IS this normal? (Biting, growling, etc)

[Sportyj]

Yes I know biting and growling are all normal dog behaviors but I am getting worried lately. When my 16 w/o gets excited she jumps up on me and bites. I turn away and fold my arms to ignore her and she starts biting my calves, feet, etc. She growls alot while she does it, if I walk away it makes it worse. I have tried shouting "ouch" in a high pitched voice and that entices her more. So I started to try a "settling technique" where you lay her on her side and hold her front paws of the floor and speak calmly to her saying "Caboose, settle, shhhh, setttle." And lots of praise when she does. Now she just freaks out even more in the settle and will do ANYTHING to bite my hands. I see two big ol chompers coming in, but still she seems so aggressive toward me. She has been HIGHLY socialized and we are in obedience school. She is a wonderful dog, but I feel sort of attacked.

Will she grow out of this?

[Taylorp]

Just out of interest is she good on the lead??

[Sportyj]

Like when I have her in the house on lead? She walks very well but she sometimes wants to bite her leash and walk with her leash in her mouth (which I highly discourage).

What do you think?

[Taylorp]

i think the leash is an extenstion to your arm and should be treated as such, not easy sometimes though!! does she pull on the lead!! if she does it sounds to me like the establishment of the Alpha has not taken place however at 16wks old she may be trying it on!!

[Sportyj]

No she walks WONDERFULLY on lead and she really obeys my commands. I know I need to be more firm about her biting on her leash. She will grab it in her mouth and walk perfectly along side me. Do you think I need individual training? We are in group now. I do not want to start bad habits, and what you mentioned about her trying to be alpha has crossed my mind.

[Taylorp]

i think if you try and disract her when she trys to bite the lead with a small treat infront of her the "disraction" may be enough, it is worth trying it works for lots of little problems individual training may work but if shes good under command a reminder of who the leader is can be done just as easily with treats and fuss.

[Sportyj]

Thanks for your help, it all makes a lot of sense!