white bulldog puppy

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Welcome to the Minnesota state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, warm-hearted cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities, Minnesota is an excellent place to find and raise your new English Bulldog companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable MN breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the thriving dog-friendly scene in Minnesota, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Minnesota State Fair Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Holding the 20th spot in dog ownership across the United States, Minnesota is home to a canine population of approximately 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Minnesota. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Benebone Puppy Chew Toy Check it out! Our Buying Guide Hey there, so you are looking for the best chew toy for your German Shepherd, and you want to make sure you pick the right one? You are in the right section. Here, we talk about different chew toys for GSDs and include some things you need to consider before clicking the buy button. Material Type Rubber: This is one of the safest and non-toxic materials used to produce chew toys for dogs. While rubber might seem indestructible, some dogs have been able to chew through them. A high-quality rubber chew toy would last longer than cheaply made ones. Rope: Rope or Jute is another material type you should expect to see. This kind might not last up to a month if you have an aggressive chewer at home. However, they are perfect for playing tug of war with your dog. Nylon chew toys usually have flavors that dogs like; most GSDs would find nylon chew toys irresistible. You should consider buying a very durable product that your dog would have a hard time destroying. It is built specifically for large breeds and aggressive chewers. Not all rubbers are safe! Being a die-hard dog lover, I have seen some breeds ignore some products due to their weight. A money-back guarantee policy ensures that you get a better replacement or a refund in case of a mishap. Dogs love to munch on almost everything, but not all might be safe. If you have a German Shepherd obsessed with chewing, you should get a chew toy for them. At what age do German shepherds stop chewing? Research has shown that German Shepherds stop chewing at months; however, some GSDs might retain the chewing habit after the time. How do you stop destructive chewing? Destructive chewing can be a big problem. One way to stop it is to give your dog plenty of exercises that will fend off boredom. How to Make the Right Selection The first step to making the proper selection is to check out the buying guide section above; we covered most of the primary things to help you make the appropriate choice. Feel free to read through again before deciding on which product would be best for your German Shepherd. You may also enjoy reading:. First and foremost, you want to give your dog or puppy something safe. Otherwise, it can be unhealthy for them or even worse, dangerous. If you follow the tips listed below, it should help you find something perfect for them in the end. As tempting as it may be, never give your dog bones that are cooked. When considering store-bought bones for your dog, you should check with your vet first to make sure they are the right ones after all. If you choose rawhide bones, make sure there are no additives, preservatives, gelatin, or artificial sweeteners. Make sure the bones are all-natural. Feel free to give your dogs raw bones made of chicken, lamb, turkey, or beef. You should always give your dog a bone only after a meal, and your dog should never be given pork or rib bones. Finally, always give your dog a bone that is longer than its muzzle to make extra-sure your dog is safe. These bones are perfect for German shepherds because they are durable, safe, and last a long time. They also come in a variety of flavors that will keep your dog coming back for more. Related Questions 1. Can German Shepherds Chew on Bones? Yes, and the best bones for German shepherd dogs and puppies are either natural or synthetic bone chews. Can Dogs Digest Cooked Bones? Not really. Only give dogs raw bones and not cooked because they are both easier to swallow and easier to digest. Ideally, dogs should not get more than one to two bones per week, and you should always allow a few days in between each feeding just to be extra-safe. If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to consult with your vet before providing bones to your dog. Why Trust Us? At TrainYourGsd. Related posts:. German Shepherds love to chew on bones but there are some dangers associated with this popular canine pastime. Giving your dog the right bone will lead to many happy hours of chewing. Make sure you know the differences so you can avoid any possible mishaps. The Best Bones For German Shepherd are large uncooked beef or lamb shank bones that are bigger than their mouth so that they are unable to swallow it whole. Because of their softness, they have a tendency to splinter while your dog is chewing on them. This can cause serious injuries to the digestive tract, mouth and throat. This article will answer some common questions people have about bones, some misconceptions and of course a list of our favorite bones for your German Shepherd. We will also tell you what to do if the worst case scenario happens and your precious pup swallows a bone. Is it safe to give your German Shepherd bones? Giving your German Shepherd a bone can be safe if you take the proper precautions. However anytime you give a dog a bone there is a risk involved. Here are the risks of giving your German Shepherd a bone: Blockage Fragments of bone can become stuck in the small intestines resulting in a blockage. Surgery may be required to remove them. They can also pierce the wall of the intestine causing Peritonitis. Parts of the bone can also make there way all the way down the GI tract to the large colon. They can collect there, causing constipation and severe discomfort. The resulting trauma can cause bleeding in the rectal area. The vet may have to use an enema or manipulate the bowel to remove the fragments. Bone stuck in the stomach If a piece of bone is too large, it may be unable to make its way out of the stomach. This can result in abdominal surgery or an endoscopy to remove the bone fragment. This can cause an infection referred to as Peritonitis which can be fatal. Cracked Teeth Dogs can crack their teeth chewing on a hard bone such as a store bought cooked bone. This can lead to costly dental bills from the resulting extraction or even possible root canal needed to fix the tooth. Not to mention the pain it will cause your dog. Mouth and tongue injuries When a piece of the bone breaks off into the dogs mouth, it can be super sharp, cutting the roof of the mouth or piercing the tongue and cheek. Obstruction of the airway A bone that is too small can get lodged or stuck in the dogs esophagus causing them to choke. Pieces or shards of the bone can also get stuck in the trachea making it hard for your dog to breathe. Raw bones can be contaminated While raw bones are by far the safest choice, they can be contaminated with certain dangerous pathogens. When it gets stuck behind the lower canine teeth, it is very tough to get dislodged. Sometimes the only remedy is a trip to the Emergency Vet where your dog might need to be sedated or anesthetized to remove it. What are the benefits of giving my German Shepherd a raw bone? Although this topic is highly debated in the dog world, there are benefits to giving your dog a raw bone. You must decide for yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. I personally think they do. Here are some of the benefits that your dog will get from a raw bone. Clean Teeth A raw bone is a great substitute for brushing your pooches toothy trains. Chewing on the bone helps stimulate the saliva enzymes and helps get rid of any food trapped in your dogs teeth. It also prevents the build up of tarter and keeps the teeth healthy and clean. This will help to avoid any trips to the vet for extractions or scaling of the teeth. Ten to twenty minutes of chewing after a meal should do the trick. Helps dog avoid bad chewing habits A nice raw bone can be a great way to distract your dog from any bad or unwanted chewing habits. Some dogs have a habit of chewing on clothing, furniture, socks. A bone will keep there attention and hopefully prevent them from any negative chewing habits. They contain calcium phosphate which can be up to four times easier for your dog to digest verses other common calcium supplements. Raw bones are excellent for larger breed dogs such as the German Shepherd. Because of their quick growth, they need the extra calcium for their large skeletal system. The best types of raw bones to give your dog: Frozen raw bones Freezing bones before giving them to your dog is a great way to slow down their chewing and digestion. Large raw bones The size of the bone will depend on the size of the dog but in general you want to give your dog large raw bones that are bigger than their head and a greater length than their muzzle. A German Shepherd for example, will require something large such as a lamb breast or a turkey neck. Meaty raw bones Raw bones with plenty of meat on them are the best for your dog. You want to have a good balance of meat to bone. Excess bone without the meat can cause constipation. If the bone is a little bare, some additional meat on the side will help even things out. Bones to avoid giving your dog: Antlers Avoid any types of antlers. They are too hard for your dog and can wreak havoc on their teeth causing injuries. Bones that are cut up into small pieces This would include knuckle bones and ox-tail bones that have been cut. Cooked bones Cooked bones that you buy from the store are the worst choice. The softness of these bones can lead to splintering which can cause injuries. Rawhide Bones Stay away from these bones as they are a choking risk. The rawhide can get soft after your dog chews on it for