puppy biting

[nicolemcgray]

Hi my name is Nicole and I am new to these forums. I have a 3 1/2 month old puppy. His name is mario and he is a bichon frise and poodle mix. I'm just curious if someone has any tips to stop biting. He is not intentionally trying to hurt me he is just playing but he needs to learn that he can't bite.

 

[bubbatd]

Hi ... I hope you can get help here !!! I think small dogs are more bitty that big dogs , so I can't help .

 

[PoodleMommy]

Hi Nicole!

Welcome to the boards... its always great to see small dog people and please stick around and ignore any comments about your "small dog".

I have two poodles and a yorkie... they are just regular dogs in a smaller package.

First, make sure your dog has plenty of different/interesting toys to play with... squeaky ones, soft ones, round ones, square ones, etc.

Next, everytime he begins to bite you put a toy in his mouth instead... he will get the idea that he should bite his toys and not you.

You could also get up and stop interacting with him each time he bites... but he probably just wants to play so the first advice is better.

As he calms down with age... he will stop mouthing as much as well.

Good Luck and I cant wait to see Pics.

Elissa

 

[nicolemcgray]

thanks for the help. I do have a lot of toys for him and he doesn't seem to be to picky about them although of course he seems to like the squeeky ones. I have taken quite a few pictures I just havn't had them developed yet once I do I'll be sure to post some. I definelty cherish his short little naps and for some reason he likes to sleep on my feet. Anyway I look forward to meeting everyone and learning more about taking care of my pup.

 

[bubbatd]

Please don't take me wrong .!!!! I've never dealt with small dogs , so meant I couldn't help you !!

 

[nicolemcgray]

don't worry I knew what you meant its fine

 

[lizzybeth727]

The only reason small dogs are possibly "more bitey" than big dogs, is that owners of small dogs usually don't really address the biting, because they're not causing any harm anyway. Whereas the owner of a big dog knows that the dog could really cause damage if they wanted, so they work to stop the biting. And then, of course, there are the retrievers who have soft mouths anyway, and if they do bite, it's usually not hard at all.

Just be sure to be very consistent about the biting - with my chihuahua, any time I feel teeth on my skin I get up and leave. Even if she just accidently brushes me, that's too bad, I'm gone. Now she usually catches herself even before I can get up, if she feels that she touched me she'll go ahead and go to bed until I come back!