~Updated~ Need dog owners advice with puppy biting! + other tips are welcome
Hi everyone!
We got a puppy over 2 weeks ago and she is doing great!
She's a border collie blue heeler mix and is 11 weeks old tomorrow. I would include a pic but I am at work :lol:
Within the first week she grasped going outside for the bathroom and waiting by the back door to tell us she has to go. She has done well with her crate, what she can chew on and what she cannot, knows sit, we are working on stay and not jumping on people.
But whenever we pet her or approach her with our hands she has been mouthy. I understand this is normal and I redirect her to a toy when I can but now she is starting to bite a bit harder and I wanted to know your tips to deter this and encourage licking instead. We do play tug everyday on my terms- I start and end the game, taking time in between to practice "drop it" and "take it".
Is this a phase she will work through? I have never had a dog before and I spent a lot of time reading about training before getting her. But I'm not too sure when and if this is grown out of?
I have read some websites and watched some youtube videos. Tried saying ouch loudly, folding my arms in disapproval and turning around or ignoring her for a few seconds. That doesn't work lol, she nips at my pants or feet instead. She does get in moods where she is overly nippy as well, I chalk that up to her puppy hyper-ness though.
I saw an interesting video last night where the owner had a treat cupped in his hand and naturally the dog would sniff it, even try to nibble it. Once the dog backed away from the hand, he clicked and treated. Rewarding the behavior we want them to do, allow a hand near her without biting it. Will be trying that soon. Need to boil some chicken to make the treat extra special!
I do have a clicker and use it for training sessions. Although, last night when trying to practice not jumping, I learned to not try to train her after eating, as she wanted to bury all the treats around the backyard! lol
I know there are lots of dog lovers here and I'm looking for some tips, thanks! Not only with biting but on any training techniques that worked for you and common puppy problems :-)