awhile. Because of this, your dog can easily tear off big chunks which can be swallowed if unsupervised. Small bones Smaller bones are a choking hazard. Stay away from chicken, pork or rib bones which are common but unfortunately dangerous. They are more prone to splinter causing damage to your dogs mouth. Tips for giving your dog a bone: Avoid bones that have been cut the length of the bone. Bones that have been cute the entire length of the bone are more likely to splinter and have sharp edges. Avoid giving bones with marrow to dogs with Pancreatitis. Instead try giving them an alternative. Avoid giving bones to dogs with previous dental work. Dogs that have had any teeth restored are in danger of braking those teeth. You are better off not giving them a bone. Instead give them a safe alternative. Freeze bones when they are not being used. Keep the bones in the freezer when they are not being used. It will help avoid contamination and help slow down the time it takes for your dog to chew a bone. Give your dog a bone following a meal. Let your dog finish their dinner. Then throw them their favorite bone. It should slow down the aggressiveness of their chewing lessening the chance of them swallowing part of the bone. Never leave your dog unsupervised with any bone. They can chew for too long and the bone can become small enough for your dog to swallow. They can also bite off pieces that can become stuck in their throat or pierce the inside of their mouth. Ten to twenty minutes is a sufficient amount of time for your dog to chew its bone. Throw away bones when they get old or worn down. Once a dog chews on a bone for a long period, it becomes more brittle with more chance of splintering. Throw it out and get a new bone. Bone powder as an alternative: If you are concerned about the repercussions of giving your dog a raw bone, you can grind them down into a powder and sprinkle it on their food. They will get the benefits of the minerals and nutrients without the risks we discussed earlier in the article. The calcium phosphate alone is enough to make the whole process worth it. Keep in mind, your dog will miss the benefits of chewing which can include healthier teeth and less anxiety and stress. Best coarse of action if your German Shepherd swallows a bone: Dogs love to chew and they love to eat. This can often times lead to your dog swallowing part of a bone and sometimes even the whole bone if is too small. You will definitely want to keep a close eye on your pooch when they are chewing on their favorite bone. According to Dr. Most of the time, the bone simply dissolves. He recommends staying away from large beef vertebrae especially from the butcher. Dogs have a tendency to want to swallow it since it is hard to break into smaller bits. It then can become stuck in the lower esophagus in the chest resulting in possible surgery to remove the bone. If he is and you can locate the bone in his mouth, try to safely remove the bone and clear the airway. If you cannot do this safely, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. The second step to take, if your dog swallows a bone and seems fine, is to contact your veterinarian and ask them what to do. The size of the bone swallowed will determine the best course of action. On rare occasions your vet may decide that surgery is necessary to remove the bone. Step three is to wait and monitor your dog. If your dog becomes sick after swallowing the bone and starts to vomit, call the veterinarian immediately and try to take them in as soon as possible to get checked. Symptoms to look out for: Abnormal movements Blood in their stool or diarrhea Constipation. After all, bones provide numerous benefits including providing calcium and phosphorus, help to keep teeth and jaws healthy, and are good to relieve boredom, stress, and anxiety. Check out the list below to see the common misconceptions that people have about dogs eating bones. Never feed your dog sharp, small, cooked, pork, or rib bones. Only bones from home are safe, in most cases. In any case, bones should be disposed of after a couple of days as bacteria will form. Not all dogs can chew on bones. Many German Shepherds have poor or weakened teeth. Whether they have tooth decay, exposed enamel, or gum disease, chewing on a bone can cause instant sharp pain for your dog. Rubber or plastic bones are a safe alternative for dogs to chew on. They can be equally as dangerous as splintered bones, so choose wisely. You can see below my recommendations. Now that you know what to avoid, you can find good bones that fit within the healthy parameters from the previous section. Here are the five risks of feeding cooked bones to your German Shepherd: When bones splinter, it acts like glass. Choking is another common risk of eating cooked bones. If your German Shepherd is chewing on a bone, a piece can easily break off and go down his throat. Bones are incredibly dense, which is why they can lead to blockages when consumed. If your German Shepherd manages to swallow a piece of a cooked bone, it can get lodged in their digestive tract and cause a blockage. Sometimes, the only way to remove it is to pay for surgery. Some German Shepherds are sensitive to bone marrow, which becomes easily exposed from chewing on cooked bones. If your GSD has a sensitive stomach , then ingesting too much bone marrow could cause sickness and diarrhea as it is too rich and high in fat. Loose teeth can become shattered or ripped from their roots. Raw Bones vs. Chew Toys for German Shepherds Large raw bones are typically a safe choice for your German Shepherd to chew on, as are most chew store-bought bones. If you pulled them from a large animal, most big bones are the perfect size for German Shepherds. Raw bones should be big enough to prevent your dog from swallowing them whole. On the contrary, your GSD will get a nutritional boost from the raw bone from the calcium and phosphorus. Cons of Raw Bones You have to be very precise when choosing a raw bone for your dog. Bone marrow can cause all sorts of stomach issues if your dog is prone to tummy upsets. Supervision is necessary. Pros of Chew Toys Bones Convenient and easy to find. They allow you to continue to provide bones for your dog without requiring you to buy raw meat. Plastic bones last much longer than raw bones. If you choose a heavy-duty plastic bone, such as the Nylabone mentioned above, then your German Shepherd will be able to enjoy it for quite some time, and they also come in a range of flavors. Your dog will have to enjoy the task of chewing without being able to gnaw away at delicious raw meaty bits. Choose a flavored chew bone for your dog. The Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone is a hot choice for thousands of pet owners. The wishbone shape is ideal for dogs to grip and hold. It lasts seemingly forever, and the flavor stays around, unlike some chew toys. You can choose from chicken, bacon, or peanut. They can cause cracked teeth and other dental injuries. When the rawhide becomes soft it becomes easy for your GSD to break chunks off and swallow them. Puppies have delicate teeth and jaws, so they need softer bones that are easier to chew and digest. Here are some good options for German Shepherd puppies: Raw chicken necks or wings: These bones are small, soft, and easy to chew. They also contain cartilage and connective tissue, which can be beneficial for joint health. Raw beef marrow bones: These bones are larger and harder than chicken necks or ribs, but they contain a lot of nutrients and can be a good option for teething puppies. Additionally, any bone should be given under supervision and taken away once it becomes small enough to swallow whole. In this case, you will need to monitor them and keep an eye on their stools. However, if your GSD has accidentally eaten a cooked bone such as a rib or small chicken bone and they swallow a splinter, then you should take your dog to the vet immediately. Signs of intestinal obstruction include vomiting, lethargy, a painful tummy, and having no desire to eat. The sooner you can have your vet take a look, the sooner your dog will be safe. Note: Always watch puppies when they chew bones. They might literally bite off more than they can chew, so you need to be there to remove anything sharp or too small for their mouth. Final Thoughts German Shepherds love meaty bones just as much as any dog. As long as you follow the safety suggestions found in this post you can safely let them enjoy a good chew. Choose large raw bones bigger than their muzzle. Raw beef or lamb shank bones are a good choice. Supervise your dog at all times. There are many good alternative chew bones. Related Posts You May Like:. They are filled with natural marrow with no added additives. The natural marrow bones are bacteria-free and safe to consume. The bones are handpicked and inspected, to enhance quality and consistency. They are odor-free, have a perfect texture and thickness. They keep the teeth clean and effectively remove tartar build-up and plaque. Pros They are sourced from grass-fed free-range cattle Made from one natural ingredient Effectively removes tartar build-up and plaque They have a perfect thickness Cons Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones If you are looking for grain-free bones for your German Shepherd, the Blue Buffalo wilderness wild bones are a great option. These bones are great for a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach. They contain zero poultry by-products, and they are formulated to strengthen the canine. They are perfectly roasted for your German Shepherd to enjoy a rich meaty taste. They are natural and have no artificial ingredients or additives. The bones are gluten-free, soy-free, and wheat-free. For a large breed like a german shepherd, these bones last long and can withstand aggressive chewing. They are stuffed with beneficial ingredients to keep your dog healthy. The bones are formulated to give your dog a healthy jaw. The rich taste makes the dog want to chew throughout, therefore strengthening the jaw. Pros They have a rich beef taste They are slow-roasted to preserve the taste They are natural.

