Bites us like crazy, but is scared of other dogs....

[621mum]

Luna is an "exuberant" player She rarely will play at all without biting. We are still doing the "ignore her or walk out of the room" system, and, honestly, I'm not sure she cares at all. Part of the problem is that she won't play for even 2 seconds without biting, so it is hard to show her the difference. She does this with everyone in the family, and with other children as well (but not really other adults). Children even have trouble petting her because she tends to try to bit their hands. Now, she is not growling, her stance is relaxed, and often her tail is wagging, so I think it is just play. But, we are having trouble getting her past it (and with a household of 6 children, I will be glad when we do). She also chases, pounces on, bites the 2 cats when she can (playing still... tail wagging... "bowing")

So, last night, I took her to the dog park. I thought maybe some time playing rough with other dogs would help. We were in the small dog area, since she is only 25 pounds. There were two dogs in there with her. One was a toy poodle and the other was a mini schnauzer (sp?) They were much smaller than her! She was so scared. She hid behind me with her tail under. She would not make eye contact with them. By the end of the time we were there, she had stopped running when they sniffed her, and her tail was out some, but still no playing was happening.

I'm not sure what exactly my question is here. lol! My thought is that she is comfortable with us, and with children, but not with other dogs. So, that is why we get the biting. What do you think? Advice? We are considering getting an adult dog so she will have someone to roughhouse with, but now I don't know...

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Your little one is doing what comes naturally since she has no hands her mouth is the next best thing. Your doing what needs to be done to help her learn that it isn't appropriate.

As for the dog park, it's not I'm sure that she doesn't want to play but more a matter that she isn't used to the other dogs. Remember, other than her littermates when she was younger shes had no other dogs around so this is all new to her. In time she'll become used to it and I think its wonderful that your taking the time to socialize her.

[Jamilupine]

Have you tried the "yelping" technique with the biting? This is easy for the kids to do as well, and somewhat natural. When the dog bites, make a loud yelp, and discontinue play. Most dogs catch on quickly to this technique.

I agree with Crossfire Bulldog regarding the socialization. Keep it up, it is really good for Luna to get this contact with other dogs now, while she is still a puppy.

[Kelly]

Have you tried the "yelping" technique with the biting?

This worked woners for us with Chloe. Dante was never a biter, but Chloe was a bit mouthy. We'd yelp and she's stop and get all scared then start licking our hand. And we'd praise the licking.

[icebucket]

When my beagle starts play biting me i would just close her mouth and tell her "no bite" then walk away..

[miniaussiemom]

Hi Luna's mom! Our mini aussie pup was the same way with other dogs when he was a younger.He would yelp and run the opposite way just upon spotting one in the distance!I started taking him to puppy classes (aka puppy kindergarden) when he was just over 3 months old and it cured him!Actually by the end of the first class he was pretty sociable.Then he couldn't wait to get in the gate each class after that.It was a huge transformation!So keep socializing your puppy and before long he'll be eager to participate in all the doggy games!You might want to check out some puppy classes in your area..they're pretty fun!Now as for the nipping..our puppy "Chase" is 6 months old now and he's also been nipping us since we got him.Never in a mean way but I guess they just instinctively(sp) go for the hands!We tried all the methods we could but it's just taking time.He now listens when he feels like it..when we tell him to be "nice" he starts licking our hands.But if he's real worked up we basically have to just throw him one of his toys and hope it works!But it is alot better than when he was younger.Hang in there!