Cocker Spaniel Pup

Question
Hi Labman,
I wonder if you could help me. I have recently bought a new cocker spaniel pup, called Coco (Bitch). I already have a Bitch called Lulu, who is 5 yrs (human yrs). We are struggling because she often gets agitated with her teething, and bites, quite aggressively. Do you have any methods of avoiding the biting, especially disciplining her not to bite us? How should we punish? Also, what is the best reasonable priced food? Currently, she is eating Royal Canine, but this is very expensive, and they are not completely happy with it, they prefer bakers! Please give us some assistance!
Kind Regards,
Kristina

Answer
Young Labs, which I know best, and other puppies tend to very bad about biting. You see a litter of them, and all the ones that are awake are biting another one or themselves. I am not even sure they realize that when they are alone, if they quit biting, they would quit being bitten. At 3 to 4 months they are getting their adult teeth, and it seems they spend every waking moment biting or chewing. One thing you can do at that stage is to knot and wet a piece of cloth. Then freeze it. The cooling will soothe the gums. Only let the puppy have it when you are there to watch it. I maintain a Lab's favorite chew toy is another Lab. Otherwise they settle for any person they can. They keep hoping to find one that won't yelp, jerk their hand away, and leave.

When it comes to dog food, it is hard to sort out all the hype and marketing.  Much of what I read is mean to provoke an emotional response and some of it is so deceptive it is close to a lie.  Good, factual information is very hard to come by.  I have seen nothing to indicate dogs need Royal Canine or the other the expensive foods.  Bakers is unavailable in America, and I have no way to be sure is is as bad as I hear.  I have seen excellent results in the service dog programs that feed common brands such as Iams or Pro Plan.  I would expect Pedigree or even Chappie to be as good.  Almost any of lower priced foods except maybe Bakers should be fine.  

If your dogs are poor eaters, you may be over feeding them. A vet check still won't hurt. Many dogs will wolf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs.  The sugar in Bakers could do that.  Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.