My poms behavior

Question
I received my adorable pom about a month ago and I love him dearly.  He is 3 months old right now.  He is so cute and adorable however he bites soooo much! My hands are cut up from him and I have bled many times from his bites.  I think he's just playing but its getting so bad that I cant even walk from my room to the ktiched without him biting my pants or ankles.  The vet ruled out a medical condition and told me to just keep saying NO! I was wondering if you had any other advice besides saying no?  And also, would you recommend obedience school and how old should they be when they start?  Ps.  I give him many chew toys and a pig's ear, etc.  so I dont think he bites out of lack of things to chew on. Thanks! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Nicole,

I hate to tell you this, but this aggressive behavior is probably due to poor breeding.  I've had several owners complain about this problem.  I am forwarding the response I wrote to the last person that asked me about this--hope it helps:

Yikes! Sounds like you've got your hands full!  First of all, I'd like to mention that pet stores, as well as many backyard breeders are notorious for breeding and selling puppies with behavioral (aggressiveness, hyperactivity,
etc.) and/or health problems.  Also, puppies kept at a pet store are sometimes very difficult to house train.  I have received lots of questions from people who have dogs that have problems due to poor breeding and/or socialization.
I realize that you didn't know this, but I want to put this out there in case someone else gets to read it. I don't want anyone to have to go through what you are going through or have they hearts broken because they have a sick puppy.

Here is an interesting site on breeding:
http://wonderpuppy.net/breeding.htm

Hopefully, she is just not recognizing you as the alpha dog instead of the alternative--behavioral problems from poor breeding.  It doesn't sound like normal pom behavior.  Poms are not near this aggressive.  By the way, you are rewarding her when you give her a toy after she bites you.

Here's what I recommend:  You must show the puppy that you are the boss!  The puppy receives nothing without obeying a
command first.  This includes:  food, attention, treats, toys, etc.  In other words, make her sit, lay down, speak, etc.  Do not allow her to sleep in your bed.  (Put her in a crate near your bed.)  Do not allow her on the furniture or the bed.  Higher physically means higher socially to a dog.  Do not hold her over your head.  Do not lay on the floor and allow her to lay on you.  No dominant positions until she is completely retrained. No tug of war games.
She owns no toys--the toys are yours and you allow her to play with them.  Let her play with the toy for awhile and then take it away.  If she acts aggressive with a toy, take it away immediately.  Do not be mean to her, be sweet but firm.  If she growls or bites grab her by the scruff of the neck, shake and scold her in a low-toned, threatening voice, then look her in the eyes until she
looks away.  Looking a dog in the eyes is dominant behavior.  Look her in the eyes often until she looks away.  The first one to look away is the least dominant.  Don't allow her to get close to your face until trained
not to bite.  I think you have a good chance of retraining her if you'll be consistant and firm.}

Is your pom neutered?  If not, neutering him will make him less aggressive. If he has something in his mouth you want him to drop--offer a yummy treat.  Treats work great for
training.  I strongly suggest that you take him to a puppy or dog training class.  It would help a lot.

If you are still experiencing problems after trying these suggestions I would suggest you contact a dog trainer/behaviorist.

Please keep me posted.  Don't give up and stay consistant and be persistant.  You can do it!

Best Regards,
Carrie
PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS.