or go crazier. I've also tried giving her the command and then walk away and ignore her but she just goes after me.

I've tried playing with her before she gets wound up to tire her out but she'll end up at the crazy stage even if I end the play session before she gets there. We don't play any of the games that encourage biting. The only thing I attempt to play with her is fetch, training and walking on a leash. ALL of these end in her pretty much attacking me. She will even jump on our furniture (but she can't get up yet) to bite me. Even after practice she won't get down, leave it or stop biting.

HELP! PLEASE! Any advice is wonderful. Thank you in advance.

Also, she does bite my husband and hard but just not as much as me.

theelusive1 · September 2012

When your puppy tries to chew on you roll its lip into its own teeth and say NO! They learn really quick to stop. Also we have always given them ice or carrots to chew on instead of hands.

theelusive1 · September 2012

You could also put her in the crate, if she bites put her in time out.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

I've tried to roll her lip under but she bites me so hard I can barely get my hand out of her mouth. I am hesitant to put her in her crate whenever she does this because I want her crate to be a good place and not negative.

samantha24p · September 2012

Have you tryed bitter apple?

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:74a88bbe-a245-4a2c-9278-0ffd10e95470">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]I seriously suggest looking for episodes of The Dog Whisperer and watching them. The reason puppy is probably behaving for your H and not you is because he is giving off an energy that is telling puppy that he is alpha/pack leader. You are probably giving off an energy that lets puppy know that you can be walked over and that when you say something that you don't really mean it.
Posted by crfb87[/QUOTE]

This is interesting because my husband is the one that I have to correct in the training process. I felt as though he gives in to her while I don't. I'll take note of that thought though and think about my behaviour with her over the next few days.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

I haven't tried bitter apple but I've heard of it. I might have to get some.

QueerFemme · September 2012

Is your husband letting her bite him during play? If so, tell him to stop. Also try doing the claw on the back of her neck. Not the back or butt. Mama dogs pick pups up by the scruff of their necks. She needs to associate you as a pack leader, not a chew toy. Use strong verbal commands. NO combined with the claw/bite on her neck. Don't squeel or yelp. If you yelp, you just told her she is dominant over you. I agree with pp. Watch the dog whisperer. Everything you afe doing so far tells me that you are acting submissive. That's not good.

samantha24p · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:673864d7-72ac-40dc-9cd0-0f57a0d9e56c">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]I haven't tried bitter apple but I've heard of it. I might have to get some.
Posted by tammylongneckerson[/QUOTE]

Yeah also spray it on any furniture your puppy trys to chew. I helped my sister with her husky though. When she'd bite I'd high pitch squeak and ignore her till she calmed down. This worked on her husky bc she wanted your attention and would behave just to get it.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:d8906b29-ea47-4af2-ac20-aa50a339ab69">Re:Help I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Is your husband letting her bite him during play? If so, tell him to stop. Also try doing the claw on the back of her neck. Not the back or butt. </strong>Mama dogs pick pups up by the scruff of their necks. She needs to associate you as a pack leader, not a chew toy. Use strong verbal commands. NO combined with the claw/bite on her neck. <strong>Don't squeel or yelp. If you yelp, you just told her she is dominant over you.</strong> I agree with pp. Watch the dog whisperer.<strong> Everything you afe doing so far tells me that you are acting submissive.</strong> That's not good.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I suspect he is letting her bite him and I tell him to tell her to stop but he's grown up with playing with dogs like this so he's not quite on the same page as me. Thanks for the tip for the claw.

That's interesting about the yelping because I read that it was supposed to teach her not to bite. That's how puppies learn but heck, yelping hasn't helped so I'll try it.

Can you be more specific about the submissive part? Is it the yelping? Or more? I am good about giving commands and I'm the one that has been training her. She listens to me as long as she's not riled up.

MoonlightSilver · September 2012

I don't know if any "official" dog trainer suggests this, but whenever we had puppies that misbehaved like biting, we would roll them onto their back on the ground and hold them there. A dog exposing its stomach is acting submissive, especially if the other dog (aka you in this situation) is " standing" (leaning) over the puppy. There's no violence other than holding the puppy still. After a few seconds, I'd get up and walk away, ignoring the puppy.

I've also held a puppy's jaw shut and put my finger on its nose while telling it no biting. They don't like having their jaw held shut (ever seen a dog wearing a muzzle?), so they learn to associate biting with this uncomfortable but not painful feeling.

