Puppies that bite and get aggressive

Question
QUESTION: I have a three-week-old puppy that is a cross between a husky and a terrier. When she is in a good mood she has a lovely temperament, however, when she gets into the biting mood she becomes aggressive. I try shouting at her and speaking sternly but it doesn't stop her, it's as if she doesn't want to stop. Some people recommend a quick smack to stop her, but I don't think this is a good idea. Please give me some advice on what we can do because we spend most of our time scolding her rather than getting her to bond with us.

ANSWER: Hi, Natasha,

Thanks for the question.

I think you must mean you have a three-month old puppy, not a three-WEEK old puppy. Correct?

LCK

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: sorry about that, you can imagine how concerned I am to make such a silly mistake. Yes, she is a three month old puppy.

Answer
Hi, Natasha,

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I'm having computer problems.

Puppies are very oral. They can't help it. Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and puppies gotta nip and bite and explore the world with their teeth. They don't really mean anybody any harm. It's just that those little needles they call teeth are so darn sharp!

That said, DO NOT SCOLD OR PUNISH YOUR PUPPPY FOR HER ORAL IMPULSES. It will only make her more determined to use her teeth in ways that are not going to be pleasant for you or your friends, family, and furniture! You have to find ways to redirect her into something she should bite, like a soft toy, or a squeaky rubber toy, or a bone. Whatever her teeth feel like having at any given moment.

Puppies also have three speeds: 1) too pooped to move, 2) very active and curious about everything, and 3) overtired, which can seem a lot like ANGRY. It's not. It's just a state where certain neurochemicals are firing so rapidly that she can't control herself. She may squawk and scream and try to tear the walls down, but since she's over TIRED, the mood shouldn't last long.

I hope this helps! I've run out of time, so go to my website and my blog for more info!

LCK
http://www.leecharleskelley.com
http://LeeCharlesKelleysBlog.blogspot.com