Did Sage get bitey with strangers or other people? I feel like I will deal with our puppy biting us, but what do you do if they get that way with strangers? Step in and redirect with a toy? Tell them to tell the puppy no? I am just imagining taking our dog out to socialize and then every time someone comes up to pet him he will start play biting...is that what happens?

My last dog wasn't mouthy until his teenage years, and it was only with us.

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Typically she is better with strangers, but I keep an eye on it and if I see the nipper coming out it is time to leave! At home when the kifds visit they know what we want them to do and Sage is pretty good with them now. She does get excited to see them, but they ignore her when they arrive. She calms down pretty quick.

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Good girl Sage

Those are the things that give us hope and strenght to face the new challenges

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In 2 weeks time, I've noticed so many changes in Murphy...He definitely has fits of biting, playing rough, but it seems to have gotten better at 11 weeks. He'll still go for your hand, my hair and we set him on the floor say "ouch," "no," and "Calm." Then we ignore him. It stops quicker each time.

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Murphy'stown:
Citizens: Sheri, Greg, Dylan

I'm sure we aren't totally done with it, but I can read her much better now too and can see when it is going to start and a NO, or redirection keeps her teeth off my skin. I've also noticed that she will then grab a toy and bring it to me occasionally. I reward her by playing with her with it, as this is exactly the kind of behavior I want her to have.

I just see so many negative posts about biting, aggression etc that I wanted to post something positive and give others hope when they are feeling like I was...lol

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Of course, I mostly have to watch myself to not give inconsistent messages. I have to admit, that sometimes it's so DARN cute when I've said no or ouch with a firm voice and he looks a me for a moment with that mischievous face and starts to come back for more... I start giggling... I'm sorry but it's cute. Then I realize I have to set an example for Murph and for my step son, so I act all grown up and carry on with the "don't play hard/bite" training.

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Murphy'stown:
Citizens: Sheri, Greg, Dylan

Scarlett is 5 months and still going strong on the biting stage.. I have a sneaky susipicion the person who onwed her before me, didn't work with her much tho. I feel like my daughters first words will be "NO, SCARLETT!" LoL.

*pulls on hair* what the hellooo was I thinking getting a puppy!? All I can think of is how perfect Kasey was.

I just joined the forum and I have to say it it is SO good to hear that I do not have a defective devil puppy!! Lol! The more I've read the more I realize everything she's doing is normal and she's just a 7 week old puppy being just that. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Today was a tear filled frustrating day for me and is is exactly what I needed to read.

I have had a few of those. I by no means think we have it down, but it is so much better and I am glad that I can give you a bit of encouragement. Good luck, and we are here to listen if you need to vent or have questions...

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Lucy is almost five months. today she was impossible with the biting so I would put her out side, like time out. she would just sit at the sliding glass door on the deck and look at me with those adorable eyes. I would let her back in and she went right back at it,,,out she goes again..Did this about three times and she finally calmed down. I just keep telling. myself that it will all be worth it. They give us so much joy. Somehow we just have to get through this stage..You will enjoy this forum.

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