Sadie suckered me with her pretty face. Behind that beautiful face is an evil brain. I’m trying to teach Sadie not to bite. She does the whole puppy biting thing. It’s normal, and takes patience.
P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E.
I should have thought of that before getting her. I don’t have patience. Anyway, what I’ve been doing when she bites or mouths is to tell her “no bite.” Then if she keeps up (she does because she’s takes that as a “I dare you to keep biting me”) is I get up and turn my back on her.
She hates that. Often she barks or whines or wraps around me feet. This worked for a day.
Then she figured out she’s being played. So I did it this morning, and her response was to go to the other side of the couch AND TURN HER BACK ON ME.
This is not funny. The dog is smarter than me. Not. Funny.
It’s not!
I’m getting worn out.
I started reading a new book STYX’S STORM by Lora Leigh…who knows if I’ll ever finish it.
Or write again.
So what the heck was I thinking? (Wizard–you BETTER NOT BE LAUGHING!)
November 11th, 2010 at 8:48 am · Link
Sounds like a smart puppy. (or maybe smart-aleck puppy.
) I wish I could help with the nipping phase. One thing I heard was when she nips you, yelp like another puppy. That’s how her litter mates told her she was being too rough. :shrug: With my own pup, I did the yelping thing and as he got older, I growled at him when he was bad. Eventually, he learned how the pack worked and who the Alpha dog was. He ended up being a really great dog.
Hang in there, Jen. It’ll work out.
November 11th, 2010 at 9:58 am · Link
It’ll get better. This is like growing pains.
November 11th, 2010 at 10:35 am · Link
I’m not laughing. No. Really. Not laughing at all. *wipes coffee off monitor*
Okay, B.E. had very good suggestions. When she nips, push her away and growl. You want to be the momma dog (Alpha female). Give her that Mother Stare(tm) when you growl. If she comes back immediately for more, do it again but get a little more aggressive. Lean toward her, make a snarly face, and growl again. Then get up and walk away. Dogs are pack animals and you really do need to establish the pecking order.
Also, get her something soft and chewy, like an old sock with a knot in the end, and make time to play tug with her when she gets really bitey. She’s young enough to still have her milk teeth. They are very sharp (like little razors!) but she has to shed them so her regular teeth can come in. Yes, this is just like teething for a toddler. Chewing helps relieve the pain and the game of tug with something she can literally sink her teeth into helps loosen them and pull them free.
Hang in there! You and Wiz will make it through puppyhood. And then you will have a loving and faithful friend.
November 11th, 2010 at 10:57 am · Link
B.E., the growling is not a bad idea. Thanks! I know this will take time, and she is getting better. Actually, it’s amazing how fast she’s learning. She was with a bunch of other dogs and I know she thinks the biting is affection. But she is learning, sometimes she’ll lick and I let her do that to show her she’s not hurting me then. All tips truly helpful!
Everyone thinks their dog is smart and I’m no different!
November 11th, 2010 at 10:57 am · Link
Dru, I know you’re 100% right!
November 11th, 2010 at 11:00 am · Link
Silver, I knew you’d laugh too!
She does have her milk teeth. Little vampire teeth! I’m not worried about her hurting me as much as teaching her now before she doesn’t hurt someone. I’ve been pushing her away, and she thinks we’re playing. But I’ll keep at it!
She has a variety of toys and we give them to her after telling her “no bite”. She’s only allowed to chew on her toys or play tug of war. When she picks anything else up, we take that away and give her a toy.
November 11th, 2010 at 7:32 pm · Link
Let us know how it works out. I’m really pulling for this to be a happy adoption for all of you. =o)
November 11th, 2010 at 9:21 pm · Link
I am laughing with you, I promise…. **snickers**….. I swear I am laughing with you….. Heheheheheh!!!!!!!
November 11th, 2010 at 10:05 pm · Link
B.E., I’m sure Sadie will be fine! She’s a baby, and too cute for words
November 11th, 2010 at 10:06 pm · Link
Cecile, it’s great to have friends laugh with me on this!