Why do Labradors bite so much?

Question

I have a little 7 week old lab, and he seems to always want to bite (especially when he is very happy).

He has also picked up the habit of barking and growling when he see's you making his food.

He is very stuborn and does not like to be screamed at.

He chooses when to come to my call and when not too.

Is this behaviour normal for a lab?

Answer

I think this is quite normal behaviour in a puppy, he is testing his boundries and attempting to establish himself as the dominant one.

This is where training is urgently needed, so that he is made aware of what is and what is NOT acceptable. You need to let him know you are in charge.

Whenever your pup bites pull away, say a firm NO, and then ignore him until he starts playing nice again. Do this everytime he bites and he will hopefully get the message soon enough. It is important not to punish, hit or scream, just the firm NO and ignore him. However, when he is behaving and playing nice, it is equally important to give him lots of praise and possibly a treat.

This should work a treat as he will realise what is the desired behaviour.

If this does not work, get a spray bottle and fill it with water. Everytime he bites, say a firm NO and spray a bit of water in his face, this should shock him into stopping the bad behaviour.

Labrador retrievers are dogs with very high energy levels and when they have excess they can cause havoc and start biting and chewing everything. You do say that he is especially bad when he is happy. Possibly start taking him on even longer walks or add another walk per day to tire the pup out a little.

With regards to your lab growling and barking when he sees you making his food, turn to him, say a firm NO, and turn away. As soon as he stops growling and barking lots of praise and possibly a treat. Do not give him his food until he stops growling.

I hope this helps! If anyone else has any other tips please share them with us.