Hi I'm a new member and after some advice please.
I have an 11 week old black lab pup, Cooper.  He's a handsome bundle of energy!  I've been doing some basic training with him to which he is responding really well, but I really want to take him to classes.  I phoned my vet for some contacts but the numbers they gave are not in Lichfield itself and I don't want to travel too far.  Does anyone know of any classes actually in Lichfield.

Also has anyone got any advice apart  from the distraction method on how to stop Cooper biting my hands and ankles.  Or will he just grow out of it?

Thanks in advance

Have you tried the Association Pet Dog Trainers website?  Usually worth a look and I'd recommend going to an APDT accredited trainer

This is another site of Dog Clubs - see Lichfield & Distict Dog Training

I can highly recommend Patria McConnell's book The Puppy Primer to tide you over whilst you find a class.  She's an excellent trainer and the books are well written and easy to follow.  Her website is a good place to do some additional background reading too

He will grow out of biting, eventuallly, but there are techniques which will help you both.  The Bite Stops Here by Ian Dunbar is a very useful read.  Also if you can flatten your hands onto your thighs or clench them into fists you make it harder, and less satisfying, for Cooper to wrap his chops around them for fun.  Also opt for skinny jeans over bootleg or flares!! :)

http://www.ssdt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

This is probably one of the nearest to you.  :)

Great advice and I'll definitely get the books.  I agree about the bootleg trousers! He thinks they're great fun, my ankles don't! Also crocs are not a good idea on your feet!

Good advice too with the hands, I have been making fists which seems to help, his teeth are razor sharp.

Thanks

Thanks I'll give them a go