My new english bulldog puppy is 8 weeks old. How cute! But...she wants to bite our hands/feet always. It doesnt seem to be just chewing - it hurts! Sometimes she gets a little growl to go with it. We have lots of toys and try to keep them in front of her while playing. We say NO! Am I doing something wrong? Recommendations? Will she grow out of this? Should I be concerned? HELP!!
personally..
i think that makes perfect sense:)
Stephi and Rosie
I may get jumped fo this advice but here it goes...
Some behaviorists believe a dog should never put its mouth on human skin. The theory is if they are never permitted teeth on skin they will never bite.
I don't agree.
If you take away your dogs means of communication (their mouth) you are shutting them down. It's like asking someone to hug without touching.
What you need to teach is bite inhibition not bite extinction.
Teach your puppy when it hurts. When pup bites down hard you yelp loud and stop the playing. Some pups may need a more less subtle approach by pinning them and saying NO in a growly voice and letting them back the second they submit.
My female is 5 years old and she plays non stop but she is mouthy. Extremely gentle and doesn't even dent the skin but my hand is in her mouth.
Teach the dog to play but if you feel any pressure stop it. Your dog will learn.
Training needed (but the behavior is normal)
This is natural behavior for a puppy this age. It is not too early to begin training it, however. When if starts to bite your hands (or feet), hold it's mouth closed, gently, and say "NO BITE" in a firm voice. Dont yell, and don't ever(!) hit a bulldog; it doesn't work and may just make the dog more stubborn or even shy and afraid.
When the dog bites again, repeat. You can distract with a toy and be sure to praise, praise, praise when it does the thing you want it to do. Kiss it, pet it and make happy noises.
I know the teeth are like little needles, but puppies learn quickly. You want to teach yours that teeth on human skin is a big no-no.
Most puppies...
Are biters...Mattie can bring blood!! What I do is try to sidetrack her with something other than hands, feet..etc....They will eventually grow out of that stage but it does take time! Enjoy!
Wild West Bulldogs
Both my girls were biters as pups............
they both grew out of it.