PLease help with my puppy!

DH & I puppy is 5 months old. DH is def the 'master'. He is trained to go outside & we don;t cage him.

Lately, I feel our dog just doesn't listen to me. When DH leaves the house, the puppy will just bark & bark at me. He tries to 'play bite' me - it is attention-seeking but it goes on forever. He barks, barks, jumps around, and bites me. I yell, try to be stern but he just doesn't listen

As soon as DH comes home, he listens to him. I try to be assertive & consistent. I also try to ignore but sometimes his 'play bites' hurt. Any advice woukd be greatly appreciated. I am just getting so frustrated and I feel like I can't just relax in my own house when DH isn't home. Thanks!

Re: PLease help with my puppy!

I was treating my puppy like a baby, and being so soft with him, saying "no biting" in a loving voice, I thought I was stern. Until I took him to the vet. They showed me what I was supposed to be doing!!

This worked for me:

When he play bites, firmly grab his mouth shut (make a muzzle with your fingers) and sternly, shortly, say "NO BITING"...don't yell, that's not good and it'll scare him, but be VERY stern. The vet said it has to come from "inside your belly" as a deep voice.

It worked immediately...my puppy no longer bites.

The same goes with whatever behavior you don't want. Like the jumping around.

Say "PUPPY, STOP"...or "NO JUMPING" and don't give him eye contact. Look straight ahead.

I was also told to ignore the puppy when he's acting out. Don't pay attention or you'll encourage the behavior.

I don't have the channel, but girls here swear by The Dog Whisperer.

Good luck!!

Re: PLease help with my puppy!

What kind of dog is it?
Also, are there enough teething toys around? Your pup also might be in the middle of teething.

Message edited 11/28/2006 8:34:51 AM.

Re: PLease help with my puppy!

My Puppy did outgrow the play biting once she stopped teething. She still sometimes play bites when we are being rough, but nothing like it was at ALL...theres hope...LOL

I understand what you mean though. My Dog listens sooo much better to DH. When she barks at me , I tell her NO, and all the right thins...she just keeps on doing it...

Re: PLease help with my puppy!

I go threw this with my dog who is a little over a year. Its hard. We are actually looking into training for him


I also wanted note that I have *heard* it is not good to grab the muzzle and could actually make the problem worse.

Re: PLease help with my puppy!

That is a very tough age. Have you considered formal training or obedience classes? Good luck

Re: PLease help with my puppy!

Thanks for all of the advice. He does have teething toys - what age does teething end? DH loves the Dog Whisperer