QueerFemme · September 2012

In Response to Re:Help I can't play with my puppy:[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Help I can't play with my puppy:Is your husband letting her bite him during play? If so, tell him to stop. Also try doing the claw on the back of her neck. Not the back or butt. Mama dogs pick pups up by the scruff of their necks. She needs to associate you as a pack leader, not a chew toy. Use strong verbal commands. NO combined with the claw/bite on her neck. Don't squeel or yelp. If you yelp, you just told her she is dominant over you. I agree with pp. Watch the dog whisperer. Everything you afe doing so far tells me that you are acting submissive. That's not good.Posted by cmgilpinI suspect he is letting her bite him and I tell him to tell her to stop but he's grown up with playing with dogs like this so he's not quite on the same page as me. Thanks for the tip for the claw.That's interesting about the yelping because I read that it was supposed to teach her not to bite. That's how puppies learn but heck, yelping hasn't helped so I'll try it.Can you be more specific about the submissive part? Is it the yelping? Or more? I am good about giving commands and I'm the one that has been training her. She listens to me as long as she's not riled up. Posted by tammylongneckerson[/QUOTE]

The yelping will startle them and stop the biting momentarily, but its letting her know that she is basically, more of a badass than you.

You need to use very simple one word commands. "NO" together with the "bite" on the back of her neck.

The submissive thing I'm talking about is the yelping and the fact that you say she just follows you when you put her in a sit and stay.

You are going to have to put her back in the spot over and over and over again until she stays. She doesn't have to stay there long, but you need to be the one to release her. Put her in a sit and say "ok" to relase her and then praise her for staying.

Do it dozens of times. She needs an authority. You have to remind her who that authority figure is. You are going to be tired and probably sick of dealing with her after the 20th time. You gotta keep doing it anyway.

MegenQ · September 2012

This may help, it work with my cats when hey were little, give them something to chew on, try frozen fruit or a cucumber, I knew that they were sorta teething, but would also try the bitter apple or lemon juice.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:cea505e5-127b-4959-a06e-928e38adcea6">Re:Help I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Help I can't play with my puppy: The yelping will startle them and stop the biting momentarily, but its letting her know that she is basically, more of a badass than you. You need to use very simple one word commands. "NO" together with the "bite" on the back of her neck. The submissive thing I'm talking about is the yelping and the fact that you say she just follows you when you put her in a sit and stay. You are going to have to put her back in the spot over and over and over again until she stays. She doesn't have to stay there long, but you need to be the one to release her. Put her in a sit and say "ok" to relase her and then praise her for staying. Do it dozens of times. She needs an authority. You have to remind her who that authority figure is. You are going to be tired and probably sick of dealing with her after the 20th time. You gotta keep doing it anyway.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I don't believe I said that she doesn't sit and stay. She actually is catching on to that quite fast. If I did say that then I misspoke.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:ec5bece4-73ac-4a2b-a79e-1eb5ccff3f6d">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know if any "official" dog trainer suggests this, but whenever we had puppies that misbehaved like biting, <strong>we would roll them onto their back on the ground and hold them there. A dog exposing its stomach is acting submissive,</strong> especially if the other dog (aka you in this situation) is " standing" (leaning) over the puppy. There's no violence other than holding the puppy still. After a few seconds, I'd get up and walk away, ignoring the puppy. I've also held a puppy's jaw shut and put my finger on its nose while telling it no biting. They don't like having their jaw held shut (ever seen a dog wearing a muzzle?), so they learn to associate biting with this uncomfortable but not painful feeling.
Posted by MoonlightSilver[/QUOTE]

We've tried this too. She will stop but the problem is after she stops she'll go right back after my hands or legs. How long did it take for you to get this technique to work? Maybe the problem is we've been trying too many.

QueerFemme · September 2012

In Response to Re:Help I can't play with my puppy:[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Help I can't play with my puppy:In Response to Re:Help I can't play with my puppy: The yelping will startle them and stop the biting momentarily, but its letting her know that she is basically, more of a badass than you. You need to use very simple one word commands. "NO" together with the "bite" on the back of her neck. The submissive thing I'm talking about is the yelping and the fact that you say she just follows you when you put her in a sit and stay. You are going to have to put her back in the spot over and over and over again until she stays. She doesn't have to stay there long, but you need to be the one to release her. Put her in a sit and say "ok" to relase her and then praise her for staying. Do it dozens of times. She needs an authority. You have to remind her who that authority figure is. You are going to be tired and probably sick of dealing with her after the 20th time. You gotta keep doing it anyway.Posted by cmgilpinI don't believe I said that she doesn't sit and stay. She actually is catching on to that quite fast. If I did say that then I misspoke. Posted by tammylongneckerson[/QUOTE]

Sorry. When you said you give her the command and walk away and she comes after you, I thought you meant she isn't listening to your command to stay.

