I just received a question on facebook and thought I’d post it here.
Q: Everytime I go outside, my 4 month old heeler pup bites my feet and ankles REALLY hard. She jumps up and tears my clothes. I’ve tried everything. She’s fine when I hold her. Her Mom was a terror. Any suggestions? She jumps up and tears all my shirts! My legs and arms are all bitten up. Her teeth are like needles. She jumps like a kangaroo…
A: Puppies jump and bite. I have a young malinois and I can tell you that every pair of socks that I have has holes in it, uggh boots are totally out. This is part of their natural drive. There are a couple of suggestions:
1. don’t yell at or hit the puppy, it will confuse him
2. don’t pull back or away – this will incite his natural drive
3. whenever you approach the puppy, have treats or a toy with you. when he starts his behavior-STOP, stand motionless, he will only pull back against that which is pulling. Distract him with the treat or toy and reward him.
4. during training, which may take a few months, do not approach him unless you have a “tool” to help curb the behavior.
5. don’t engage him in this behavior during play time, be consistent.
This is a natural behavior for dogs, and worse for some (like mine). It took me about 4 weeks to curb it, although its still there a little. The key is to remain motionless as much as possible. If she gets your hand, don’t pull back, distract her immediately and give her something to chew one. Also, she should have plenty of things to chew on to satisfy the chewing urge / teething she will have:
1. frozen dish towels
2. ice in water
3. raw bones
4. puppy kongs stuffed with frozen cottage cheese
5. yak milk bones
*** keep it natural – and remember, it won’t last forever, if you follow some simple steps, it will get better fast. Even though it doesn’t seem like it now. I just went through it and it was HELL.