Dog Community

Help! My puppy attacks me!

Ang

Posted : 6/2/2006 12:07:39 PM

I have a huge problem with my puppy. He is only 10 weeks old but he barks, growls, raises his upper lip at me and launches at me with strong bites. He bites my arms, legs, hands, fingers,feet...anything he can grab on to....he has drawn blood over 10 times now...I don't know what to do...I trully look like I am in an abusive relationship because of all the scars I have on my hands/arms...I am at home so there's no problem with him not spending time with me and i always make sure he gets enough exercise. My partner is at work a lot but my puppy doesn't do this around him at all. he only does this with me, other people just get the light nipping, but I get the harder bites that hurt like hell... what should I do?? to give you a bit more history I have to let you know that I got him when he was 61/2 weeks old (way too young so i hear) and he's part collie/lab/mastiff ... I have tried having his toys with me so when he starts I suggest to him to play with his toy instead... he takes the toy, drops it and starts chewing on me again... tried time out where I leave the room, he starts doing something else and as soon as I walk into the room again it starts all over... He's biting its getting so bad that my arms are really sore/bruised and I have these past few days used force to stop him (something I don't want to start doing)...I hold his mouth closed and it gets even worse..like I just started a war... on the other hand if I take him to the lawn to do his business and there is someone walking he stands right in front of me and starts barking, if i move he moves, always staying in front of me....yesterday we were in the backyard and I left him with my partner so I could get him some toys and when i came back my partner told me that my puppy cried and cried when i left, laid down right by the gate, crying, constantly watching to see if i was coming.... wouldn't do anything else until i came back, and as soon as i walked in he started the bitting again... I don't know what to do... please help!!!

forpaws

Posted : 6/2/2006 12:15:35 PM

61/2 weeks old

Is the problem here, you are right. He has not learned the things he needs to as a youngster. He veiws you as his play mate and that is why he isn't interested in his toys.

When he bites you, yelp as loud as you can, look away and don't make eye contact. He will appologize to you, then acknowledge him. If he continues to bite and your yelp doesn't do the trick, leave the room completely.

Pups go in stages.

I would use the clicker training method with him. [linkhttp://www.clickertraining.com]www.clickertraining.com[/link] wonderful site to help you train your pupster.

I am sure one of our behavorists will come along with some excelent advise for you.
BTW... He does look like a little stinker in that picture. Too Dang CUTE for me to handle. lol.....

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Posted : 6/2/2006 1:41:18 PM

Forpaws is correct. This pup is too young to be away from its momma and litter mates but what do you do to make it stop biting? If you just put your hands up and say no, it dosnt know what you mean. When your pup bites you, yelp just like anotehr little pup would do and divert your attention ofr 30 seconds or so (they have a short attention span). That is how the puppies tell eachother not to bite!

s abbott

Posted : 6/8/2006 9:01:55 PM

I think you are also rewarding the bad behaviour. By carrying the toys with you and offering them to the dog when he is feisty, your letting the dog tell YOU when it is time to play, and your even bringing along the toys. When e is bored of the little toys, he gets the big toy again -You! and you play more, holding his muzzle shut prompting rough play, and offering more toys to him.

You have to show him your the leader of the pack, now! while he is small, or you will be a chew toy till you give him away, sick of his behaviour issues as a large dog, and the next human companion that gets him will have to deal with him too, and likely they won't. The dogs quality of life depends on knowing his place in your life now, as a pup, as the dog, second to the master or leader of thepack - You!

The high pitched yelping and turning away from the pup works. And he will appologise to you and realize he's hurt you, if you tell him that thru actions indicative of a dog.

He is asorable though. Will be tons of fun with a good training book.