How to Train a Chow Chow Puppy to Not Bite

Hello Yvonne, Check out the article linked below. Starting today, use the "Yelp" method (which you are already essentially doing). BUT at the same time, begin teaching "Leave It" from the "Leave It" method. As soon as pup is good at the Leave It game, start telling pup to "Leave It" when she attempts to bite or is tempted to bite. Reward pup if she makes a good choice. If she disobeys your leave it command, use the Pressure method to gently discipline pup for biting when you told her not to. The order or all of this is very important - the yelp method can be used for the next couple of weeks while pup is learning leave it, but leave it will teach pup to stop the biting entirely. The pressure method teaches pup that you mean what you say without being overly harsh - but because you have taught pup to leave it first, pup clearly understands that you are not just roughhousing (which is what pup probably thinks most of the time right now), so it is more effective. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Another important part of this is puppy learning bite inhibition. Puppies have to learn while young how to control the pressure of their mouths - this is typically done through play with other puppies. See if there is a puppy class in your area that comes well recommended and has time for moderated off-leash puppy play. If you can't join a class, look for a free puppy play group, or recruit some friends with puppies to come over if you can and create your own group. You are looking for puppies under 6 months of age - since young puppies play differently than adult dogs. Moderate the puppies' play and whenever one pup seems overwhelmed or they are all getting too excited, interrupt their play, let everyone calm down, then let the most timid pup go first to see if they still want to play - if they do, then you can let the other puppies go too when they are waiting for permission. Finding a good puppy class - no class will be ideal but here's what to shoot for: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/puppy-classes-when-to-start/ When pup gets especially wound up, she probably needs a nap too. At this age puppies will sometimes get really hyper when they are overtired or haven't had any mental stimulation through something like training. When you spot that and think pup could be tired, place pup in their crate or an exercise pen with a food stuffed Kong for a bit to help her calm down and rest. Finally, check out the PDF e-book downloads found on this website, written by one of the founders of the association of professional dog trainers, and a pioneer in starting puppy kindergarten classes in the USA. Click on the pictures of the puppies to download the PDF books: https://www.lifedogtraining.com/freedownloads/ Know that mouthiness at this age is completely normal. It's not fun but it is normal for it to take some time for a puppy to learn self-control well enough to stop. Try not to get discouraged if you don't see instant progress, any progress and moving in the right direction in this area is good, so keep working at it. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Steve, If he is used to being handled try parting the fur and see if there is a hot spot (red or inflamed area) or if his fur is tangled there (somethings knots will form and pull and be uncomfortable while shedding). If there is inflammation and redness, then a trip to your vet is needed to see if there is a fungal or bacterial infection or simply buy medicated shampoo - I am not a vet so your vet can evaluate. If there is a knot, then a trip to the groomers is needed or you can try to carefully get the knots and extra fur bunched up out yourself. If it is irritated he may need to wear a cone for a bit while it heals to keep him from biting at it and making it worse. If he is not on flea or tick medication, then check for fleas or ticks. Fleas will also leave little black dots smaller than grains of sand behind - You can wet a white paper towel and rub it over a furless area like his belly and see if you pick up any black dots - when the dots get wet they will typically turn red-ish if it's from fleas - it is the digested blood that they eat dried. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Thank you for the question. Did you meet Moose before you decided to take him? It is unusual that a breeder would want to meet in a parking lot and not at the kennel; this type of introduction could be intimidating to a young pup and maybe a bit scary, too. That may explain the bite. The fact that Moose growls and bites at everyone sounds like he may not have been socialized well. I would contact a trainer in your area used to dealing with fearful and aggressive dogs (Moose may be reacting out of fear). The trainer can help Moose learn that people are nice and meant to be his friends. Take Moose out for walks often in the meantime so that he can bond with you. When in the house, let him come to you and give him treats when he does to encourage interaction. Do not punish him for his behavior; instead, give him love and assurance. But, a professional trainer is needed. Good luck!

Hello! If you haven't already, you may want to get her a crate, or at the least, a dog bed that is specifically her own. She likely won't sleep through the night for another month or so because of her age, but the crate will keep her confined and it will give her her own space. Dogs are denning animals and they prefer to have a space of their own. When left to wander and roam, their anxiety can sometimes increase. A crate also aids in potty training as they USUALLY won't eliminate in their sleeping space unless it is an emergency.