how do i get her to stop biting

[RottiMomCT]

I htink eventually the older dog is going to decide he's had enough of the little brat beating him up and biting him and will take matters into his own hands and correct the pup himself...

Don't allow the pup to beat up the older dog - even if the pup just wants to play.

Get thee into training classes ASAP - this will help you and the dog learn what is expected of a polite dog, and will give you and the pup an outlet for all that energy...

Remember, a good dog is a tired dog , but an excellent dog is a tired but TRAINED dog!!!

[toshida]

thanks for the suggestions, we have been looking into training for her agression problems as well as help with housebreaking her, she seems to have a problem with this as well.

[Maverick]

Judy, bravo! All very good advice and I love reading your advice and always see if it can be useful for me and my pup as well. So thanks for that!

Toshida... My 2 cents is this... I don't believe your puppy is being "aggressive" as you say.... I believe she is being a puppy. The biting is what puppies do and it needs to be corrected before she will stop doing it. With consistent correction and training the dog will eventually stop doing this, but you can't expect that will happen overnight....
The dog being vocal seems to me like it is doing just that, being vocal. Growling does not always indicate aggressiveness.... Does the dog lunge at you, or bite and not let go when growling or does it simply growl?? The dog could be simply playing (not that it is ok... it should still be corrected, I just want to help you understand), or it may be vocalizing that it is not pleased with something (like the extended petting, etc). Growling and barking are the only forms of communication the dog has, so don't assume it means aggression, as it has to use these forms of communication to portray everything it wants to say.

Take my advice for what it's worth... I am no expert and am just learning with my first pup as well.

[Puppy Love]

You could even try Bitter Apple Spray?? Just a thought!! My dogs didn't like the taste. I'm not an expert in any way but we used it with our pup and it helped the bitting. Also get the training that they suggested.

[toshida]

thanks for all the advice ....sometimes she actually biting down and not wanting to let go...other times I know its puppy play...she is my first pup...my older rott was two when I adopted her.....all I really had to do was re-housebreak her....since getting the pup though she has been sliding on holding it in until i get home for lunch to take them and go for there afternoon walk....she knows shes supposed to go outside...I think thats why she goes right in front of the door.
I will continue working with Myra (pup) we are looking into trainging for her, Kirharrah went rhough obdience training and did extremely well and it was fun.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by toshida

thanks for all the advice ....sometimes she actually biting down and not wanting to let go...other times I know its puppy play...she is my first pup...my older rott was two when I adopted her.....all I really had to do was re-housebreak her....since getting the pup though she has been sliding on holding it in until i get home for lunch to take them and go for there afternoon walk....she knows shes supposed to go outside...I think thats why she goes right in front of the door.
I will continue working with Myra (pup) we are looking into trainging for her, Kirharrah went rhough obdience training and did extremely well and it was fun.

This is very likely not aggression, but simply a puppy without parameters to work within. She doesn't have an instruction manual to read. You have to provide that for her.
I like to use my noggin' when dealing with normal silly puppy behavior (biting, biting, biting and shaking, biting, more biting). First of all, the only way a puppy has to explore this great big world is by tasting it. Secondly, the puppy doesn't know people rules. It only knows dog rules, and dogs growl, posture, nip and chase each other.
For me, patience, consistency and a sense of humor are mandatory when rearing a pup, as well as a well tuned sense of responsibility (puppies do no wrong until they've been given adequate conditioning, and housemanners work - until then, any infraction is MY fault, because I should have set the pup up for success)
Therefore, try using the calming technique that Judi suggested, when the pup gets 'out of control' with you...it works. In addition, never yell at a pup - it's counterproductive - your pup should trust you, not be afraid. A simple 'no' (in a calm, normal tone of voice), with a redirection onto a toy should work for the biting. The second the pup is attached to the approved chew toy, praise gently. Rinse and repeat.
Check with your local breed club, or at the vet's office to find out about PuppyK classes in your area. Socialization and confidence building are insanely important for your pup.

If you are indeed concerned that this pup does not have an adequately stable temperament, then speak with your breeder, and return the pup. No sense in living a life of frustration; that wouldn't be fair to either of you. That being said, raising pups RIGHT takes time, forethought, imagination, patience, consistancy and that good old sense of humor. (redundant aren't I?) The more positive an experience you can make things for your pup, the more fun the both of you will have, and the better your relationship will be. Some folks aren't cut out for puppy raising, and that's ok, too... just be fair to the puppy, she deserves it.

