Aggressive biting, nipping at 4.5 months!!

Mad Sam · New Pup

Aggressive biting, nipping at 4.5 months!!

BluStorm · Grand Champion

Actually this might sound weird but when my dogs or cats start this I bite them back usually only takes once.. Both my cats use to attack my hands and bite me I bit them on the tail and no more biting from them.. Same with Sierra my 2 year old boxer.. she got into the biting thing she bit me one day on the hand when she was a puppy I had tried the No NO NO thing and it hurt I immediately bit her on the ear fairly hard but no breaking the skin.. she let out a yelp.. and told her see it hurts no more biting.... and since then I haven't had a problem.

BoxersnMinis · Congratulations!

It almost sounds as if he thinks he's playing with you.
Since puppies like to chew when they are teething, which he is doing right now, I have always redirected their chewing to an appropriate chew toy. Once they are chewing on the toy, praise them. Mine have always gotten the idea rather quickly.

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

I agree. It does not sound like he is attacking you. He is playing. However, you must let him know that biting is not acceptable. If he nips you, do not pull your hand back as he will see this as game. Instead, yell OUCH! loudly but keeping your hand still. It will frighten him. When he pauses in his confusion, make a sad voice and slowly withdraw your hand. Make an exaggerated motion of coddling your "injured" hand.

The quietly call him back to you and try to make it a quiet moment. Then offer him a toy and resume playtime.

All he wants to do is play. It is up to you to direct it in the right direction :)

SemisweetVixen · All Grown Up

I agree with the above suggestions - they're all very good. I do have another, though... it's always worked for me. After saying, ouch or no, simply walk away & ignore him for a bit. Your pup will realize that if he bites you (even though it's considered normal play for him), his play time with you will abruptly end. I've seen bitches do this with their pups - the moment they get too rough, she'll just walk away.

The offering of toys is also very good (as Christina suggested). Since puppies need to chew, it's natural, you have to show him what's good to chew on (obviously, your hand is not). *hehe*

Good luck!!

-- Edited by SemisweetVixen at 03:20, 2007-03-07

Jonney · All Grown Up

All great information from previous posters!

Biting; Puppy
Biting; Teach Not To