Re: BITING PUP

In Reply to: BITING PUP
Posted by:  Rita
Posted on:  April 29, 2001 at 21:46:33

: My new 8 week old puppy (Babee') I have had about a week is biting me & everyone else she comes in contact with all the time. She also never seems to be very happy. What can I do to cheer this little puppy up? Also, how can I stop her from biting everyone? Please help!

: Thanks,

: Rita, Maryland

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Hi, Rita,

It sounds like a breeder sold you your pup too young. In most states, it's illegal to sell puppies before the age of 8 weeks because they're not really ready to go before that. Some pups need even MORE time with their moms and littermates.

Bite inhibition and early socialization is taught first by a puppy's mom. There is an invaluable period of time between 6 and 10 weeks when mom starts teaching things like what how far a puppy can go before enough is enough. Looks like this is your job now. There's a good book about raising puppies called _The Art of Raising a Puppy_ by the Monks of New Skete Training Books. I couldn't possibly cover everything you need to know here on the board, but I strongly recommend you pick that book up. _Dogs Behaving Badly_ by Dr. Nicholas Dodman is another useful book that covers problem behavior and how to handle it, but I really like how the Monks of New Skete sort of walk you through what your puppy is thinking, why, and what he needs to be a well balanced individual.

I hope you come back and let us know how your pup progresses!