Rescue Labrador Biting

Rescue Labrador Biting

by Kathy
(France)

Hi,

I have just adopted an 18 month Labrador from a rescue centre, she has been in there for 5 months so has had almost zero training for her whole life.

She is gorgeous and generally quite well behaved but she is trying to get dominance and is biting me and my husband when she gets excited (for example when we return after being out or when we try to play with her). We have only had her for 4 days so I do not want to give up on her, but the rescue centre will only take her back within the first 2 weeks and I worry that we might keep her and this behaviour will get worse.

She understands "no" and "sit" under other circumstances but when excited she just ignores us and bites arms, legs, feet, any part that moves!

Should we try the ignoring thing? When she bites should we just walk away?

Thanks in advance for any advice. Rosey is a lovely dog and I want to offer her a good second home.

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Rescue Labrador Biting

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Jul 08, 2010
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Bitting while playing just doesn't mix.
by: Daisy

Hello,
I have a black lab who is only 5 months old, but I have gone through the exact same problem. My Bella does not do the biting thing with me, but with my fiance. She was that way with both of us at first, however I made it clear that I am the dominate one in the house. Since labs are so playful and love food, use treats to control them. Trust me they will become quite attentive when they smell yummy in your hands. You could also try using a dental bone but only give it to him/her when they have obeyed your command to sit. The words "be nice" are like magic for my puppy. She can be terribly hyper but when I say those words she mellows out instantly. Also, stand tall to your pup when you are speaking to her/him, he/she needs to know that you are the leader of the pack, and that she is not equal to you or above you. Once your pup knows it's place, it will listen to you much better.

Don't give up!
Daisy