How to Stop My Lab Puppy From Biting Ankles
Your lab puppy has been bred to spend hours in the outdoors, running, swimming and retrieving. As a result she is a high-energy dog. She is not a sensitive dog because she has been bred to endure the harsh elements that accompany the hunt. As a retriever, her breeding also encourages her to use her mouth a lot. Any puppy will be mouthy, but your lab puppy may take this to the next level with her constant play biting. While you do not want to dampen her spirits, you will need to stop her from biting your ankles.
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Instructions
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1
Keep a leash on your puppy while you are training him for better control.
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2
Stop all movement and tell him, "no," when he attacks your ankle.
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3
Use the leash to gently but firmly pull him away from your ankle if he does not release his grip.
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4
Lead him to his crate and close him inside if he attacks your ankle after you have pulled him away. Alternately, remove yourself from the room if he continues his attack.
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5
Return to the room or release him from the crate after five to 10 minutes.
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Repeat steps one through five until he behaves politely. At this time reward him by praising him and giving him attention.
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Always have a toy ready for re-direction. If your puppy attacks your ankles when you walk into the house, keep toys ready and waiting by the door to get her attention off of you and onto a more appropriate chew toy. Reward her with praise, attention and play when she attacks the toy instead of your ankle.
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Tips & Warnings
The insensitivity of the lab breed may mean you have a puppy that does not easily notice when you are angry with her. Unlike a breed that will cringe with a harsh word from you, your lab will be happily oblivious to your frustration. As a result it is extremely important that you be firm and consistent when you are training your lab puppy.
Praise your puppy and give her attention any time she is playing nicely.
Do not tug your ankle away from her when she is latched on as this may encourage her attack. Similarly, do not play tug with your mouthy lab puppy.
Make sure your lab puppy gets plenty of exercise, has plenty of mental stimulation and has a cache of appropriate chew items.
Train your lab puppy early to know basic commands and behave politely. Take her to classes if you do not feel confident of your training skills. A puppy who knows how to do a polite sit on command can be redirected more readily from her bad behavior.
