puppy too bitey?

Question
Sarah,
You sound like you know puppies.  How do I find out if my puppy is demonstrating a normal level of biting or if he's overly aggressive?  He's 12 weeks old and very bitey.  He's a standard poodle.  Of course, every trainer in the area that I've emailed has sent a panicked response, saying this is a critical time in his life and he needs evaluation, and they can come out to the house to assess him for a small one time fee of $160 - $200.  This sounds crazy.  What level of biting is normal?  Can you refer me to a book or article or something?
Thanks,
Hal's mom

Answer
Hi
Thankyou for the question.
Some biting is normal with puppies, however the trainers you have spoken to are right in one thing - it IS a critical time.  Right now you need to be training him constantly and any bad habits need to be broken immediately.
With the biting the best thing I have found is every time he bites grab the scruff of his neck and give him a firm shake and say NO firmly but without shouting.  The theory behind this is that this is how his mother would have disciplined him.  If he then continues to bite reprimand him again and then put him out of the room to calm himself down.
Of course I'm assuming his biting is just grabbing and pupy biting here.  If he is growling a lot or snapping in an very aggressive manner then you might be best to get a consultation from a behaviourist.  Most puppies bite in a "chewy" manner as they arent yet taught that humans are not chew toys.  With consistant and firm training he will grow out of this.
Hope this helps.
Sarah