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[quote=Anonymous]We have a new puppy, 10 weeks old.  He's been home since he was 8 weeks old.

He is doing pretty well with house-training and also with walking on the leash.  I have been trying to take him for long-ish walks, like 30 min twice a day, in addition to other playtime outside, to use up some of his energy.  He is a little guy (5 lbs now, should be less than 15 when grown) so I think he's getting a good amount of exercise & the walk seems to tire him out.  He usually walks pretty well on the leash for me, following close behind or beside me most of the time, though he does stop to sniff/explore.  I do not let him pull me around or lead where we are going; if he tries to lead, I change direction and most of the time he follows me.  Someone is home most of the time, so he is not crated all day.  The most he is ever home alone for is a few hours at a time.

I've read Cesar Millan's book and am trying the whole "pack leader - calm, assertive energy" thing, but I don't know if I'm really conveying the right energy (or if that method actually works for anyone but Cesar!).  It does not seem to be working for me.  A lot of the time, the puppy is biting the heck out of everyone, including my toddler.  Like, grabbing a pant leg and growling and refusing to let go, or biting the kids' ankles and feet when they walk, or flat out going after my toddler when she is down on the floor, including dominance behaviors like mounting, even if she is ignoring him and just playing by herself.  For both of their safety, I'm always right there with the two of them and have never left them alone together. If I have to leave the room or I can't give the two of them 100% of my attention, I take my daughter with me, or the puppy goes back in his play area.  To my toddler's credit, she is very gentle, has not been rough with him at all, and usually gives him some space.  As I said, I supervise closely and do not let her provoke him.

I don't know if this is normal puppy play/nipping or if he's really trying to bite anyone (he doesn't bite down hard on flesh, but he does bite down and hold onto clothing and then tug at it and sometimes growl) - but either way, it has to stop asap.

I have tried the loud "Ouch!" and then leaving him, i.e., if he bites, then no more playtime with me.  I've also tried redirecting him by offering one of his chew toys when tries to chew on me.  Neither method is working ver well.  Other suggestions?

He is a sweet little guy and we love him, but the biting is a big problem and I don't want it to get out of hand!  My kids are starting to get annoyed and frustrated by him and that is the last thing I want!  I know it is not his fault and he's really just a baby, but he has to learn - preferably immediately - that his mouth does not belong on a person's body or clothing.  I have a ton of patience for him and do not mind spending lots and lots of time working with him so we end up with a happy, confident, obedient dog, but I don't know if I am doing the right things to get him there.  [/quote]

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