# month old Mini Dachshund puppy is very mouthy, bites a lot. What to do?

[Katie1]

Ben-Gay works wonders! Only costs a $1 at $$Tree of Family Dollar!!

[chiroptera]

Out/drop = release what's in your mouth. Easiest when there's a reward in it for the dog...trade for a tiny, highly excellent treat, or her reward for dropping something is a short play session with an appropriate toy. I'm of the opinion that corrections and punishment should be kept to a bare minimum for puppies, just for serious infractions...their learning should be structured play, motivational and fun. Corrections come later, once she understands that she has a choice between desireable and undesireable behaviours. Simply telling her NO doesn't give her much information except "stop this" which is difficult for puppies, especially when they're already stimulated and hyper. She has no alternate behaviour to switch to once you say "NO."

It seems that she would love toys and games like playing tug, fetch, chase if she's mouthy and has fun biting you! Human body parts react ...toys are inert so not so much fun. So make the toy react, as it were. Try substituting a toy for your pants leg or whatever she's going after...praise and fun for chewing on the appropriate thing. Drag, throw, tease, get her geeked about toys.

The consistency part is important, the less consistent you all are with how you react to her, the longer it will take her to learn.

She's old enough for obedience classes, assuming she's had all her puppy shots. Why not go to classes with her as a family?

[jasper12]

Don't feel like you owe anyone explanations for getting the dog you want! I can't stand people who think that they need to tell others where to get their dog or cat. The point is, get the pet you want, because you will have that critter for a good 12 years or more.

[sheena12]

Jasper12 thanks for your comment! I have been dropped as a facebook friend when I posted a picture of our newest family addition on my page! I was the recipient of some really ugly comments.

I bought the dog from a retired neighbor. Someone who would be termed a "backyard breeder" by some.The fact is that when an animal enters my home it is for life. She was already born I did not breed her. The price was lower than one of my adopted dogs, and honestly, I feared for the litter.
I intend to spay Roxy and care for her for life.
Some people become ridiculously militant, and do not take into consideration the individual animal. I would never pay the crazy price that pet store charge for dogs bread in puppy mills, but I have to say that at the same time, I feel sorry for those individual dogs.

[Poised]

I just went to the vet today and he suggested putting them in "time out" for biting (in their crate for a few minutes). He also said you can put your thumb under her tongue, which is uncomfortable, but shouldn't hurt them.

He said it'll have a negative association, so that way they'll realize biting gets them no where.

[gardener34]

Try rawhides, our dachsies all loved rawhides. Start with the "chipped up" ones formed into sticks, the other ones can be slimy and get swallowed, you can graduate to those when she is older. Remember ALWAYS to supervise when they are chewing. Also Kongs work esp with peanut butter.
Remember, lots of exercise - a tired dog is a well behaved dog. You are right to stop that nipping behavior, but likely she will outgrow it. once she figures out that you don't play along with her "game".