My fascination for this breed actually began as a child while growing up in Great Britain. The yearly outing with my father was one I looked forward to with much anticipation. Years later I married my husband, Gene. It was always my ambition to one day bring a boxer into our own family, to be raised together with our two young sons. In we ventured out to purchase our first American bred boxer. Both my husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate indeed to have been able to purchase a beautiful, show potential brindle bitch named Chelsea from Glenn and Zona Grupe of Glennroe Boxers. Attending shows together, Zona and I put four owner-handled majors in quick succession on our beautiful Chelsea. As our foundation bitch, she launched Telstar on its way to success. Much more, I might add, than my wildest dreams. Striving to do the very best we possibly can in every aspect of raising, breeding and showing our own dogs has enabled me to enjoy the benefits of knowing our achievements have come from our love and devotion for the Boxer. Showing and breeding has had additional perks. I have had the great fortune of meeting many wonderful people along the way. As a boxer breeder, I also derive a great deal of satisfaction when placing a pet puppy in a companion home, knowing that these buyers benefit not only from our philosophy of breeding a quality, healthy, structurally sound boxer, but also from having the joy and love of owning one. I still enjoy competing as an owner handler, and oddly enough, still feel that same overwhelming sense of accomplishment being on the other end of the leash when I finish the championship on one of my dogs. The feeling is no different than I felt in the beginning, some thirty years ago. We have answers. The cost of a Boxer puppy can depend on its coat color, eye color, gender, size, pedigree, as well as other factors. Am I going to be limited to choosing only local Boxer puppies? We apply a strict set of standards to all those who apply to join our network, which filters out the puppy mills and backyards breeders. You can take a look at these standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover a lot of ground - from breeder knowledge to ethics, from legal compliance to cleanliness. And much more besides. Why is Uptown Puppies so different? When you search for Boxer puppies for sale in San Diego online, the results you see are usually the businesses and Boxer breeders San Diego who are spending the most on marketing. Because Uptown vets and examines all applicants, we list only the best of the best when it comes to Boxer breeders in San Diego. What are puppy mills, exactly? Folks who buy a Boxer puppy that seems unusually cheap may have accidentally bought a dog that was bred in a puppy mill. A puppy mill is a factory for producing Boxers for sale in San Diego - with no care at all about the welfare of the animals. A Boxer bought from a puppy mill may have behavioral problems, as well as health issues that could cost you a fortune in veterinary bills. Are there any Boxer puppies available now near me? Get in touch with one of your recommended breeders, and your dream San Diego Boxer for sale will soon be heading to your home. What are the origins of the Boxer breed? Boxers were bred from a mix of dogs including the German Bullenbeisser and the Bulldog in the latter years of the 19th century. They were first brought to America in the early s, and the breed quickly became loved for its bravery, strength, intelligence, and comical personality. Today, Boxers are hugely popular all over the world. What can I expect from the average Boxer? San Diego Boxers for sale are a mix of playful mischief, comical capering and wet kisses—traits that endear them to their families. But despite this friendly personality, Boxers for sale San Diego make watchful guard dogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Basic obedience and simple command such as sit, stay, come, fetch, down, and so on will be quickly picked up by your Boxer puppy. Are Boxers good with kids? They are. Boxer puppies San Diego are great family dogs and get on well with children because of their playful personalities. Once proper introductions are made, Boxer puppies in San Diego make loyal and loving companions for children. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet.

Puppy Breeds Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gait and massive, short-faced head, the English Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute and dignified. A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! They are one of the most popular breeds according toAKC Registration Statistics due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The English Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fanciers set to the task of preserving the breed by eliminating the fierce characteristics. Within a few generations, the Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens with an agreeable temperament. Temperament English Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest. Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets. They can become so attached to home and family, that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. Bulldogs do better with positive training. They love getting rewarded with treats! Here at Petland, we have many different types of training treats because we know all the pups love them! Ranging in size from 40 to 50 pounds. Family companion. Apartment is fine, also small condo Low activity indoors, due to their snouts thrive in moderate climates. Things to do with your English Bulldog Pennsylvania is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Pennsylvania that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Pennsylvania that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Pennsylvania, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Pennsylvania, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Pennsylvania has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Pennsylvania. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Pennsylvania is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Pennsylvania? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions….

