PUPPY TEETHING AND OTHER PROBLEMS

by MELISSA
(CALIFORNIA)

I HAVE A LITTLE LABRADOR MIXED WITH A COLLIE. HE IS LIKE TWO MONTHS AND 3 WEEKS OLD.

HE HAS MANY THINGS ON HIM ONCE YOU EXAMINE HIM. ONE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE WITH MY DOG IS THAT HE BITES EVERYTHING IN THE HOUSE, WHEN WE TAKE HIM OUT HE TAKES STUFF FROM THE FLOOR AND PUTS IT IN HIS MOUTH AND BRINGS IT HOME. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH HIM ON THAT PROBLEM.

ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT HE IS TEETHING BUT WE GIVE HIM HIS OWN TOYS WHICH HE CAN BITE BUT THEN HE ENDS UP BITING US. WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO MAKE SURE HE DOESN'T BITE US.




Magic is adorable! What you describe are very common puppy problems, and as your puppy is a mix of two very 'mouthy' breeds, it's not surprising that he's a bit nippy.

It's usually an attention-seeking behavior, and the best way to put an end to biting and nipping is to ignore the behavior. For example, as soon as your pup starts to bite at you, tell him "No bite!" firmly, then stop interacting with him. Cross your arms, avoid eye contact and just ignore him for a couple of minutes. Once he stops biting, resume petting, playing, whatever you were doing.

Puppies are creatures of habit and learn through association, so you need to be very consistent and correct him every, single time. It may take a week or more, but he will get the message and the biting will lessen.

There's lots of tips and advice on dealing with biting on my I'd suggest that you check it out for some extra ideas.

As for him picking up things from the ground, you need to make sure that he 'gives' you anything he picks up without complaint. Who knows, whatever it is he got hold of could be dangerous to him one of these times.

Take some treats with you on your walks. When he picks up something he shouldn't, tell him "NO" and ask him to "Drop It". As you say this, take the object out of his mouth - don't tug, he'll think it's a game. If he won't let go, open his jaws with one hand and take it out with the other. Once he's 'dropped it', tell him "Good, drop-it" and give him a treat.

He'll be a very smart puppy, and will learn quickly. Both the breeds in his parentage are extremely trainable so you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Best of luck with him.