[Canadianrotti]

We also have a soon to be 10 y/o dog, and a now 1 1/2 y/o pup, so we went through the same play issues. The older dog just wants to hang out, and the pup wants to play.

The key to our success was lots of activity for the pup, buy her self!!! She got to go on daily walks, playing with ME outside, and trips to Home Depot and PetSmart and such.

Also, the best way I found to stop the biting, it to not let it happen. Keep the pup buisy with Kongs filled with yummy treats, ropes and squeeky toys. As soon as they go to bite, a firm NO or AHHH, and re-direct to a proper toy.

DO NOT LET YOUR PUP EVER BITE ANYTHING OTHER THAN DOG TOYS. PERIOD

This means no fingers, no socks, no feet, NOTHING. It may be "cute" as a 10 pound pup, but in 3 months, a 50# pup chomping down on your foot is not so nice. And allowing them to do it when they are small, only makes it harder and more confusing later. What ever rules you want for you dog later in life, follow them now. Set your dog up for success!!!

Can I make than any more clear!! Good luck and let us know how things are going.

[toshida]

my gosh she bites so hard as it is..I do plan on making another trip to the pet store to by her more toys, she has a few but I think she may be tired of them. I'm not going to give up on her...

[Canadianrotti]

Originally Posted by toshida

my gosh she bites so hard as it is..I do plan on making another trip to the pet store to by her more toys, she has a few but I think she may be tired of them. I'm not going to give up on her...

It is great to hear that you have the ambition to do right buy your pup, and keep working at it. I would suggest that you find a training group, and perhaps do a private lesson or 2, just so that a professional can show you the right way to handle your pup. I found that timing is a HUGE factor in all of this, and I was in need of a 3rd person pointing out where I was a little slow (and some times to quick) in reacting to my pup.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by toshida

my gosh she bites so hard as it is..I do plan on making another trip to the pet store to by her more toys, she has a few but I think she may be tired of them. I'm not going to give up on her...

Toys aren't as much fun if you aren't 'animating' them for her. A 'live' toy is much more fun than a dead one. You should be the most fun thing in her life... not a toy.

[toshida]

at lunch today i did get down to play with both of them and got whacked in the face by Kiharrah...boy did that hurt...but I kept on playing......they really enjoy when we get down on the floor with them

[Maverick]

Originally Posted by toshida

at lunch today i did get down to play with both of them and got whacked in the face by Kiharrah...boy did that hurt...but I kept on playing......they really enjoy when we get down on the floor with them

My pup gets so excited when I get down to his level that he runs in a circle or runs around me over and over again.... lol

[Deacons mom]

We battled this with our pup who is now 6 mo. He is finally making progress anddoesnt do it near as much. I call him sneaky snot as he liked to run across the yard and bite me in the butt with a smile on his face as he went by. I wa told that when pups are taken from mom a little to early they bite on you like their litter mates or mom. You do get sick of it but keep patient and still say no bite. I kept turning my back taking my arms away but he still did it. Now he puts his toys on me and wont leave me alone. He doesnt do this to my husband only me. Guess he thinks of me as mom now. I am tring to be more of a leader and he is in dog obidence class Which has taught him a lot. When he is too abnoxious i kennel him for a time out. That helps sometimes.Hang in there they are very stubborn dogs and need alot of work. Watch the dog whisperer show it is great on national geragraph channel. beth and deacon

[asha03]

I have a 10 week old pup... and was having the same problems. Before, I used to push her away with my hands and dodge her bites.. then I stopped to think about what I was doing...duh!... She thinks I'm playing by moving around so much. Now, when she gets mouthy and bites, I stand still as a statue and say a loud, authoratative NO! and continue to stand still. She might continue to test me but the stiller I stood the calmer she became. When I am sitting down and she bites, I get up VERY fast, shout a NO! and turn away from her. If she gets really crazy, I leave the room for a while.
Also, consider buying BITTER APPLE, its a spray deterant. Spay on your ankles or on furniture or even clothing. DO NOT SPRAY IN PUPPY'S mouth!

Keep this in mind... He/She just wants your attention, if you take that away.. doggie no have fun anymore!

Good luck!