Play Biter

[Gypsy's Mom]

I need help, Gypsy is a Terrible play biter. She is always trying to bite at my hands and cloths when we play. It's getting really bad. I've tried distracting her with a toy and it works sometimes but not for long. I've been told that putting presure on the puppy's tounge when they bite and saying "No Bite" is supose to work but I'm starting to think that isn't such a good idea. She uasually just bites back. I know hitting is BAD but sometimes Gypsy will jump up on my six year old sister and latch onto her cloths, a few times I've had to slap her on the nose to get her off. But even this isn't working very well. (I really don't like to hit her. Bad Mommy! Bad Mommy! *Gypsy's Mom slaps herself in the face*) What can I do? I don't want my sister to get hurt. As much as I love Gypsy my little sister is way more important.

I love Gypsy and she really is the sweetest little dog, I wouldn't give her up for anything. I just get so frustrated with her sometimes. Will she eventually out grow this? I love to play with her and I want to be able to (and I want my siblings to be able to play with her too) but I can't let her keep biting.

Please help,

[mrsgrubby]

I don't think putting pressure on her tounge is going to help her stop biting.

I would continue to try to distract her with toys or chews when she is bitting.

Also, make sure she is getting plenty of excercise. Real excercise, walks, throwing the ball for 20+ minutes, frisbee, etc. Dogs really do need excercise and so many people miss this very important component in dog training and ownership. (my own dog is an angel, but take away her walk for a few days and she is horrible.) A tired dog is a good dog.

Lastly, short "time out" sessions work well for a dog who is playing too rough. You can either put her in her cage, or a room with a gate across the door, or a playpen, or anywhere you can for a few minutes. When she begins getting rough, try to distract her with a toy, if that doesn't work just calmly, not roughly, take her to "time out" when she settles down in a few minutes you can take her back out. "time out" is not meant to be punishment, but to show the dog that when they get bitey, or rough, all fun will come to a complete stop.

Good luck