We have been breeding and showing Golden Retrievers for over 20 years. Many of our Goldens have gone on to win numerous awards at competitions throughout the U. Some of our pups even starred in Disney movies! Eagleridge has been recognized multiple times for our outstanding achievements and dedication to breeding outstanding Golden Retrievers. We are proudly registered as a Breeder of Merit by the AKC, as recognition for our dedication and passion of breeding beautiful, healthy Golden Retriever puppies. The AKC has also rewarded us with their Silver Medallion as recognition of our success over the years. Baby Francis 3 arriving January ! Testimonials Gus "Good morning! I wanted to reach out and send some photos of Gus who is now a little over a year old. He has gotten into Dock Diving in the last few months and has earned his Dock Senior title. Thank you for a great dog! When I tell you that he did it with no effort, I'm not exaggerating. He did it all on his own! I think he would have passed the test when I received him in July. I think you and your staff should be very proud of the training you provide your puppies! Please thank everyone who worked with Dwayne. In two weeks, he will become a therapy dog with Easter Seals of Alabama. Jen was so helpful, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the whole adoption process. She communicated regularly with us, providing so many updates and videos along the way. We are so fortunate for her and her staff! Thank you Jen and Eagleridge Golden Retrievers!! Jen was always super responsive, knowledgeable and able to answer our many questions. We have had Kevin for about a month and a half now we got him in September and he is settling in perfectly. The training program was a great addition, he is able to follow commands and is very well tempered and so smart. From the adoption process to the training program, we would absolutely recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great experience! This FL boy is definitely enjoying the Northeastern Autumn! Furthermore, being a client since , I could honestly compare the experience from four 4 years ago to this present time. It was as stress free working with Jen Francis as it could possibly be! Her knowledge about this variety of a K9 is remarkable. The quality health , temperament and of course breed beauty and more are on full display at EagleRidge! We have answers. Golden Retrievers are friendly, loyal, and affectionate dogs that have gorgeous golden coats and unique personalities. They're very popular around the nation and have been on numerous TV shows and commercials. If you're looking for a family member, here's a very good boy or girl for you! Uptown Puppies is your 1 puppy finder that cares for Golden Retrievers and other breeds. We make the process of adopting a pet easy by providing you with lists of Golden Retriever breeders in your area. How do you transport Tampa Golden Retriever puppies for sale in your network? As a puppy owner, you have many options for finding the perfect dog. One of the most common methods is by picking the puppy up at an airport. Or, with some breeders, you can pick up your dog directly from their home. Regardless of the method, rest assured that your new friend will arrive safe and sound. Are there Golden Retriever puppies in Tampa available today? Golden Retrievers are very popular breeds, and the pups from litters can quickly sell out. If you like what you see on our website, the best way to bring home your new pup is to register interest with Golden Retriever breeders in Tampa. These puppies go quick! Does Uptown offer the cheapest Golden Retriever puppies for sale Tampa? Our main goal is to provide a network of friendly, vetted Golden Retriever breeders. All of our breeders are pet owners with their own pets,uphold our strict breeder standards, and have been vetted for our program Is a Golden Retriever Tampa easy to train? New dog owner? Or concerned about the time and effort required to train your new pet? Golden Retrievers are a loving, loyal, and intelligent breed that makes training enjoyable. Do you recommend specific foods for Golden Retriever puppies Tampa? While one dog may eat one type of food, another may have a reaction to it. Because of this, we don't provide individualized dietary plans for our customers' pets. Instead, we suggest you start by trying out a few different healthy options to see which seems to work best. By doing so, you can avoid the expense of failing to find the right diet for your dog. Is regularly walking my Golden Retriever for sale Tampa enough exercise for them? Goldens are exceptionally active dogs. This makes them prone to some behaviors that could be problematic for your pet. Walking with your Golden is a great way to exercise your pet and prevent behavioral issues. Also, if you go outside for a walk, remember to keep Goldens on leash or in a fenced yard while you're outdoors. While some families are able to foster dogs at local shelters, we know that not everyone will have that luxury. We only work with breeders who follow strict standards of ethical breeding, so you never have to worry about puppy mills or scams. What makes Uptown different from other places with Tampa Golden Retrievers for sale? Our Uptown Golden Retriever is a well-bred, healthy dog. We offer a complete list of all of the health and behavioral details you need to make an informed purchase, allowing you to adopt the perfect pet from thousands of available breeds. Why is Uptown the best place to find a Golden Retriever for sale in Tampa? Uptown Puppies' breeder community is cut from a different cloth compared to some other puppy finder websites. Our members are some of the best in the country; they care deeply about their dogs, and you're going to love them too! Who doesn't want an easy puppy finding experience? Find the best Uptown Puppies breeders near you. Oh yes indeed! Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds around. They're loyal, energetic, obedient and fun-loving. Adored by millions of pet lovers everywhere, they make a great family dog.

The best way to do this would be to buy different types of chew toys, balls and so on. You can find it here. Besides buy different things for the Labradoodle, also make sure that you are activating your dog, and just as important, teach it to active itself! My Labradoodle Chews on the Walls Some grown dogs and puppies also have a tendency to bite on the walls or the wallpapers of your house. Besides the previous advice, I would also recommend trying out the Grannicks Spray Repellant. The spray should be used on those areas of the walls that your dog has a tendency to bite on. This is most commonly because the dog is very excited or perhaps frustrated, and they end up directing those emotions towards you as the leader and leash-holder. Sometimes the reason for this could also be that your Labradoodle is getting bored if you are training exercises where it is supposed to be on a leash. It could also be because of the mood of the dog handler that the dog will try and bite the leash. For example, if the handler is in any way insecure, tensed up, or just generally not feeling confident around the dog, the dog can usually sense this and will also start feeling insecure. If this is the issue and you are not able to find a solution yourself, try consulting a dog behavior expert and hear their advice in your specific case. The 5 Main Reasons a Labradoodle Bites 1. Territory and Property Protecting their property is a very common reason for why a Labradoodle will bite. Usually, this is mostly seen with guard dogs like Rottweilers and German shepherds who will bite to try and protect their property. But this behavior is also seen among every other breed of dog, including Labradoodles. This can be avoided by teaching your Labradoodle to wait until the food bowl is placed on the floor. While getting nearer to placing the bowl on the floor, try giving your Labradoodle a treat so that it will learn that there is nothing wrong with humans being near its food bowl. The dog should be allowed to have some time for itself once in a while. This could be the mailman, paperboy or perhaps the vet. Dogs can also bite out of fear if they are surprised, if for example, your child sneaks up on it to try and give it a scare, or if they are disturbed while they are sleeping. To avoid these fear-related bites, you should socialize your puppy as early as possible. This will allow it to get used to as many different situations as possible that includes new strange people, other animals, and new places. Hereby the risk of an anxiety disorder or other behavior issues is lowered a lot, and this can in turn also means that your dog is much less likely to attempt to bite. If your dog has any general form of anxiety, you should try and find a behavior expert, or perhaps try some Calming Treats. Pain Pain can cause even the kindest of dogs to bite. If your Labradoodle has hip dysplasia , inflammation of the middle ear , or any other painful health issues, this is also often the cause of a Labradoodle biting problem. Also, remember to tell your kids not to touch your dog in the areas that are the cause of the pain. If it feels like your Labradoodle is becoming more and more sensitive, and just generally seems more short-tempered, I would strongly advise you to contact your vet and have it examined. Hunting Instinct A Labradoodle is by nature a hunting dog, so there are still a lot of instincts in the dog regarding hunting. Be very observant of the dog and its movements while always avoiding eye contact. If the dog, on the other hand, knocks you over, you should curl yourself into a ball and protect your face, your hands, and your neck, as these are all areas a dog would usually aim for. And then just stay calm. This is also something you should teach your kids. Maternal Instinct Even the most well-behaved bitch might bite when they have puppies. You should be careful and respect the maternal instinct in a Labradoodle who has just become a mom. And to be especially calm and cautious if they are handling her puppies. Make sure that the mom and her puppies have a safe spot in your house where they can get their required peace and quiet. Warning Signs By knowing the most common reasons that cause biting problems, it is also much easier to avoid the biting from happening. Usually, before biting, a labradoodle will display one or several warning signs. These are also signs that the dog is ready to bite. Playing and exercising also has the benefits that they burn some of that energy that most Labradoodles have. A good idea is though to avoid aggressive games like wrestling or other games where dominance is a deciding factor. Make sure your dog is vaccinated. Allowing your dog to get too close to strangers, not even while under your supervision, if it has a tendency to bite. Overwhelm your Labradoodle while socializing it. And also a good old Dog Muzzle , which is generally great when training a dog. Hopefully, this has helped with your Labradoodle biting problem. If not, let me know, as perhaps I or somebody I know have had your exact problem, and we will try and help you with it. