puppy ;aggressive behaviors

Question
We ahve a 5 month old female.  She bites a lot.
Is this normal for this breed?  She will jump up and bite you on the arm, back or bottom; whatever is closest.  She was recently diagnosed with yearst in her ears, but i am unable to put the medicine in them as he bites my hands and runs from me.  I have been with this pup day and nightr since we purchased her.  She seems to have bonded with me in every other way.  I can take food out of her mouth.  I can take away her chew bone, but then she'll exhibit this other behavior. I never back down, but she continues.  This behavior is worse at night.
Any suggestions?
Judy G

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  If you take a class and she is a miniature or toy, make sure the instructor respects small dogs.  

Here are some other exercises that should help:

''Elevation for small puppies:  Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up.  He is facing you.  Hold him for 15 seconds.  Repeat until he no longer struggles.  If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.  

Cradling for small puppies:  Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby.  If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds.  With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down:  Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you.  Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position.  When he is quiet, praise him.  Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position.  When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work.  It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual.  I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective.  You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too.  Helps bonding.  There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly.  The latter cements your place as pack leader.

Also see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm