New puppy!

Dixon88 · 10-06-2009, 11:03 AM

Hey everyone! This is my first post! My husband and I recently got a black lab/rottie mix. He is 8 weeks old and his name is Gator. We got him from a friend (not a breeder) whose dog had puppies and they could not keep them. We realized after we got him that he left his mommy a little early (6 weeks). He is adjusting well now and has gone to the vet and is healthy and has had his first round of shots. He is a biting machine! We know that part of the problem was that he left early and did not get all of the experience with his litter mates and mom, but we need advice! We have tried a stern "no" and that won't work. We have also tried yelling "ouch" and ignoring him untill he stops to end his play session. We have praised him like crazy when he plays with his toys, and given him frozen towels to naw on to numb the pain of teething, but nothing seems to work! All he wants to do is bark and growl and nibble on toes, fingers, pant legs, etc. He is an angel when he plays with my brothers boxer, but he just will not be calm at home unless he is napping in his kennel. Any suggestions??

Mikey · 10-06-2009, 11:42 AM

Awww Congratulations!!!

Puppies will grow out of it-there really isn't a huge need to correct them mouthing or chewing people because they won't keep doing it. You do want to keep them out of trouble (eating bad things in your house) and keep them busy-but sounds like your doing that already.

Sign up for puppy school (they learn and get play time with other puppies)!

and start making some puppy playdates for him. See if you can get in touch with anyone else who adopted a pup from your friend, or put an ad on kijiji or talk to neighbors and coworkers who have dogs. Socializing is very important and he's just trying to be a dog with you

**Criosphynx** · 10-06-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixon88

. We have also tried yelling "ouch" and ignoring him untill he stops to end his play session. We have praised him like crazy when he plays with his toys,

This will work. Probably needs more time. You've had him two weeks correct? Is the whole family being consistant?

Your doing good so far, just don't do the "no" thing anymore..it either will scare him or make him more excited.

Try after you say ouch, putting a toy in his mouth...every time...only play with him if hes willing to mouth the toy.

welcome to the forum...love the name you chose.

Dixon88 · 10-07-2009, 09:06 PM

Thanks for the advice! Hopefully he will stop the chewing soon....he will start his puppy classes in a few more weeks so I am sure that will help!