Reply to 12-week-old puppy biting and growling

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Op here. The growling accompanies the biting. And it’s definitely all play. He thinks it’s fun, it’s not in a malicious, ferocious dog kind of way. I’m not sure the difference with biting and being mouthy. He uses his teeth but we’re not crying out in pain (most of the time). What’s that called?

The disciplining is also a game to him. I’ve firmly held his collar. He’ll stop, then start back up right after I let go. I cry out and leave the room. He’ll go back to the nipping as soon as I get back. I’ve acted like a stone and turned my back to him. This actually only works for that instance. After a few minutes he’ll try again and eventually I just have to get up.

Appreciate the advice. I’m getting a house line that I’m going to try next.[/quote]

Gnawing on your hands? Normal. Nipping? Not normal.

Growling playfully? Normal. Growling in fear? Not normal.

Unless you are well versed and confident in reading dog body language (and no offense, OP, but it doesn’t sound like you are), please get a trainer in the view the situation to evaluate what you and your kids are doing vs what the puppy is doing. It might all be totally normal and they can give you redirection and alternative behavior strategies and reassurance that this will pass. It might be that you are unknowingly provoking it with how you are interacting (especially the kids). It might be over the top and displaying concerning behaviors they can help manage or suggest supports or tell you the dog has no business being in a house with children. No one can evaluate this without getting eyes on the dog.

Puppies mouth things. All. The. Time. It is unrealistic to expect that a young puppy will not put teeth on hands and toes and shirts and shoelaces. You can expect such behavior until puppy is done teething around 6 or 7 months old. But unless a professional has looked at your dog, who knows if that’s what this is?

—trainer[/quote]

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