Dog Community

What Is My Puppy Doing?

Posted : 4/29/2006 6:40:11 PM

Hi everyone,

I have an eleven week old Boston Terrier puppy. He often tries to get behind my husband and I, so we can't see him (when we're either sitting or standing) and it almost seems like he's trying to intimidate us. He gets behind us and lunges, or grabs our pant legs. For now we've been keeping our backs against the wall when we play with him, but we were both trying to figure out this behavior. I couldn't find anything about it anywhere!

Anyone have any ideas? He's a pretty self-willed little fella.

glenmar

Posted : 4/29/2006 6:42:38 PM

Sounds like normal puppy behavior to me. He's trying to "sneak up" on you and grab your pant legs or skin, cuz he is trying to engage you in play. Puppy nipping is not fun and of course you don't want to play THAT way, but that's how he played with his siblings. But, nope, he's not trying to intimidate you.

Ivyscobie

Posted : 4/29/2006 6:45:19 PM

Thank you, Glenda! That makes me feel much better. He's been a little aggressive so I was curious. I'm glad to hear it's normal.

Thanks again!

glenmar

Posted : 4/29/2006 7:27:13 PM

Nope, he's not being agressive either....he's playing like he would with a littermate. there are any number of methods to get him to stop the nipping. What I do personally is correct (say no bite) redirect (give him something ELSE to chew on) and then praise for chewing on the correct item. You just have to be very consistent (when I am fostering a litter I wear lots of pockets and a fanny pack chock full of chewable stuff) and if HE'S very persistent, just leave the room and put a door between you.

One of the biggest reasons that puppies are sooooo cute is so that we don't send them back!![

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Suzi

Posted : 4/29/2006 7:34:26 PM

My baby gal is almost one and she still does that occasionally. They just like to play.

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 4/29/2006 8:31:24 PM

Welcome to the board & puppyhood. [

] Your pup is adorable, but what puppy isn't?

Ivyscobie

Posted : 4/30/2006 8:49:43 AM

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

He's a Boston Terrier. His name is Bowzer. I'm still trying to figure out this puppy thing (he's my first dog since childhood) so I appreciate the feedback!

I realize now that he's not aggressive... just strong willed. I've been correcting him by giving him other things to chew on and if he gets too out of hand, I put him back into his crate until he lies down. Then I let him back out again.

If he still gets nuts, I put him back and leave.

It seems to be working... he's not mouthing on my husband and I like he was when we first got him (last week.) We signed him up for a puppy socialization class which starts on May 9th.

Thanks for the help everyone!

huskymom

Posted : 4/30/2006 9:09:53 AM

Sounds like you are doing great with your new addition! Good luck with the puppy classes! Now about your fee... we need pics!

boneyjean

Posted : 4/30/2006 1:43:11 PM

I have a Boston Terrier and he did the same type of stuff. I think it is puppy play probably too. Harley is as stubborn as an ox and still loves to play and chew all the time. He is such a good boy though and he hasn't met a person yet that didn't want to take him home with them. He also LOVES tug-o-war. He will not let go for anything....and loves to play fetch fetch!

Please, please, please post pics! That is the price of admission you know! [

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gradyupmybutt

Posted : 4/30/2006 2:15:09 PM

Bowzer