Whippet pup biting still!

justforthis | 23:42 Tue 14th Mar 2006 | Animals & Nature

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We have a 19 week old whippet puppy. She's great but spends a lot of time trying bite / mouth us. We understand that this is normal but it is getting a little tedious. Can anyone give us some idea of when this stops? Do you have any tips for helping this process speed up a bit? She is in the process of losing her teeth by the way.

Whippets - harnesses and teeth

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Eels

It will stop when you stop rewarding her for it!

She bites - your response is probably to either tell her off/push her away/stop what you're doing. To her, she's getting a reaction, getting attention for this behaviour.

Surefire way to stop it really quickly is for everyone in the house (make sure any kids do the same - if anyone doesn't follow the rules this won't work) to take away the reward. As soon as she jumps up to bite you, get up and leave the room for 30 seconds or so. Don't make eye contact, don't make noise, don't touch her. Just leave.

By doing this you are responding to her behaviour by witholding attention and ignoring her, and she'll soon learn that it's pointless. There is no other reason for her behaviour beyond attention seeking.

Of course, be sure to lavish attention on her when she is good, when she isn't biting, when she's sitting quietly or playing nicely. You have to reward the good or you'll frustrate her.