How do I get my American Pitbull five week old puppy to stop biting my two year old when she tries to play with it?
By sally martinez from Austin, TX
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First of all, a 5 week old puppy should still be with it's mother who will let it know when it's biting her too hard. Second, a two year old child should not be unsupervised around any dog. A child that young has no idea when it's being too rough with an animal, and a dog will respond the only way it can when it's being hurt - it will bite.
If there is no mother dog in the picture, you should do some research on training, or better yet, consult a trainer who can tell you the best way to handle the problem.
I TOTALLY agree with suescats. Our behaviorist says pups should be with the mother until at least 12 weeks regardless of wether or not they can eat dry food. The mother's training as far as play biting goes should last until the pups are weaned.
The Humane society, aspca, and most rescues don't want to place pups and small dogs in families with children 5 and under. Little ones, especially a two year old, cannot comprehend what their actions mean to the puppy.
Keep in mind: THIS IS NOT THE PUPPY'S FAULT! It is a poor situation for both the pup that you want to work out and the child that you ultimately want to not fear dogs. Is there someone who can do the initial rasing of the dog until it can be trusted with your family?
Puppies, no matter the breed, will "bite". It is a teething action. You need to correct the action, and redirect it to something that it can chew on. My Aunt had a great idea that I used with my dog, when she was a pup. Take your dry dog food, and a can of wet dog food (preferably the same brand name), mix it, and stuff it into a kong (for pups, use the puppy kongs). Then, place the kong into the freezer for a couple of hours. This is a great teething toy for your puppy!
There are several ways to correct the pup, when it tries its teething on you, or your child. If you google puppy training articles, you will find several that will give you ideas on how to stop, and redirect the behavior.
A question back to you. Why would you allow a dog near your infant,especially one that bites? The child should be your first priorty.
Pup is not biting mean. It is a baby that is chewing. Too young--needs his Mommy still. That is a bad rap you are perpetuating.
Sally, I'm sorry, but I feel you are heading for disaster. Pit bulls are banned breed here in Australia. This is not about pitbulls as such, but no puppy should be allowed to get a taste of biting a baby or child, even in play.
My next door neighbours sadly had to have their beautiful dog (not a pit bull) put down because it bit their 3 year old. They were devastated at having to do it, but the child, any child, has to be the highest priority.
Sally I come form Australia and own a Pit bull and over my life have owned many other dogs. Also pit bulls are not banned. Having children of my own who have grown up with dogs. The golden rule is never allow a small children to play with a dog or puppy because small children unknowingly hurt of stir natural play instincts which a small child cannot handle. But another dog would enjoy. With the chewing run intervention tell the pup No! while holding your finger up you may have to do this a lot and offer other things to chew on toy ropes chew food etc.
Always correct behavior and offer praise Good dog. I would highly recommend dog training as soon as possible as Pit bulls need kind but very firm handling. Pit bulls love to chew so offer as many different things as you can. Also please never leave your dog alone in the yard with children or even with adults they do not know. I have done this with all the dogs I have owned it is a good safety precaution and can save heartache.
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