Nipping Puppy

Question
My 4.5 month old Black Lab has a bit of a nipping problem. Whenever an object or someone's hand comes even close to him, he tries to bite it. Also, when he is around new people, he jumps up on them and bites at their hands and clothing. He doesn't chomp down really hard or draw blood, but sometimes his teeth leave a scratch on your skin or a hole in your clothing. When I try to round him up after he bites, he runs and jumps back and forth all around the room, like he's teasing me. What can I do to stop this relentless nipping problem? I would really appreciate your advice.

Answer
Hi Meg

this is completely normal behavior in lab pups so don't worry!  He is playbiting and using his mouth to explore his environment and interact (it is what puppies do to each other).  You need to teach him that it is not appropriate to do to human skin or clothing; when his teeth contact you, yelp loudly and sharply (as if a puppy has been trodden on!).  this will startle him and he'll understand and pause to look at you.  calmly praise him and immediately offer a toy (move it around so he wants to chase it).  Then play a fun game with the toy with him - you are then offering him a rewarding alternative to use his teeth on.  You need to replace biting humans with biting toys - you can't just teach him not to bite, that would be like trying to stop a child using his hands, instead of teaching him what he can and can't pick up and play with.  consistency is the key and make sure he is not rewarded when he bites people; don't turn it into a game (would include yelling, pushing, pulling your arm away etc).

Good luck

Lucy