In any event though just keep trying. It will ease up. And its exhausting. But it will pass with the proper training.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:67af5f3a-4b82-4bca-ae9f-77b64976902a">Re:Help I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]This may help, it work with my cats when hey were little, give them something to chew on, try frozen fruit or a cucumber, I knew that they were sorta teething, but would also try the bitter apple or lemon juice.
Posted by MegenQ[/QUOTE]

Tried this one too lol. I know I sound like the been there done that guy but I feel like I'm out of options at this point. Once you give her a toy even a favorite toy she'll chew for 2.2 seconds and then attack again.

MoonlightSilver · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:9babfb65-5575-49e9-bfa7-322f1753b957">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy : We've tried this too. She will stop but the problem is after she stops she'll go right back after my hands or legs. How long did it take for you to get this technique to work? Maybe the problem is we've been trying too many.
Posted by tammylongneckerson[/QUOTE]
I don't remember how long it took, sorry. But I'd keep doing it until it works. If she gets right back up and goes after you, do it again. If she's still going after you after a few times, I'd try to work on focusing her attention on something else- give her a chew toy to play with by herself or put her outside on a leash (in nice weather) for a few minutes. <div>
</div><div>Also, make sure that when you move away from her that you don't appear to be running away. She could be thinking you're playing chase, or just that you've being submissive to her by running away. </div><div>
</div><div>In all honesty, it might be a puppy thing she has to grow out of. Which sucks for you, but that's part of being a parent. You repeat the lessons with never ending patience until your puppy understands them. </div>

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:3d8f9e7d-015c-49bf-b786-004dc24f3649">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy : I don't remember how long it took, sorry. But I'd keep doing it until it works. If she gets right back up and goes after you, do it again. If she's still going after you after a few times, I'd try to work on focusing her attention on something else- give her a chew toy to play with by herself or put her outside on a leash (in nice weather) for a few minutes. Also, make sure that when you move away from her that you don't appear to be running away. She could be thinking you're playing chase, or just that you've being submissive to her by running away. In all honesty, it might be a puppy thing she has to grow out of. Which sucks for you, but that's part of being a parent. You repeat the lessons with never ending patience until your puppy understands them.
Posted by MoonlightSilver[/QUOTE]

Thanks I think we'll start practicing this technique regularly and see what happens.

Gatorsgirl731 · September 2012

cmgilpin and moonlight are giving some treat worthy advise here.

This process is painstakingly long. You absolutly need to show her who is boss. Do not baby talk her, do not participate in a stare down. Look at her between her eyes just above her eyebrows. This says..." you are not my equal. you mean so little I won't even waste my time with eyecontact" Your other issue is this....in her eyes there are two bitches and one alpha. FI should establish you as his pack mate. Good luck and congrats on your furbaby!

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:272ee823-951b-4462-9df7-7bdb5a3aceee">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]cmgilpin and moonlight are giving some treat worthy advise here. :) This process is painstakingly long. You absolutly need to show her who is boss. Do not baby talk her, do not participate in a stare down. <strong>Look at her between her eyes just above her eyebrows. This says..." you are not my equal. you mean so little I won't even waste my time with eyecontact" </strong> Your other issue is this....in her eyes there are two bitches and one alpha. FI should establish you as his pack mate. Good luck and congrats on your furbaby!
Posted by Gatorsgirl731[/QUOTE]

I'll try this thanks

HuckSC · September 2012

Tobasco sauce. Every time she bites put a little bit of of it in her mouth. Soon enough you'll just have to bring the bottle around and they won't bite any more.

abl13 · September 2012

Try making a fist with your hand if she tries to put your hand in her mouth. She won't be able to bite down and dogs hate that. Also try giving her soft toys. That really helped our puppy's biting. It used to be so bad and we just realized at 4 months that it stopped completely. I've also heard that once female dogs get spayed it helps calm them down.

good luck!

lyndausvi · September 2012

How long have you had your dog? 2 months is not very old.

A lot of puppies learn a lot from their moms and litter mates on biting manners between 8-16 weeks. I would do a lot of what is suggested here, but at the same time I would be overly concerned either. Chef D learned a lot from 3-4 months. He went from a crazy dog to a well mannered dog.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:dbbe56f9-3156-4aaa-a750-bab4e0a69150">Re: Help - I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]How long have you had your dog? 2 months is not very old. A lot of puppies learn a lot from their moms and litter mates on biting manners between 8-16 weeks. I would do a lot of what is suggested here, but at the same time I would be overly concerned either. Chef D learned a lot from 3-4 months. He went from a crazy dog to a well mannered dog.
Posted by lyndausvi[/QUOTE]

We got got her at 7 weeks. so it's been 2 weeks since she's 9 weeks now. I read that the things they learn now are a precursor for the rest of her life including the biting thing. I've been socializing her with other dogs to help with the biting thing because I know that she learns not to do it during the time that you mentioned from her litter mates. I'm taking her on a puppy play date at a local pet store tomorrow so hopefully it will help a bit.

