By talizman
Date 29.06.03 09:55 UTC
Hi,
My (nearly) 10 week old GSD male is very active with his little mouth!
Not only does he try to chew everything in terms of furniture, but he won't allow you to pet him without him constantly gnawing your hand/wrist/arm etc etc.
If you try to pet him, he just opens his jaws and clamps on. It isn't painful as such, as he doesn't exert much pressure, but as you know his needle sharp teeth can scratch, which IS painful!!
I have tried touching his nose whilst saying "NO", to actually letting out a huge "YELP" so that he'd maybe stop if he thought he had hurt me, but nothing works.
He has numerous chew toys, teething bones, toy ball, squeak toys etc, but he still likes clamping onto your hand when you touch him.
Our 3 year old nephew is quite apprehensive about the dog due to this and so are we, how can I stop him from biting, and get him to sit nice whilst being petted?

Hi,
If you do a 'search' (top right-hand corner of the board) on "Puppy Mouthing" you'll find loads of previous threads on this very common (and absolutely normal!) stage of puppy development.
I just calmly, quietly, but firmly say "No. Gently" as I remove the pup's teeth from wherever they are embedded! If you use quick movements around the pup - stroking fast, patting, etc, he will get more excited - if you want him to be calm, so must your voice and actions be,too.
Hope this helps.
:)