Dear Tiffani,

My new puppy, Calvin, likes to use my hands as chew toys and it hurts! I tell him “no” and give him a toy. He doesn’t want the toy and tries to bite my hands again. I love to play with him but it is getting too painful. How can I have fun playing with my puppy?

Scar Hand

Dear Scar,

Playing with your new puppy should be fun. What Calvin is displaying is natural puppy behavior; he is not trying to hurt you. If you have ever had the pleasure of watching a group of puppies play, (which I find a lot more entertaining than T.V.) you will notice they roll around, paw at each other, and also bite and nip at each other. We need to learn to shape this behavior into something that is acceptable to us humans.

You are doing great by giving Calvin an alternative to chewing on your hands. I can understand how it must be frustrating when he is not interested in the fun toys you have gone out of your way to provide. You may try different types of toys. Different textures can appeal to different dogs. A few options are rope toys, rawhide, rubber toys such as Kongs filled with food treats, soft plushy toys, and if he is teething; a frozen washcloth is a good choice. With all the new “technology” there are many options available. At the Stafford Animal Shelter retail area, we even have a stuffed canvas bone made especially for puppies that can be frozen for teething pups.

Approach Calvin with a toy and offer it to him as you pet him behind the ears (not by reaching over the head). You may need to do this for short periods of time at first, as puppies can get stimulated very quickly. This will keep his mouth busy while he is learning that people and petting are a wonderful combination.

Another great way to discourage unacceptable biting behavior is to teach Calvin that nipping causes something unpleasant to happen. Namely, his  playtime with you ends. After he nips at you; look him in the eye, yelp like a littermate would, and turn your back. Leave the room if necessary. When he calms down, return with the offer of a toy. You will have to do this a few times until he catches on to what is expected of him.

An additional idea is to put something unpleasant tasting on your hands such as harmless “Bitter Apple” spray. With a deterrent like this, Calvin will associate nipping at your hands with a bad taste in his mouth. You will need to have visiting friends and family go through these routines with Calvin too, so he doesn’t think other people’s hands are fair game.

Hopefully having these tricks up your sleeve will keep Calvin from using your hands as chew toys as the two of you enjoy his wonderful childhood together, and grow to trust and enjoy each other fully. 

May your hands soon recover,

Tiffani

I’d like to add a related note about the importance of socializing a new puppy. Dogs are pack animals and need to be around other ‘pack members’: you, your family, and other animals. The critical period of socialization is between eight and sixteen weeks of age. Dogs mature very rapidly during this time and if not exposed to outside stimuli, they could grow up to be very fearful adult dogs. Expose them to noisy household devices such as the vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, and related irritants in nonthreatening ways. Take your pup in the car for various errands; not just to and from the veterinarian. Walk them on a busy sidewalk where they will pass various people, vehicles, and other stimuli. Even if you do not have a cat or plan on getting one, ask a friend who may have a mellow one if you can bring your puppy over (if the cat is used to dogs) to meet the cat and get used to feline company. Expose your puppy to other puppies and adult dogs as much as possible. I strongly recommend going to a puppy socialization class. Your pup is far more likely to grow up to be a friendly and well behaved dog after they’ve done class work. There are many classes to choose from, such as Nancy Tanner’s Paws and People dog classes. You may start with a basic puppy socialization class which includes exposure to children so pups grow up to be comfortable with kids, move onto a beginning behavior class, or choose advanced training such as agility or dog dancing. These classes are fun, informative, and train you how to communicate with and motivate your dog to do what you want. More information is available at www.pawsandpeople.com. It’s puppy season! So, enjoy the newest and cutest member of your household and know that taking the time to direct their behavior will make their puppyhood an enjoyable one for all involved. Do not hesitate to contact me at 222-1312 or behavioradvice@imt.net with any puppy questions about housetraining, nipping, chewing, and the many normal behaviors that puppies go through.