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. By Chris If your Labradoodle is a biter, this behavior can be troublesome, especially if you do not correct it as a puppy. Many different methods can help to keep your pet from biting you or others in your home. How to stop a Labradoodle from biting Biting behaviors in a Labradoodle are not limited to just puppies, unfortunately. Some dogs will develop this negative behavior later on in life. There could be numerous causes as to why your pet is suddenly biting you or others. As a responsible pet owner, it is your job to ensure that your Labradoodle behaves appropriately and has proper manners without biting. Why Is My Labradoodle Biting? A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. One of the best ways to stop a Labradoodle from biting is to determine the underlying reason why they are biting you. Once you know the cause, you can use an appropriate solution to the problem. Puppies and dogs of all ages will bite for a few reasons, including: Puppies who are teething Your dog is scared or caught off-guard It is in pain Your dog is bored or has excess energy Resource-guarding It is stressed or over-stimulated Your dog wants your attention Puppies Who Are Teething Puppies lose their first set of teeth starting around the age of three months and up to eight months old. During this time, they can be uncomfortable and want to chew and bite anything near them. Alternatively, chewing and biting can help relieve the pressure that the new teeth have on the gums. How To Stop the Biting Provide your Labradoodle puppy with ample chew toys , and durable food chews whenever they try to bite you. You can also purchase specialty dog teething gels to relieve any discomfort they may be feeling from emerging teeth. Did you accidentally scare your sleeping dog to wake up? Sometimes dogs will bite when they are scared or caught off-guard when they do not expect you. This issue frequently happens with older dogs who begin to lose their hearing or sight and do not know someone is close to them. Sometimes this can be by walking around the front of your dog so they can see you before you pet them. If your pet has hearing or sight issues, be mindful of their space and make them visually or auditorily aware of you being close before you touch them. This pre-warning will ensure that you do not catch them off-guard. It Is In Pain Dogs cannot verbally tell us when they are in pain, so they act out in other ways, like biting. So one way to know if your Labradoodle is in pain is if you used to handle them normally, but now they bite you when you touch them. If your dog tries to bite your hand when you reach a specific area, such as a leg or a part of their back, they may be in pain. Can Labradoodles smile? Even health issues like urinary tract infections or stomach problems can make a Labradoodle cranky enough to bite. Your vet can help you rule out any injuries or health problems that could be causing pain for your pet. If this breed does not get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they can act out by biting you or others in the home. Your pet may also run around more with the zoomies while biting at you or objects during this time. It may look cute and be harmless, playful biting when they are young, but it can develop into a more aggressive bite later as they mature. In addition, it can be challenging for your dog to determine a soft, playful bite from a hard one if you allow them to continue this behavior. How To Stop the Biting You can quickly minimize this harmful behavior by ensuring that your Labradoodle receives more physical or mental activity during the day. If you notice your dog beginning to run around and biting, take action immediately. For example, play fetch with your pet, take an extra walk, or provide your Labradoodle with mentally stimulating toys to curb the negative behavior. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. Resource Guarding Does your Labradoodle bite you when you try to reach for his food dish or toys? Maybe your dog tries to bite you every time you want to sit near your partner on the couch. This biting is most likely due to resource guarding. Resource guarding can happen at any age, unfortunately, and is not only a puppy problem. This negative behavior should not be allowed to continue, as it can worsen over time. While it may start with toys, it can extend to food and even people if you do not address it. How To Stop the Biting Resource guarding can be a serious issue for many pet owners. You should not ignore these actions or try to handle them on your own. Instead, you will want to consult with a professional dog behaviorist for proper methods to correct this behavior as soon as possible. Or maybe you were cranky because you were having a busy day at the office and did not want to talk to anyone. Your dog can have similar days where they become stressed or over-stimulated. The difference is that your Labradoodle may actually bite to tell someone to back out of their space and leave them alone. Kids who bother your dog by poking his face , pulling his ears, or trying to sit on him may bring on a stress response that shows up as biting. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! How To Stop the Biting Dogs will often show visible signs of stress before biting. For example, your pet may growl, show teeth, its heckles may stand up, or have stiff body posture. If your Labradoodle indicates these or other signs that it is stressed or over-stimulated, try to alter the environment or put your animal in a safe place, like his crate. Your Dog Wants Your Attention Sometimes when a dog bites at your hands or feet, it is because they want your attention. For example, some Labradoodles will nip your hand then run away, enticing you to chase them and start an entertaining game. This behavior often happens with younger puppies since they will nip and bite at you to look at them and pet or play with them. Puppies are lower to the ground and may bite since that is the only way they can grab your attention. How To Stop the Biting If your Labradoodle is exhibiting playful biting behavior, you want to discourage it sooner than later. Any time they try to bite at your hands or feet, offer them a toy and get down to his level and spend some time with him playing on the floor. Often, sitting on the floor with your pet and having a game of tug for a few minutes will give them the attention they want while providing exercise at the same time. You Can Stop Your Labradoodle From Biting It is possible to successfully stop your Labradoodle from biting once you know the underlying reason for this behavior. Biting in any form should not be tolerated. If you allow it to continue, the problem can worsen since your pet will understand that it is okay to do it since there are no adverse outcomes from biting. There may be a straightforward solution to discourage future biting incidents, or you might have to seek help from a professional animal behaviorist. However, your Labradoodle can be a very social and happy pet without biting with consistency and proper methods. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Breed-Specific Behaviors Some dog breeds have been specifically bred to work at certain jobs. In the case of the Labradoodle, this breed was created to serve as a guide dog to the blind. But the parent dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever, standard Poodle and Cocker Spaniel for the Australian Labradoodle breed line only are true working gun dogs. The Labrador Retriever is a retriever gundog — a dog trained to grasp and hold downed small game prey in their mouths. The Poodle and Cocker Spaniel are also small bird gundogs. So Labradoodles get their instinctual desire to mouth, grasp, hold and bite things honestly. At some level, you will never completely train your Labradoodle out of this instinct. Learned Biting There is one more category of Labradoodle puppy biting many dog owners overlook and that is learned biting behaviors. While your Labradoodle puppy will have learned a little about tempering their biting from their mother and littermates, your dog will learn far more about that behavior from you. Sometimes dog owners inadvertently reinforce the very behaviors they want to get rid of. Your puppy loves attention from you more than anything and may bite again and again to keep you focused on them. Learning about and applying positive reinforcement puppy training methods is going to be your salvation here. We will explain in more detail in a moment. Find one method that works and use it consistently. Reward your puppy for any calm behavior. This can include