just had very bad experience with my flatcoat puppy.  Going for walk and he was off lead just crossing dip in ground when he turned grabbed my cuff growled and bit hard, luckily I was wearing gloves at the time.  I managed to slip on his lead, put my foot on it to stop him from going for my face.

I have had problems with his biting inhibition training which I thought were being resolved,(thanks to some brilliant advice from Thome and John)  However this was a more purposeful attack.  We are going to have some 1 to 1 lessons next Thursday.  Any other advice would be gratefully received.  Yesterday he had a parvovirus booster and worming treatment. 
I feel as though I have failed completely he can be so lovely.

Is there any possibility that my dog has physical problem that could explain this.  I have had him since 8 weeks and socialised him daily since 12 wks.

This breed does have possible inherited eye and joint problems, both of which might cause the dog to feel at risk, especially over uneven ground - I 'd say a thourough vet check is in order.

The only inherited eye problem on the list for Flatcoats is Glaucoma, and their hips, with a BMS of 9 are some of the best going! Of course, there are always the occasional bad eyes or hips but in relation to most breeds they are quite rare. As Liberty has said, they can be a very boisterous breed. Also a lot do like to hold things and that includes hands! I remember taking a friend's dog out for a walk at the breed champ show many years ago while his owner was manning the rescue stand. He was on the lead but really there was no reason for him to be, he never let go of my hand the whole time we were walking!

The worrying thing about this particular case is the, if I read you right, it is out of character, not the usual puppy biting. I notice you said that yesterday he had his jabs, as a thought, it could be that his neck is a bit sore so the collar could possibly rub on it? I notice he was actually off lead and walking at heel at the time, was there anything around that could have worried him? Is he at all nervy?

As I said at the start, Glaucoma is a very real risk and if he is in pain from that I can understand him being snappy. I would recommend you attend an eye testing session and have it checked. At least then you will know if it is a risk in your particular case. In the mean time, touch him around the eyes to see if there is any reaction from him. Have a look at the whites of the eyes and see if there is any bloodshot appearance. If you find either of these get him to a vet straight away, preferably a vet specialising in canine ophthalmology. Glaucoma is sight threatening and so many Flatcoats have lost one, and sometimes both eyes!

Regards, John
 

Have you tried speaking to anyone else that may have purchased a puppy from the same litter or a previous mating of the dam and sire?  Did you speak to people that were familiar with this breeders line to ask about this breeders history if they are known to breed physically and mentally healthy puppies? Have you contacted the breeder with your concerns?

Some puppies do play bite extremely hard, maybe the exitement of being off lead or the location provoked, over exitement with jumping up and pulling at you too hard causing the biting.

Usually it is suggested with play biting to make a negative situation into a positive one with a distraction such as throwing a toy to retrieve and bring back, making the dog sit before throwing and taking the toy from the dog to throw again. This way you will be back in control.  

Flatcoats are known to be boistrous dogs, and mine loves grabbing my cuffs, but has never tried to bite me. I agree with Pat, speak to your dogs breeder, and a visit to the vets will do no harm either.

Good Luck, I hope you are able to resolve the problem

liberty

It's hard to tell but is it possible he was overexcited and growled in play? My friend's flatcoat is consantly trying to grab sleeves etc, although at 3 he is now controllable. If it doesn't happen again i would put it down to overexcitement; however if you are at all concerned i agree a vet check is the best way to go to put your mind at rest.

Lindsay
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Guest, I think a knowledgeable flatcoat person is the best to help you through all this, as it's possible that you maybe need help in assessing the situation.    If you e-mail me and tell me where you live, and the breeding of your pup (click on my name, I think, it should give you my details)  I can give you some names of helpful flatcoat folk in your area. 

They can probably advise at first hand, and maybe help if veterinary help is needed.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats