Puppy Still Biting Me But Not My Boyfriend

[Eileen]

I am not sure what is gonig on but my puppy is still biting me, but not my boyfriend! Also, at puppy preschool the trainer told us when she was misbehaving, to hold her down (gently) by the scruff of her neck, as this simulates what her mum would have done. She still allows my boyfriend to do this, but not me - she locks her little staffy shoulders and I can't get her down (and obviously don't want to force it cos it might hurt her). I've been rolling her over onto her side instead - really not sure if that is the right thing to do.

It's funny cos she seems to like hanging out with me, sitting on me, playing with toys better with me, but still she bites - and trust me, her canine teeth are sharp, fishook shaped things. My hands are a mess!

She doesn't sleep on our bed, and is only allowed on the couch when we invite her, she has to "sit" first. She waits for us to walk up the stairs and enter doors first, so I thought I was doing everything right!

[GotAnyBlacker]

Sounds like your pup has a typical staffy's wilfull personality and she doesnt see you as her boss. My girl Poppy was like this as a pup and if you let them get away with something once then they will keep trying to get away with it again.

Sounds like your boyfriend is above the puppy in the pack position but perhaps your puppy see's you as equal and is not listening to you because of this. You probably just need to asert your position to the puppy in the things you ask it to do, and make sure it does them when you ask it to.

[Doghouse]

I agree..

You have to make yourself more assertive with the pup and elevate yourself in the pack order...Biting is not OK and yes staffy pups are mouthy, you just have to make sure pup knows that its not OK, lower and deepen your voice and a firm NO.. There are lots of threads on here about pack order and establishment of boundaries... both mine were mouthy.. but not for long..

[Dogsfevr]

Remember you can still be your dogs best friend but be in charge.

The dog does more with you because it nows the games can turn more in the dogs favour with it ruling the roost

[bridgie_cat]

similar prob here but dif behaviour - Lana jumps up on me all the time but not mum - simple reason is that Mum made it clear (not by being overly forceful etc - just wouldnt put up with it - ignoring, pushing down, saying "NO") from day 1 that she was NOT to be jumped on. So Lana knows this is not ok with her - I may tell her no... but I dont really mean it! and she knows it! But not such an issue as the biting... just = dirty clothes if shes been playing in the mud!

How this relates to you... just stick to your rules and be consistent and she will get it eventually - as you say she likes playing with you etc - as soon as you are bitten in a game... the game stops. If she bites you any other time - she is put outside... her actions must have a consistent consequence - doesnt have to be overly extreme - just consistent. It can take time depending on how stubborn the dog - but eventually they will get it.

DONT hold grudges. The biting has a punishment and then after a short time she is given another chance to have fun and be in the good books. When it happens again - just a NO and she goes back outside.

[Eileen]

Thanks that's really helpful, I will look up some of the threads on pack leadership.