Puppy biting - HELP

Question
Hi there,

We have had a blue heeler cross for about 2 weeks now.  (She looks and acts like full heeler.) I know it is puppy biting, but she has a strong bite and has broken my skin and no matter what method I try and is now acting a bit rougher with the neighborhood kids. I've tried to have a toy distraction at the ready; I've tried saying "no bites" and then telling her good girl if she stops (which she hardly ever does); and I've tried leaving my hand as still as possible for her to gnaw on and grow disinterested (ouch!).  I tried saying "ow" and yelping like a puppy (garnering me some odd stares ;).  It is getting increasingly frustrating and worrisome, especially because I feel like I can't even greet her with joy because she immediately goes to biting/mouthing me.  I am confused and overwhelmed by what method to stick with and what method might work...  Or, perhaps I am not patient enough and asking for too much of her too soon?  I do have her enrolled in  puppy training where they are all about distractions and positive reinforcement and lots of food treats, but it is enough to make the most patient person crazy when you really feel a firmer and/or different method is needed.  I am not in favor of any hitting or anything like that at all, but am just looking for some help so I can build a strong, positive and enjoyable relationship with our dog. Many, many thanks for your time.  Best,

Kit

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.

You just have to keep on correcting them, hundreds of times, not dozens. Provide sturdy, safe toys such as Kongs and Nylabones. Avoid things they can chew pieces off and choke on them. Keep them away from electrical cords. Crates are essential for most young Labs and other dogs.

The pet stores are full of toys that many dogs will quickly chew up into pieces they could choke on or cause intestinal blockages. If you are not there to watch, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs. Keep a close eye on chew toys and quickly discard anything that is coming apart in pieces. Rawhide is especially bad because it swells after being swallowed. I don't trust any of the consumable chews. The dogs just gnaw them down to a dangerous size too quickly. These problems are the worst with, but not limited to, large, aggressive chewers such as Labs.