How can we stop puppy bites with a 7 month old pitt?

by
Filed under: bites 

My pup is 7 months old and we got her at 6 months. She is a pittbull but shows no violence towards our children or cats. The biting is mainly playful puppy bites that are starting to hurt. We have tried several things and just can't get her to quit. I want her to stop before someone really gets hurt. Any suggestions?

Play Biting is Attention Seeking Behavior. This is far too common in pit bulls, and the reason so many adolescent pits find themselves in the shelter.
To modify this undesirable behavior, first you need patience and understanding that your pup is entering the dog world's version of "terrible two's".
Practice NILF (if unsure what NILF is, research via web) training with her immediately. Make her work for everything, including your attention. She should be calm and sitting before you even pet her. When she is mouthing, do NOT even recognize that she is next to you, turn around, cross your arms and walk away. Addressing this behavior in some dogs, by grabbing a snout or telling them 'no', often times becomes a game to them. Bad attention is still attention. However when you simply walk away, the dog is left wondering why the attention ended.
I do this with the rescued adolescent Pit Bull I am fostering. She hasn't even been here 2 weeks and we have seen a HUGE difference in her jumping and mouthing.
Ignore the bad behavior by walking away, and reward the good with lots of treats and praise, it won't be long before your dog understands what is acceptable.

No related posts.

Tags:

Comments

9 Comments on How can we stop puppy bites with a 7 month old pitt?

  1. sns.harris on Mon, 10th Nov 2008 10:58 pm

    2. Sounds like your pup is teething! The best thing would be to get her some 'dental' chew bones that are especially for teething.

    As for the comment "She is a pittbull but shows no violence towards our children or cats… I want her to stop before someone really gets hurt." The best thing I can say is that American Staffordshire Terrier's (aka PittBull) have a bad rap. They are just as gentle as any other breed that is provided loving care and attention. The number one suggestion I can provide you with, NEVER spank, hit or swing at her. This is considered a threat to them and eventually they may act on those threats. Try using positive reinforcement such as using treats when she uses the restroom outside, or does what you ask her to. Also, keep in mind the old water bottle trick. 1 part water to 1 part ammonia. Just a little spritz in the face. If started early enough, this will break them of their bad habits.
    References :
    Animal Control Officer-ACO / CET
    Am.Staff Activist

  2. Rachel on Mon, 10th Nov 2008 11:45 pm

    3. Play Biting is Attention Seeking Behavior. This is far too common in pit bulls, and the reason so many adolescent pits find themselves in the shelter.
    To modify this undesirable behavior, first you need patience and understanding that your pup is entering the dog world's version of "terrible two's".
    Practice NILF (if unsure what NILF is, research via web) training with her immediately. Make her work for everything, including your attention. She should be calm and sitting before you even pet her. When she is mouthing, do NOT even recognize that she is next to you, turn around, cross your arms and walk away. Addressing this behavior in some dogs, by grabbing a snout or telling them 'no', often times becomes a game to them. Bad attention is still attention. However when you simply walk away, the dog is left wondering why the attention ended.
    I do this with the rescued adolescent Pit Bull I am fostering. She hasn't even been here 2 weeks and we have seen a HUGE difference in her jumping and mouthing.
    Ignore the bad behavior by walking away, and reward the good with lots of treats and praise, it won't be long before your dog understands what is acceptable.
    References :
    works with – http://www.hellobully.com

  3. zipperfootpress on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 12:18 am

    4. When she is nipping of you move your fingers to the back of her mouth where her lips meet (at the corner) and give just a wee bit of pressure, the other option is when she nips is to say "NO" and say it like you mean, not "no no sweet puppy don't bite" be firm and be assertive. The other option is when she is play biting, simply walk away from her. She will be surprised that you are walking away and not playing anymore.
    Any of these may work or none of them could, its a matter of trial and error.

    musch: she is NOT to young to be trained, she is 7 months old for heavens sake.
    References :

  4. Make-upDiva on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 1:06 am

    5. Every time she bites you, squeal. Puppies learn how hard is too hard from their litter mates and when they are taken away they stop being reminded. When a puppy is young it takes some time. But, when ever she bites you or a family member, even tell your guests, if it hurts, squeal. Similar to the noise your dog would make if you hurt her. Make sure she has lots of chew toys, and adequate attention and playtime and things should improve.
    References :

  5. musch on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 1:32 am

    6. Give her toys of leather like those bones you can buy in pet shops. Then, as she gets older, just train her or have her trained not to bite, make her sit and say NO and gently hold her mouth closed. BUT: This will still take some time, she is too young to be trained, but you can start anyway, just don't expect too much. But give her things to chew which she can not swallow.
    References :

  6. tony l on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 2:14 am

    7. At this age, any pup shouldn't "play bite" a human. IMHO this is quite serious issue especially with a pit. Don't seek answers here and get serious please.
    References :

  7. naughtyheathertx on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 2:22 am

    8. Put her paw in her mouth and close it? OMG you idiot.

    We raise and train dogs for herding. The best collars in the world are called Dogtra. http://www.dogtra.com

    I would suggest this, on the lowest frequency and work with her daily several times a day. Please reserach these collars and learn how to use them first. Not for a novice.

    Most pups at this age are just that PUPS. All will bite and play due to there new teeth coming in.

    If you do not have time or plan on working with her to stop this behavior, take her to a proffesional for training. Not the petsmart, petco people either. She needs one on one training not in a large group in a retail store.
    References :

  8. Misa M on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 3:08 am

    9. It's never appropriate to smack, strike, hit, or 'thump' a puppy – never do this. Whenever you or any member of the family feels teeth on skin, the game is over. Immediately. Get up and leave – do not scold, do not interact with the dog at all. Dogs learn by repetition – it will take more than once for your dog to get it.
    Here are links to help:
    http://clickersolutions.com/articles/2002c/mouthing.htm
    and
    http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/spt/
    This is a free, moderated, positive training list – lots of help available here!
    References :

  9. EA L on Tue, 11th Nov 2008 3:29 am

    10. sns.harris is the most correct…gave him a thumbs up :-)
    please start calling your pup an "amstaff" or a "staffie".
    I hate the term pitbull because it carries such a stigma.
    References :
    proud owner of two staffies

Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!