calm play, or simply them sitting or laying next to you without biting. And, make sure to ignore biting. If your puppy starts to bite you during play, you can try to redirect their mouth to a toy. If the biting continues, make sure to ignore the behavior completely, and put your puppy in their pen to calm down. Under no circumstances should you ever reward biting! This includes with attention! Doing so can make your puppy more likely to bite during play — it will become a learned behavior, as we spoke about earlier. Should I Punish Puppy Biting? Studies have proven that punishment can have adverse effects on training and management of problematic behaviors. Punishing biting can stop your puppy from biting, but it can also create a level of fear, mistrust, and anxiety. And, as we know, dogs that are scared or nervous are more likely to bite. So, this method of training can also increase the risk of serious biting. Punishing your dog for growling or snarling which often happens during puppy play can also stop your puppy from growling as a warning when they are feeling threatened or scared. Not every dog owner will have the same degree of tolerance for Labradoodle puppy biting, even when it arises from teething pain or another normal cause. Dog trainers use a six-level bite scale to assess how urgent the biting situation may be. Level one is aggression with no biting. Level six is biting to fatality. Clearly there is a wide range of behaviors in between. What Causes Puppy Aggression? But, another common cause is guarding behaviors. Common resource guarding targets include toys , food, food bowls, people, and more. They will be able to help you work with your puppy to deal with the aggression. Your veterinarian will be able to put you in touch with a good behaviorist. Is Your Labradoodle Puppy Biting? Are you at your wits end with Labradoodle puppy biting? Related Articles. While it might be part of their exploration phase or a form of play, they may be doing it for other reasons. This kind of habit, if not nipped in the bud early on, can become a very frustrating behavior for you, your family, and any household guests. The best way to control their biting is to divert their attention away from biting you, with a toy. This teaches them the boundaries of what they can and cannot bite. You can also try simply getting up and walking away when this negative behavior starts. You can also try diverting their attention during episodes of biting with treats, harnessing this energy for a training opportunity. Work on simple tasks like Sit, Down, and even a trick like a Turn. This helps teach them to respond to you rather than their puppy urges. When still with their litter mates, puppies nip and bite as they play. So this behavior is rather ingrained in them. So, patience and commitment are extremely important through this process. It covers everything from choosing and working with a breeder to training and socializing to dealing with all of that luxurious hair. If you love your Doodle, this book is a must-have. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! How Long Will It Last? All puppies bite. It begins when their baby teeth start coming in at around two or three weeks of age. It generally continues until they lose their baby teeth and start getting their adult teeth. For a timeline of expected puppy tooth loss, head over to our Labradoodle Brushing Guide. They wake up and start chasing, wrestling, and biting each other all over again. Unfortunately, this nipping and biting are not reserved just for their siblings and canine playmates. Biting During Teething The teething process goes for several months from the time the baby teeth come in until the final adult teeth are in. Chewing and biting on things, even our fingers, brings them relief from the teething pain. Some hard, some soft, and some even made from fabric. This pack bundle of toys did the trick when my first Labradoodle was gnawing on everything in sight. It includes a bunch of different soft rope toys, chew toys, balls, and a soft flying disc — all just the right size for puppy mouths and perfect for satisfying irritated gums. No products found. Giving them a good selection to choose from will help keep them from chewing on things like pillows and chair legs. Another tip is to stuff a Puppy Kong find them on Amazon with peanut butter and toss it in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to your puppy. The cold will help numb the gums, the rubber is durable and safe for chewing, and most pups absolutely adore them. The uninjured puppy associates the end of playtime with the pain and squealing from its sibling. Knowing how to control the intensity or strength of their bite is known as bite inhibition. You can teach your puppy bite inhibition. Techniques There are a few different ways to stop your puppy from nipping and biting. Keep on doing this until the puppy stops biting. As soon as the pup stops biting and nipping, praise him and give him a treat. Another way to stop the biting is to put the puppy down and walk away. Puppies love attention and they love playing. If playtime ends as soon as they begin biting, they will eventually get the point. One thing worth considering is that puppies always seem to be hungry. They might just like the taste of your fingers and toes. It can become excessive if it seems like all the puppy wants to do is bite and nip. This behavior must be corrected before the puppy becomes a big dog. Even the sound of their little growls has an appeal that makes us laugh. Prolonged and fierce growling. Aggression that comes for a specific situation. Let him know that playtime or attention time is over when he bites. As soon as he starts biting, give him the toy or chew. Gently and calmly place your puppy in their crate. Discourage friends and family from roughhousing with the puppy in ways that will encourage him to bite. Puppy biting is just one of the many issues we address in our Labradoodle Guidebook. Because these are such wonderful dogs, we believe that owners should have the correct information and advice in one place from the very beginning to avoid making common mistakes that could negatively affect their relationship with their dog. After all, you only get to raise your dog once. Related Questions: What about play biting? Is that OK? Play biting is still biting, and it could hurt a young child. Why does my puppy try to bite my hand when I pet his head? This is what young puppies do. You might want to distract him by feeding him treats from your other hand. Still have questions or concerns about your Labradoodle puppy? Check out all of our Labradoodle articles to find solutions to common problems and tons of other information about this delightful breed. Do Labradoodles bite? February 20, Labradoodles are one of the most popular crossbreeds on the planet. The answer is yes and no. All dogs bite when they are puppies, and Doodles are no exception. However, adult Labradoodles should not bite unless provoked. If they do, there could be a deeper issue at play. Table of Contents Types of biting Before we take a deeper look at biting and the breed, we should consider the different types of biting in dogs and what they mean. The four main types are puppy biting, play biting, defensive biting, and attack biting. Puppy biting All puppies bite when they are teething. Teething is a natural process that all infant mammals go through, in which their milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. During this process, their gums can feel very sore, and biting and chewing on things is the only way to relieve the pain, which is why your adorable pup may seem more like a crocodile at first! Particularly high-energy puppies may also nip you when they are excited. Play biting Play biting is a natural part of play for many dogs. Dogs play-bite with their human family members and with other dogs, and as long as your dog is well socialized, it is nothing to be afraid of. The only time when play biting may be an issue is with children, so parents must be sure to teach their kids how to play with their pets and to monitor play with small children. Play biting naturally decreases once Labradoodles calm down at around years of age. However, with the right training this behavior can be resolved much sooner than that. Defensive biting Defensive biting is exactly what it sounds like — biting out of self-defense, or in defense of somebody else, whether it be a person, another dog, or even their home. A dog that is feeling defensive may lower their head or widen their gait, fix their gaze, pin back or point their ears, and hide or point their tail, as well as tremble, whine, bark, or snarl. This type of biting is usually quick and fairly minimal, and in most US states, owners are not liable for resulting injuries when a dog bites out of self-defense or provocation. For example, to small children cornering their family pets or to the vets giving them their shots. Attack biting Attack biting is when a dog bites somebody, or another dog, seemingly without provocation. This is, of course, the worst kind of biting. No dog should ever bite without provocation, but it does sometimes happen. Attack biting also occurs in some breeds more than others, most often in dogs with a genetic history of guard work and dogfighting. The bitey-ness will wind down gradually and you can train them to stop biting you and chewing your home to pieces in the meantime. Puppies usually learn how hard to bite each other when they play with their siblings in their first few weeks of life. You can teach your puppy not to bite others by yelping like a puppy whenever they bite you and ending your interaction immediately. This way, they learn that biting causes the fun and affection to stop. It may take them a while for them to understand, as puppy empathy can take several months to develop, but you should start doing it as early as possible. If you stay patient