QueerFemme · September 2012

I would REALLY avoid puppy play dates at this stage at pet stores. Dogs are at a crazy high risk for parvo until they have been through their puppy shots, which is around 20 weeks. Pet stores are notorious for having the parvo virus on their floors, etc. Way too many people bring their unvaccinated dogs in those stores and leave behind traces of parvo. If you want to do a play date, bring a friends dog into your home. But only one who you know is current on their shots. Avoid parks, stores, even neighborhood walks until she has all of her shots. Also. Don't do the tobasco thing. You need to assert control over the dog, not cause her pain and associate you with pain and bad memories.

QueerFemme · September 2012

Ps. I have done rescue for 2 decades. This will pass with the proper training. You just have to be very very consistent and make sure you are using the right tone of voice. Your dog shouldn't be afraid of you, but she should learn to respect you as being above her. I have a 120 pound rottweiler and a 60 pound pitbull mix right now who would never dream of puttting their teeth on me. But I will freely admit, I was exhausted the first 3 months after they came home. But now they are healthy, happy, emotionally balanced pooches. :

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:5319846c-0e54-49f4-b999-a652e04d0dbe">Re:Help I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]I would REALLY avoid puppy play dates at this stage at pet stores. Dogs are at a crazy high risk for parvo until they have been through their puppy shots, which is around 20 weeks. Pet stores are notorious for having the parvo virus on their floors, etc. Way too many people bring their unvaccinated dogs in those stores and leave behind traces of parvo. If you want to do a play date, bring a friends dog into your home. But only one who you know is current on their shots. Avoid parks, stores, even neighborhood walks until she has all of her shots. Also. Don't do the tobasco thing. You need to assert control over the dog, not cause her pain and associate you with pain and bad memories.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

Her training classes are at this store and they require vaccination records for the classes and also the play date. She's already had round 2 and they require round 2 before any classes or play dates. The ASPCA's stance on the subject is that it's much more important to socialize and train your dog than the low risk of diseases like parvo. I've done some research on this subject and I'm choosing to expose our puppy to as many things as I can without directly putting her in danger like dog parks with possibly non vaccinated dog feces and such but still socializing her. Personally, I think it's not fair to the puppy who needs the socialization and exposure to keep her away from everything as I've read some people do.

tammylongneckerson · September 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_help-i-cant-play-with-my-puppy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:66036fcb-0cf0-4ee5-b266-dc5eed1e2ac2Post:18f4a4db-e0ea-450f-9354-f2fee867dd8e">Re:Help I can't play with my puppy</a>:
[QUOTE]Ps. I have done rescue for 2 decades. This will pass with the proper training. You just have to be very very consistent <strong>and make sure you are using the right tone of voice</strong>. Your dog shouldn't be afraid of you, but she should learn to respect you as being above her. I have a 120 pound rottweiler and a 60 pound pitbull mix right now who would never dream of puttting their teeth on me. But I will freely admit, I was exhausted the first 3 months after they came home. But now they are healthy, happy, emotionally balanced pooches. :
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

this is another thing I'm not sure of. I try to be stern but not mean but she doesn't seem to respond to come unless I am really friendly and say "c'mon". If I say come she seems somewhat timid to come to me. I'm always happy when she comes to me and I give her a treat as long as I have some in my pocket otherwise I just exaggerate the petting and praise. Where is the medium? Do I just need to practice more in a controlled setting with closer distances?

[Deleted User] · September 2012

When you roll her, roll her onto her side not her back and hold her there until her body relaxes, this is a sign that she is submisive to you. When she is biting, give her a gentle jab in the neck to immediately stop the biting, then divert her attention to an appropriate toy. Have patience, you will have to do this over quitea bit untl she gets it. Never yell, never get excited as her behavior will mirror that- just use a calm but firm tone when you give her a command. Another exercise you can do is to hold a treat in a closed hand and reward appropriate mouthplay. If her bite or chewing is too hard, give her a firm "no" and step or turn away from her for a moment. Keep in mind that two months is still very young and some commands will take time.

QueerFemme · September 2012

Try to find the balance between yelling and just being stern. You'll learn as you go along. I understand your decision about the parvo thing. I wasn't suggesting to isolate her, just make careful decisions about exposure. I only exposed mine to family or friend's dogs until after their final rounds of shots. If you are comfortable with the risk, of course its up to you. Just work on tiring her out as much as possible, stopping all play if they dog bites. Just keep trying.

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