lab pup biting

by rishi
(mumbai,maharashtra,india)

Question

Hi I have a 5 month old male lab, Oscar... he is a very fun loving dog.. the problem is that he bites a lot.. he bites every one in the house... we give him lots of chew toys..

I know it's his teething period but just wanted to assure that after this period gets over, will he stop biting?

He is still not toilet trained.. I got him when he was a month old... I take him down but he doesn't pee or poo down.. he does it at home only.. I walk him for around 30-45 mins twice a day..

plz solve both my problems....

Answer

With regards to the puppy biting there are many things you could try. I'll list some things and then you can use trial and error to see what works with your lab pup :)

You should always use a sharp command when he does bite so that he knows that it is wrong. A firm and loud NO or EY works well and should shock them enough to stop. As soon as they stop and calm down give your pup lots of positive 'good boys' and possibly a treat.

When the sharp command doesn't work try using a spray bottle filled with water. Everytime your lab bites spray him with water whilst you say NO. Once you do this just turn away from him until he calms down. When he does again use 'good boy' and a treat.

Other people also say that when their pups start biting they hold their jaw closed whilst saying a firm NO. I've never had to try this as our Tasha responded very well to just the firm command and we'd normally just turn away without giving her attention for a while, which she didn't like. As soon as she calmed down we'd start giving her attention again and telling her she was a good girl and she quickly learned that biting was not accepted.

With regards to training labrador puppies to go toilet outside being by reading our housebreaking lab puppies to get the basics of it.

It is obvious that Oscar still hasn't grasped the idea of going to toilet outdoors. Never shout at your lab pup when he messes indoors as this will result in him doing it when you are not looking.

I would advise taking your pup out more frequently and staying out until he goes. Puppy toilet training takes a lot of patience and perseverence. When he does finally go say something like 'toilet Oscar' and then praise him lots and possibly give him a treat. After some work on both sides he will learn to go on command 'toilet Oscar' and he will associate toilet with outdoors.

The best thing to do is not give him an opportunity to go indoors. Keep an eye on Oscar and any sign that he needs toilet take him out.

I hope this helps. If anyone else has any other tips regarding these issues please feel free to share them :)