New Lab Puppy Advice

[nater]

I recently picked up my new lab puppy that is almost 8 weeks old now. He is usually pretty well behaved but when I am playing with him he usually goes for my hands and feet. Is this pretty normal for a puppy? I give him chew toys when he does this and that distracts him for about three seconds and then it is back to my hands. Also, when I am walking he jumps at my feet. Are there any suggestions on ways to correct this or is it something that will go away with time?

Also, is it a good idea to take him to some obedience classes? If so, any suggestions of where to go in St. Cloud?

[gonefishin11]

My lab did the same thing. I would tell her no and she would stop for a little while. She grew out of it at about 4 months or so.

[CFD200]

We got our new lab pup last Saturday, born 11/8. She is doing the same thing but the chew toys seem to entertain her a little longer. She seems to nip more at our youngest son the 9 year old. Probably the one closest to the size of her litter mates. I think it is normal and will come to pass. It really hurt when she got me in the nose last night. The puppy teeth are really sharp.

[rbach]

I think all labs go through the phase as pups. The key is to correct them every time with a command. With ours, I would say "no bite" and fold his lip up on a tooth with some pressure. Make sure that other family and friends don't let them get away with biting if they are playing with it.

Obedience training is always a good idea whether it is done yourself or at classes.

[Dave S]

I do the same thing as rbach. I picked up my pup from samtroy here on the forums and have to give him a HUGE thanks for the fine pup.

When she wants to chew on hands and feet, I will put my hand over her nose and give a little pressure on the lip into the teeth while telling her "NO BITE". Just enough to make it uncomfortable. If she continues after the first command, I increase the presure until she stops. She catches on incredibly fast for being only 9 weeks now. For the nipping at your feet while walking, have the pup on a leash while walking and hold enough pressure to keep their head elevated so they can't reach down to your feet. This is where a choker collar will be a benefit. No need to get the more aggressive choker that pinches the windpipe. A standard chain will do. Once they reach down to bite, hold up on the chain and give the same command "NO BITE".

[IRISHSOBNO4]

i picked up a pup before christmas and have had him for two weeks, and he is real agressive angrowling when my stepdaughter picks him up. he likes to play with my wifes boarder collie and can take him down if he wants, and he is only 9 1/2 weeks old. he has tried this with my older lab

but she put him in his place real quick, so i have had to limit his playing with the other dog. he seems to be getting better. but still do it.

i've had labs all my life and have never had one so agressive.

[Tripleplay]

I got my puppy late, last spring and when combined at home with my wifes 6 month old basset hound we had a real circus for awhile. My puppy basically had a wrestling pal way too much and tried to pull the same things you all are seeing with the human family members. Very aggressive and in fact my wife down right "hated" the puppy. She didn't mess with me because I used the technique that has been mentioned about rolling those lips into the teeth, but she sure nipped at everybody else.

Sent her for training at 5 1/2 months as she was ready and about to get banished to a kennel or another home! Came back a different dog---it was not only that she grew up a bit more but it was like she had found her purpose in life and that was to go hunting.

I think all puppies play this game and especially until they find their spot in the family pecking order. Bear with it and be firm but have fun and it will get better.

[walleyemkr]

My yellow lab is now 16 weeks and the problem you're describing really only stopped for me in the past 2 weeks or so... The first weeks were exactly as you described and I went to work everyday scratched on my hands and arms incredibly. The monster absolutely SHREDDED a pair of sleep pants during that period as well w/ his jumping and biting combined with the puppy 'head thrash'. He also did it on walks periodically, with or without his leash on. Similar to other suggestions, I used the "no bite" command and when he 'flipped out' on walks I'd stop and make him sit for 10 seconds or so (a long time for a pup). That seemed to work well. He too wasn't too thrilled w/ chew toys for more than a couple minutes during this 'stage', when I discovered the use of pig's ears... Although high in fat, they actually kept his attention and kept him in more than one spot for a while.

[duckbuster]

When ours was a pup she had a nickname,

MANEATER!!!!!

Nothing out of the norm there. It is just a puppy thing. Enjoy it while it last.

HAVE FUN!!!!!

[nater]

Well that is good to know that everyone is basically going through the same thing. I was worried that it was a little excessive, but after reading your posts he sounds pretty normal! What are ways that you have gotten them used to the leash? I tried by attaching his leash and letting him drag it around and all he did was run around and chew on it. Should I wait with the leash or is this a better time to get him used to it. I just have to make sure he knows its not a toy.

Also, I was wondering about taking him out on state land when he gets a little older to get some field experience. Are there any restrictions on just taking your dog out to run around on state land?

[Ufatz]

Patience! There is nothing abnormal about your Lab pup.And about sending him away for obedience training: why? You can do it yourself. If no prior experience go buy a good book TODAY. By Monday morning he will be sitting on your command. It will be the first step in a progression and he will quickly get the idea of training. As time goes, he will tell you what to do. He will show you how to train himby the way he reacts. Watch him closely. If he has a tendency to do some action try to naturally incorporate that into his training. I know this may sound a little strange to someone new to it, but after a couple dozen Labs you'll know what I mean.

Patience. And remember not to be too angry when he acts goofy. Keep in mind that that little dog worships you and will do so all his life. Have fun. Thos first six months go TOO fast.Patience.

[fishnhooks]

Oh Boy, this brings back some memories. Enjoy this stage of your pups life. The years go by fast! The times the pup tries to bite your hands and feet while your walking or trying to do things is very annoying, but after that stops, you wish you had is back. At almost 5, my pup is still being a pain in the neck when I am trying to do something outside. But I realize that I will miss that annoyance later on. Puppy teeth, chewing up one shoe (or glove) and making the other one useless, enjoy the time!! As my lab is laying here right now (being a good boy) I remember when the racoon hat got torn to bites! All I can say is this is the time to create your relationship with your pup. Don't go to fast and make the training fun for it.

"hooks"