Biting Again

Question
Hello this is Michael again and I have the same question about stopping his biting habit. I tried to do what you said but my puppy is starting to development strong jaw muscels, so his bites hurt now plus he has very sharp teeth and saying no! is not making him stop. Is there any other method you can give me to stop this habit

Answer
Hi Michael!

First, let's look at the puppy for a moment.  He is a toddler by developmental standards.  It will take more than 48 hours of application of any new idea for it to be learned.  He is a baby!  Babies do not know better.

Second, are you pushing with your finger/hand into his mouth until the dog acts like it is going to gag or pull away?  That's the reaction you want, be firm but don't harm him.  Take your hand out of his mouth and replace it with a chew bone.  This will teach him that the chew toy is ok, but people are not chew bones.

By the way, he'll need chew bones until he is at least 2 years old and gets his adult teeth.

Michael, puppies require a great deal of patience.  Nothing happens overnight.  The way to think of it is nothing is too big that it can't be overcome, and your Sheltie would be patient for you if the roles were reversed.

'sneezes
Dave