i have an 8 week old sproker spaniel and she is a really loving dog however when shes playin and having an hyper moment she becomes quite agressive and has now started to take chunks out of people hands. she also goes for peoples feet but only when shes having her giddy 20 minutes.  im sure shes only playing but when we try n stop her she gets worse and my mum says she looks evil.  is this normal behaviour for a puppy.

Absolutely normal, and absolutely essential. This link will help you teach your puppy how to be gentle with we softie humans!

I dislike it when people say an 'agressive' or a 'vicious' puppy.

Its perfectly normal puppy behaviour, hes a clean slate knows no boundaries therefore he knows not of the wrongs in his behaviour. With no intent its not agression. You have to shape his behaviour, teach him right from wrong and whats acceptable.

The job of any new puppy owner.

Agree with Louise.  And anyone saying that a pup "looks evil" knows nothing about dogs.  It's sheer excitement when they are playing, because that's all it is.  Play biting.  It's how the pup played with its siblings, but now it only has you.  No such thing as an aggressive puppy - it's just being a dog.

The link you have been given is a good start to understanding that canines don't behave like humans, and it's unfair to interpret their actions as if they are human.  You need to show the pup what is required of it, with reward based training.

So your answer is definitely - YES, perfectly normal puppy! 

Hiya,

Yes your puppy sounds perfectly normal - I had a friend who aptly called her puppy velocoraptor jaws at this age :-D.  As for them looking evil they can do but your instincts are right and she is I am quite certain just playing and doing what the majority of pups do at this age particularly when they are having their mad minutes or doing the puppy wall of death around the living room.

Lots of people worry about this kind of thing or are taken by surprise by it even if they are expecting it and you're better off asking here and looking for advice if you are unsure, we were all beginners at one point! :-)

The article you have been given is a great starting point and really worth following.  Puppies use their mouths and teeth naturally and it is a great time to be using this and teaching them bite inhibition.

I would also recommend if you aren't already enroling in a training class when the pup has finished jabs.  Look for a class that has maybe 5/6 per class so ins't over crowded and will mean that the dogs and owners will have space and individual time if needed.  Make sure that it is a class that uses reward based methods and that will be fun for you and your new pup.   A well run class can be invaluable for new owners and great for pups to get used to learning and experiencing new things.  Enjoy your puppy :-)

That thread worries me when it says pups should not go to their homes until 10 weeks.  DOn't really agree with that especially with my breed.

Here's a couple of good articles on bite inhibition and mouthing

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/puppy-biting

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/more-bite-inhibition-because-its-so-important

Oh yes, puppies are part piranha if you ask me!! Ellie was a terrible biter as a puppy!! :-D