Border Terror

Question
I have a 9-week-old old Border Terrier pup named Bodie, which I got last week. He is a lovely pup and is eating well, already half toilet trained and can already sit and lie down on command. He is very affectionate, but every so often he grabs the hold of someone's trouser legs or shoe laces and will not let go. He growls and bites at your hand if you try to take him off and telling him off doesn't work. Within minutes he's happy and licking you again, but I am scared of him hurting someone. I think it just his amount of energy, but I'd like to get him stopped sooner rather than later. What should I do to get him to stop this?

Answer
Nine weeks is a baby.  This pup has not had time to learn from his litter mates and dam (mother) that teeth hurt.  No breeder should allow a small breed of this type out of its original environment until the pup is at least twelve weeks of age.  You are seeing the result.

Your dog is smart and bidable (meaning he is willing to work) but you may be pushing him a bit too hard in the training department if you are working with him more than a few minutes at a time and more than three times a day.  Telling a dog to get "off" requires that the dog understands the word.  I doubt this pup has any idea; furthermore, he is responding to his over excitement and (possibly) anxiety.  Squealing loudly and removing yourself very quickly (even turning your back for a few seconds) is a more natural "lesson" which he would receive from his litter mates, should he use his teeth inappropriately in an "insane" moment of puppy mania.  You DO NOT want to use ANY AVERSIVES (such as noise device or spray bottle) on a puppy this age, as he is in the middle of a strong fear response (8 to 10 weeks) and can easily acquire fear related behaviors.  Squeal, yelp, get up and move away (even if you have to take the shoe off), turn your back for a few seconds, turn back to the pup and try again.  This behavior should extinguish rapidly.  If it doesn't, repost.