STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

sfclinevandy · Coach

Need puppy help

member · Hermes

11 weeks is still a baby and she's going to try to do this until she gets all of her adult teeth. I think Simon did this for up to the first 6 mos. You just have to tell them no firmly. She will grow out of it, promise!

Elle · Hermes

We had luck responding as another dog would if it was bit a little too firmly - YIPE! It startles them, and is a reaction they understand easily. You can also try turning away from her for a few seconds after yiping. She's not biting to be bad - that's how puppies play - she just needs to learn what it's not okay to do with people. I know it's hard not to think they're doing it to spite you!

Tati · Chanel

you sternly tell her NO and right after you give her her chewing toy and praise her on chewing on that. That worked for me and also squeezing her mouth. That taught my dogs real quick cuz that really bugs the crap out of them. you don't have to squeeze so hard to get the point across, she'll hate it!

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

She sounds cute - you'll have to post a picture if you get a chance. I love puppies! I had luck with offering my dog lots of chew toys.

My puppy loves this toy - it's probably her favorite to chew on! She's nine months old, and she still likes chewing on it. I bought it at Target, but I've seen them at Petsmart. Nylabones also work well.

Kelly · Hermes

We did was Tati did - squeezed her mouth and said "NO" in a loud, low, angry voice.

But my dog didn't grow out of it for a year or more, even doing that 10x a day and with a lot of obedience training (group and private classes). She's a big pile of snuggles now, but she wasn't allowed to be alone with my little brother for a long time.

relrel · Marc Jacobs

When she bites, is she snapping or chewing? Snapping indicates a temperament or dominance issue while the chewing is just a puppy thing.

If I remember correctly, bassets are horrible chewers. I'd recommend what Tati does, redirect the chewing onto a toy. Just always make sure you have lots of interesting toys around that are appropriate for chewers (some toys will fall apart too easily and will require supervision). Try to make sure you time the disapproval/praise so that the dog clearly knows what is wrong and what is right.

I really like the Nylabones and Kongs for chewing. Frozen peanut butter in a Kong is a great way to keep a dog entertained.

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

My family raises Guide Dogs for the Blind and my sister is a professional dog trainer - Tati's advice was pretty spot on. I would recommend the following:

1. Re-direct - if your puppy starts to chew on you, re-direct her to chew on a toy. DON'T reprimand her. If you grab her muzzle, you will turn this into a dominance issue, and she will come back biting harder.

2. If she won't stop, stand up and ignore her. She's probably biting you when you're sitting on the floor with her, so minimize the amount of time you sit on the floor with her for now.

3. If she's nipping at your legs, walk into her until you have her blocked against a wall/couch/etc to make her uncomfortable. But do NOT say anything. Just walk into her, and as soon as you've blocked her into something, walk away.

Good luck!