New Dog Biting

[starone]

My daughter has bought a cockapoo (mixture of cocker spaniel and poodle). He is now four months old and a lovely little dog. He is intelligent because he knew almost immediately how to use the doggie door - so cute too. However, as you can guess, there is a problem - he bites. My daughter says he is playing but as soon as I go in he attacks me, first of all my feet and then he jumps up beside me and bites everything he can reach. His teeth are quite sharp although still his milk teeth. My question is of course, have any of you seasoned dog owners got any suggestions as to how I can deter him. It seems to me that he is trying to show me that I am the bottom of the heap. When I said NO firmly he barked and growled. Help!!

[BlackadderV]

The doggie thinks that you are trying to usurp your daughter's place as chief ***, with whom he has already bonded.

[BlackadderV]

For asterisks, read female dog.

[ummmm]

I've seen it advised to completely blank them. Don't speak, just walk away. When he's not doing it give him loads of fuss and a treat.

[starone]

Thanks blackadderV. I think my son-in-law is the leader of the pack, my daughter makes all sorts of excuses for him (the dog not my s-I-l) just as if he was a baby, which I suppose he is. She reckons he will grow out of it when he is about six months old. But if he doesn't he will then be biting with a full set of teeth, and I don't fancy that at all!! I just wish I could stop him doing it without causing offence to his owners.

[starone]

I'll try that ummmm. In fact I will get a packet of doggy treats next time I go to the shops.

[wolf63]

If he did this to a sibling or his mum they would go "ouch" (in doggy language) to let him know that it hurts.

Try a high pitched ouch.

[Baldric]

He's trying to establish the 'pecking order' he's not playing, he's trying to put you in your place. It is not acceptable behaviour, it requires a consistent plan of action agreed by all of you to put a stop to it. You've got to deal with it together.

[SirOracle]

You don't say if your daughter has any children starone.

Even if there are no children then she cannot allow the dog to continue in this manner,as it could become a very serious problem if a young baby were introduced into the household.

The pup requires training and discipline,which sometimes can be difficult.

[starone]

I'll try that wolf. I said it to myself and it does indeed sound a bit like a dog barking so maybe he will take notice. I only visit once a week by the way, but I am getting to dread the visit instead of enjoying it.

[starone]

I feel that you are right Baldric, because it seemed to me he was trying to dominate me. I have also noticed him doing the same thing with my son-in-law, but my s-I-l just keeps playing with him and I think he should be training him in some way. Can't say much though as I am the visitor.
There are no children SirOracle, but as you say, this should be taken into consideration for the future. (It would be grandchildren, and for me great-grandchildren, as I am very old).

[Baldric]

Sorry, don't agree with the high pitched ouch, it's only going to increase the level of excitement and could make things worse.

[shoota]

One of my cocker dog pups was a bit bitey so I used to put my hand on his shoulder and hold him down firmly but gently for a few seconds. Took a wee while but he stopped.

[wolf63]

Baldric - ouch worked for me/my dog.

Good Luck with the little hairy one Starone.

[Baldric]

Sounds like a bit more emphasis on training is needed, along with, not instead of play. Can't start early enough.
My Avatar today is over 8 stones, 31" at the shoulder and very powerful, he had a lot of play as a pup but his training started the day he came home, and it has paid off. We have 2 of them by the way.

[janbee]

A cockapoo? A Labradoodle, etc . I remember when they were called mongrels.

[Peaspeculiars]

Your daughter also needs to be firm and issue a voice command of 'No' when the dog nips you - she is the owner and needs to be responsible for teaching it that this behaviour is not allowed. And she needs to be consistent.
As already advised, you need to completely ignore the dog whilst your daughter/ Son in law say No and call the dog away. When the dog is under control again, have a treat and call him to you and make him sit. Give him the treat and give him a fuss and if he goes for you, the daughter/ Son must repeat the process immediately ('No', call away, whilst you ignore).
The puppy is looking for a response from you and so far it is getting a reaction. If you give absolutely no reaction to his bad behaviour, whilst the owners distract him and and let him know that he is not allowed to bite, he will eventually stop. Then, when you call him to you, to sit - he will eventually get to know that when you enter the room - the only way he will get a reaction and a treat, is if he sits nicely and doesn't bite.
Good luck, persevere, and be consistent with the training and it will work.

[starone]

Thanks everyone, this is very helpful. I feel all geared up to deal with him now.

[johnny37]

if you can deal with the issue of biting everything else will drop into place. all puppies play fight to prepare them for finding their place in the pack. at four month old his teeth cannot hurt that much. if he thinks you are boss and not frightened of him he will stop doing it. when you can grab him hold him firmly so that he cannot escape. talk firmly but lovingly, not in a punishing way. then examine his teeth by holding the top of the jaw with one hand and the bottom with the other, talking firmly. you can do this without hurting him. dont stop until you are ready. dont let him dictate to you. you must do it at least daily at first. works every time for me. be confident and talk confidently. similar with feeding. put the food down and hold him by the collar. dont let him go until he stops pulling. praise him and dont let go until you are ready by saying OK. a four month old puppy is just that. once he realises you are in control it is less stress for him and he will be happier.

[johnny37]

forgot to mention toys. when the issue of biting and eating are dealt with you can further reinforce youjr authority whenplaying with him. he will grab his toys and not let you have them. grab him by the mouth and take the toy forom him, saying show me or give. you may have to wrestle it from him at first but dont let him win. only give it back when you have examined it. praise hem when he complies.

[Baldric]

// then examine his teeth by holding the top of the jaw with one hand and the bottom with the other, talking firmly. you can do this without hurting him. dont stop until you are ready.//

Why? are you a Doggie Dentist?
Sounds like bullying to me!