and remain consistent, they will learn! Additionally, you should reward them a lot for appropriate interactions. Use training treats to show your Labradoodle puppy that sitting politely pays off way more than nipping! As for chewing, you will never stop your dog from chewing as it is natural, normal, and good for them! There are even chew toys that are designed specifically for teething pups, with rubber teeth that massage and soothe their gums. Frozen carrots are also great treats for teething pups, as the cold will relieve their gums. Or, you could try filling a pup-sized Kong toy with something tasty and freezing it overnight for another yummy, soothing treat. Do adult Labradoodles bite? Labradoodles are known for being a friendly breed, this is part of what makes them such a popular choice for dog owners around the world. Can Labradoodles be dangerous? It is not recorded how many dog bites are caused by Labradoodles every year, or how many violent dog fights involve Doodles. However, this is a good thing. How to approach a nervous Doodle? If you come across a nervous Labradoodle, you should remain at a distance, stay calm, and try to make yourself appear smaller by crouching down to their level. Offer a treat or toy if you have one, and if they come to you and let you pet them, keep your hand where they can see it until they are comfortable with you. If they react aggressively at any point, just calmly back away. Can anxiety make Labradoodles bite? Extreme anxiety can cause Labradoodles to bite. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual , canine anxiety is most commonly caused by fears, separation, and old age. Fear-based anxiety is the type that is most likely to cause unprovoked biting, as it can cause dogs to become jumpy, making them snap out of panic, rather than aggression. Common fears amongst dogs include loud noises and cars, and they are usually born out of bad past experiences. An anxious dog may engage in repetitive behaviors such as pacing and lip licking. Triggers can be treated with positive association training and anti-anxiety aids like supplements, diffusers, and thunder vests. Some dogs also have an intense dislike of being groomed and bathed. If your Labradoodle is biting e. Can boredom make Labradoodles bite? Extreme boredom can make dogs bite. It can also make them engage in destructive behaviors such as ripping up furniture and going to the toilet indoors. If a dog is not receiving enough physical or mental stimulation, their pent-up energy and frustration can result in aggression, often towards other dogs, but sometimes towards people, too. Labradoodles have the social nature of the Labrador with the intelligence of the Poodle, so they need a lot of love, interaction, and mental stimulation. To prevent and tackle boredom, make sure your Doodle is getting two hours of exercise a day, preferably split into two walks, as well as lots of play and companionship. Vary their walk location to keep it interesting and switch it up with some running, games of fetch, and swimming from time to time if possible. Play some fun, challenging games like hide and seek at home, teach them new things to engage their brains, and invest in some stimulating toys like puzzles and treat dispensers. Can illness make Labradoodles bite? These illnesses can include sight or hearing loss, canine cognitive dysfunction, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, psychomotor epilepsy, hyperkinesis, and neoplasia. Painful injuries can also cause dogs to snap should somebody touch the area, but this is not done out of malice. Because Labradoodles are not AKC-registered , there are no guidelines for health testing in this breed. Sadly, some breeders do not make sure that the parents are free of hereditary diseases. Some puppies are born predisposed to develop illnesses later on — some of which can make them aggressive, too. If your dog bites unnecessarily and it is completely out of character, especially if they are older or you notice any other physical or behavioral changes, you should take them to see their vet for an examination right away. What if my Labradoodle bites someone? If your Doodle bites someone that is posing a threat to you, your dog, or somebody else, you should get away from them immediately and inform the police if necessary. In most US states, owners are not liable for resulting injuries when a dog bites out of self-defense or provocation. If the bite was unprovoked, you should separate the person from your dog and make sure that they get the medical help they need. As for your dog, you should inform your vet of what has happened. Legal repercussions and enforced euthanasia for biting are possible in extreme situations. Our website cannot provide legal advice on bite cases. What if my Labradoodle bites another dog? If your Doodle gets into a fight with another dog, you should separate the two dogs immediately. If your dog hurts the other dog significantly, you should offer to pay for their veterinary treatment, unless their dog was very clearly the aggressor and your dog was defending themselves. Owners of dogs that get attacked by other dogs are legally within their rights to report you to the police if they feel that your dog is dangerous. Legal repercussions and enforced euthanasia are rare, but if your dog is a danger to other dogs, you should take precautions to prevent them from attacking another dog in the future, such as training, keeping them on the leash, and muzzle wearing. The bottom line Although any dog can bite if provoked, Labradoodles, in general, are not aggressive or dangerous dogs. In fact, they are known to be a perfect family dog that is great with children and other pets. However, you should still make sure that you fully train and socialize your dog to ensure good behavior. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Teach an alternative behavior like "lick" or "kisses" Alright, let's dive into each tip below. Exercising a puppy is one of the best ways to help alleviate problem behaviors like biting. Again, how much exercise your puppy needs will be largely dependent on their breed and age. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can have 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a 4-month-old puppy can exercise for 20 minutes twice a day. The more energy your pup uses, the better! Exercise can also take the form of , just be careful not to overrun your pup. Excessive exercise can cause joint problems in the long run. There are a host of options to help you overcome this issue so you can still effectively get rid of their energy. Consider getting a flirt pole. Flirt poles are a fantastic option because they allow you to play very energetic and fun games of chase, without worrying about getting your hands nipped at. You can get one here. Another option is to teach your pup a structured game of fetch. Fetch is great because it exercises dogs both physically and mentally. Zak George lays out how to teach your dog to fetch in our free online training class, 30 Day Perfect Pup. You can sign up here. Remember, many dogs can have been bred for hundreds of years to have high levels of energy. Be sure to give your pup an outlet with exercise to help stop that puppy biting! Don't miss out! That is the perfect time to engage them mentally with a quick training session! Not only does it deter them from biting, but it gives you an opportunity to reward them for positive behavior. In its simplest form, the leave it behavior is all about restraint. A dog that can restrain from lunging and grabbing a treat on the ground, is much more likely to be able to leave your hand alone when you ask. Step 2: Show your pup a treat and then close your hand so your pup cannot access it. Your pup will likely try to get to the treat by licking, biting hopefully not , or pawing at your hand where the treat is. Step 3: Practice that behavior multiple times until your pup starts to generalize the concept. The next step after that would be to try putting a treat on the ground and telling your pup to leave it. Step 5: Practice, practice, and then keep practicing. If your pup starts biting into your skin, give the leave it command, and reward when they stop. Practice makes perfect! For example, as you teach your pup the sit behavior you can help them understand yes and no. Over time trust me, it takes time , your pup will better start to understand the difference between yes and no. My wife and I raised two Yellow Labs that are about 7 months apart. And they were the first puppies we had raised as adults. So please, trust me when I tell you that getting frustrated will only make things worse. When you are frustrated, your pup likely is as well. And when puppies are frustrated, they won't learn! So, if you find a certain puppy behavior like biting or situation starting to overwhelm you… take a timeout. Let your pup cool down in their crate or sleep area and give yourself a few minutes to regroup. Guess what. So, do what you need to do for a personal break, and then recommit and get back at it! They have a keen sense of noticing our emotions. When frustration creeps in, learning stops for both human and dog. Redirecting to a game of tug of war can help teach your pup what is okay and not okay to chew on. As we mentioned before, puppies explore the world with their mouth, that is totally normal! Many pup parents have found it best to approach your pup with the toy in hand so you can be ready if the hand chomping starts happening. Teaching your dog tug can be a great way to stop puppy biting. Just remember, these behaviors can take significant practice and time to overcome. The question is, are you rewarding those positive behaviors and moments as you should be? If you are going through the process of overcoming puppy biting, you need to remember to praise the successful moments. When your pup comes up to you and lets you pet them without getting