Nipping

[MyDaneDuke]

Our puppy really likes to nip and bite. He's bit two holes in my son's shirt and we've only had him for three days. We are telling him NO and then giving him a chew toy and when he chews the toy we praise him. Is this the right thing to be doing or do you have any other ideas that might work?  I know this is typical puppy behavior and this was to be expected.  I've done research on what to do, but there are so many different options.  What seems to work best for you?

[schelmischekitty]

we used the spray bottle with ice water in it and it worked really great.  with axle though, he liked to take hubby's whole hand into his mouth and would bite really hard when he was a puppy, so hubby would gag him since his whole hand was already in his mouth(extreme, yes, but axle was really a pig headed puppy at that point in time and it was a big problem!)  the telling them "no" and giving a toy is a GREAT idea, and just remember, whatever you do it will take some time to see an improvement!  btw, welcome to bpo!

[MyDaneDuke]

Thanks for the nice welcome and the advice!

[rayray]

try saying OW! one time in a really mean loud voice or OUCH in a high squeaky one...like the sound your puppy makes when you step on their foot.  only say it one time and if your puppy tries again then you get up and go into another room and shut the door, count to fifteen, and come back out.  the dog starts to figure out that every time he bites you leave so playtime is over; if he wants to play then he can't bite.  you can also try tabasco sauce on your fingers....the y don't like it so they won't want to bite quite so much.