Train your puppy Not to bite!

Chocolate Lab Puppy Biting

Puppies bite!  It's what they do because they are teething.  We forget how much teething hurts but any mom will tell you teething babies are very unhappy and while puppies don't cry, they do bite to help with the pain.  

Whether your puppy bites for the pain, because it is fun or in anger, a set of needle-sharp teeth buried in your hand isn't much fun. You'll need to break this cycle quickly without breaking your furry baby's spirit. Once you train him or her not to bite, you can move onto better things -- like teaching fun tricks! But for now, let's put a halt to those vampire like puppy fangs to the nuckle or toe.. No need to call Cesar Millan -- you got this!

1. Don't worry if your puppy "mouths" you to death! Labradors are known to have "soft palets", meaning they "bite" softly- without injuring the prey, your hand, or another dog.  It's in his/her make-up to do so.  It is also a normal part of their development as puppies.  But do not confuse mouthing with biting. If teeth are being used, then they need to know it is not acceptable. Most puppies bite because they are teething, or because it's fun! The only reason they keep biting is because they misinterpret your reaction.
2. Realize that consistency is the key. Every time your puppy bites, make a high-pitch cry or yelp (like puppies do with litter mates) and say "NO!".  Give them a chew toy and walk away and ignore him/her.  Puppies want your attention so desperately that with consistency, they will get the hint that biting causes you to walk away and not play.  This is the last thing they want.
3. When he/she is calm, talk to him/her gently and stroke him/her calmly. Keep your hand away from around his/her mouth and rub their belly or bottom. You want to rub far away from his/her mouth and head as you possibly can so they don't get riled up again and chew on your meaty fingers or nuckles! If they bite again, just repeat the steps above!
4. Never play roughly with a puppy, EVER!  It establishes the behavior as acceptable will encourage this to happen with everyone.
5. Always praise good behavior with lots and lots of gentle love and cuddles!  Playing with puppy with a good chew toy, while praising them established strongly in their mind that you will spend time with them when they don't bit you!
6. If he/she doesn't stop, consider taking them to a puppy training class.  It's very important to establish training in the first 4-5 months to set up a lifetime of good behavior!

Godiva Labradors is a site about our puppies, parents Coco Pebbles, Reeses Pieces, and their son Rolo Ghiridelli and our life.  We also board dogs, have studding service, and represent Life's Abundance. Life's Abundance Premium Health Food is made with select ingredients, including high-quality chicken and catfish meals, whole grains, nutritious vegetables and fruits, omega fatty acids and much more. We never use corn or wheat products and we never use artificial flavors or colors. With Life's Abundance, you can be confident that you are feeding your dog advanced nutrition. 

Go to www.godivalabradors.com for more information or to order!

Puppy Information!

  

• ITEMS NEEDED/TRAINING/TOYS/ETC: There is a ton of information posted including what to have on hand when you bring puppy home, training videos, etc. at godivalabradors.com and godivalabradors.blogspot.com/
• FOOD: For the best health of your puppy, they should be fed what we've fed since 3.5 weeks, Life's Abundance Large Breed Puppy Food.  You can order and find out all kinds of information by clicking here or going to godivalabradors.com and clicking on Life's Abundance link. (Please make sure to order from this link as I will then be able to make sure you are well taken care of as I love this food so much I am a Rep for them.)  Also you should consider ordering the food ASAP so you have it on-hand. Also order the large bag so you get the best price and save on shipping.  Additionally, you'll get savings if you do auto order. We recommend you buy the 35.3 lb bag, that will last you approximately 58 days. If you go on autoship, we recommend the 8 week autoship frequency. You can always adjust the autoship frequency if needed.
• FEEDING: You will feed the puppies 1 cup in the am, 1/2 cup midday, and 1 cup at night, until over 20lbs.  Feeding servings via weight and age is as follows or on website.    
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• PICTURES/VIDEOS: We post pictues daily on Facebook and Instagram (see websites below) and daily videos (at least 1 but most often around 3) on our YouTube site (see website below).  Additionally, I am a photographer and will be taking pictures of the puppies in the next couple days and will have those available for your to access (feel free to print, post on social media (please give credit to @godivalabradors), or whatever.  Some people have created cards with pics as announcements). These pictures are included in the price of the puppy.
• VET: Make sure you have scheduled a visit for when you bring home puppy.  I suggest meeting the vet prior to that appointment to get a good feeling for him/her and DO NOT be afraid to change Vets if you don't feel really good with them.  Puppies will have first set of shots and de-worming and visits with doctor, which will be provided for you to take to your vet, at about 7 weeks.  Check with your Vet but typically Puppies will need to be vaccinated every 2 to 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. The reason is the effect of maternal antibodies. Puppies receive maternal antibodies from the dam. These maternal antibodies are more powerful than any vaccination that we can give (Go Mom!). PARVO will kill your puppy so DO NOT allow your puppy on public ground (grass or cement, i.e. beach, park, sidewalk) until all shots after 16 weeks.  Your Vet will let you know specifically when you are clear.  This also means don't even walk puppy into Vets office and place puppy on your own towel, even though Vets are careful, just be safe.
• ENVIRONMENT: Please makes sure to look up plants you have in your home and in your backyard.  You'd be surprised at how many plants are poisonous to dogs.  Additionally, pick up items.  Puppy chew and they will chew on whatever is left in their area. It is not uncommon for labs specifically to need surgery because they ate something and it gets stuck in their intestinal track.