nippy, praise and reward them! Maybe you will see your puppy chewing a toy instead of your slippers or hand, reward them! If your puppy licks your hand instead of biting it, reward them! A huge part, and often underlooked, of training a puppy is to praise their successes. Treat each victory as a party and break out the fun, , and praise. Your job as a pup parent is to teach your dog what you want them to do. PS- If you're looking for a high-value reward treat for your pup, we've got your back! Check out our. Of course, you praise the positive moments but at times, you have to take away what your pup is desiring. In the instance of biting, pups are looking for playtime and engagement with us humans. Leave the room, put them in another room, or put them into a playpen for minutes. Implementing this method consistently will help your pup come to understand that when biting starts, playtime stops. A note on this, in most cases it is best to not use the crate as a negative reinforcer like a timeout. For example, when your pup starts nibbling, do your best to not jerk your hand away quickly. Most dogs love things that are moving! So if you jerk your hand or foot away, your pup may think you are trying to be playful. If your pup starts biting, let your hand go limp. Another way to make your skin a little less enticing is to keep them covered when possible. Being a successful pup parent oftentimes comes down to how well you can set your pup up for success. So if you know your pup is going through an extreme biting phase, consider keeping that skin covered when at home. It can be wearing socks, long sleeves and pants, and other things like that! When the puppy biting phase is at its worst, every little bit of help is important! Dogs are obviously very skilled at helping each other learn what is okay for play, and what is too aggressive. One quick note on socializing your puppy is that you should always be there to monitor them! Be active and aware and be ready to intervene if the play gets out of hand or aggressive. Some dogs have lower levels of patience with puppy biting, so be aware of how the other dogs are responding. Many pup parents find that the more they can correctly socialize their puppy, the milder the puppy biting will become. If you can effectively teach them a behavior that they can only do without biting then you'll be much closer to no biting! While there are plenty of alternative biting behaviors you can teach, here are some favorites:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me! But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Massachusetts Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Massachusetts? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Massachusetts? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Read the full disclosure here. One breed you will fall in love with right off the bat is a purebred golden retriever. Take time to find out whether the pup is truly purebred. I discuss it all and even answer some of the most pressing questions you may have about this dog. Shall we begin? They trace their roots back to Scotland, where Lord Tweedmouth bred them for hunting. He was a keen waterfowl hunter but he also wanted a dog that could be loyal, friendly, and even-tempered while at home. All this happened between to .Tweedmouth kept a breeding record that now shows what he was trying to achieve — a hunting dog that also had the traits of a family pet. Even though now extinct, Tweed water spaniels were ardent retrievers and in the home they were friendly, loyal, and calm. In the following years, the AKC changed the Golden Retriever breeding standards to suit the tastes and needs of Americans. Right now, goldens are a popular breed in the US, rivaling Labradors, German shepherds, and French bulldogs. How To Identify A Full Breed Golden Retriever Top on the list of ways to identify a pure golden retriever is to check whether it has the right paperwork and pedigree. Proper documentation is proof that the dog has been registered with a well-recognized kennel club or certified registry that keeps records for that specific breed. Meet the three types of golden retrievers. In North America, the American Kennel Club AKC is the largest and most popular kennel club but there are a few other legitimate registries as well such as: Canadian Kennel Club United Kennel Club Continental Kennel Club For a pup to qualify for documentation, its parents must have been listed with a certified registry. Once you obtain them, you only have to pay a small fee, fill up the registration documents and mail them to the relevant registry for processing. To be one hundred percent sure that your golden is purebred, check to see if it has the features that define such a breed. These are the unique characteristics purebred golden retriever puppies should have. Females, on the other hand, weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and are usually .Both genders reach full height after turning one-year-old and mature weight by the age of two. Structurally speaking, goldens have a symmetrical muscular build and look very athletic. Size-wise, they are classified in the medium to large category. Also, note that their hind limbs are strong and straight while the shoulders are well-built and rugged. Personality Goldens are defined by their sweet, soft, easy-going demeanor. They get along well with pretty much everyone, including kids, and are always eager to please the owner, but these and other great attributes will only be apparent if you train and raise them well. All goldens have a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that is resistant to water and requires regular grooming with one of the best brushes for golden retrievers. Some have wavy coats, while others are straight. Their fur feathers on the chest, underbelly, along the tail, and on the back of their front limbs. Shedding is heavier in the fall and spring and moderates in the summer and winter. To keep their beautiful coats in top shape, clean, and free of fleas, use one of the best flea shampoos for dogs. Other special characteristics of purebred goldens to watch out for include: Short ears that can fold over Fairly or dark brown medium-large eyes with dark eye rims A thick tail that is muscular at the base and curved upwards at the end How Long Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Live? Based on statistics, golden retrievers have been found to live an average of years; however, if you go the extra mile in taking proper care of your golden, she can live longer than that. Augie, the oldest known Golden retriever , passed away at the age of .Just as a reminder, taking good care of a golden retriever involves the following: Proper diet.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! However, whilst German Shepherds tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome German Shepherd puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a German Shepherd biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do German Shepherds puppies bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive German Shepherd, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do German Shepherds bite a lot? When German Shepherd are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why German Shepherd puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your German Shepherd puppy biting the most. Some German Shepherds will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a German Shepherd biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. Image licensed via Storyblocks. You need to draw the line between biting and playing. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. German Shepherd puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your German Shepherd puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult German Shepherd thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your German Shepherd suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a German Shepherd from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As German Shepherd owners we can imitate this behavior! If your German Shepherd puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your German Shepherd to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your German Shepherd will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your German Shepherd puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a German Shepherd puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your German Shepherd is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. Handy Hint: Here are some ways you can teach your dog to not steal from the table or start begging you for food. What you do is put a bowl in front of your German Shepherd then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the German Shepherd puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The German Shepherd will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your German Shepherd know you are in charge Older German Shepherds that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your German Shepherd to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your German Shepherd puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your German Shepherd on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A German Shepherd that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in German Shepherds. Something to consider though is how long your German Shepherd could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult German Shepherds that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a German Shepherd If you get bitten by a German Shepherd and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a German Shepherd from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your German Shepherd puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your German Shepherd, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military.