Hades is our new husky puppy. He is 10 weeks old and has a problem with biting. When we first got him it started out playful and we didn't think much of it. As the days went by we noticed it getting worse. He is biting harder and more frequently then before. we have tried saying "No", yelping, redirecting with toys, and ignoring. But every time we try to ignore him and put him in his crate he starts to cry and yelp really loud! he doesn't stop. We don't want to leave him for long periods of time when he is crying so loudly because we feel that he is getting stressed, or anxious.

we walk him constantly in the morning and in the evening. We even got him a backpack to tire him out more, but when we stop walking and stop to rest he continues with the biting like he isn't tired at all. We walk him outside for 1 to 2 hours twice a day at the park. We are very active, young people. we want to be able to walk and play with him without getting bitten or scratched, but we also noticed that when we try to show affection he doesn't like it. He avoids our touch and ignores our calls to him. He never shows us his belly and whenever we try to pet him he tries to bite us. We really love him and have tried everything with him, we don't know what else to do...we want to keep him and we are hoping he will grow out of this.

Well it is just in my opinion, but I think that much work-out might be a bit bad for such a young pup.

Have you tried and sprays like the bitter sprays? I think those have helped alot of people on here as well with the same problem.

MetalMama wrote:

Well it is just in my opinion, but I think that much work-out might be a bit bad for such a young pup.

I agree there. A puppy should only walk on a hard surface for 5 minutes per month of age, and the backpack may damage his growing joints. Let him run around in grass to his heart's content, and also engage in mental stimulation. Is he in any sort of training program? That will help him out tremendously, not only with behavior as well as socialization.

Also, how old was he when you got him? If he was taken from his mom too young (like before 8 weeks) you will have to work harder on the bite inhibition. Ghost was a bit of a biter but responded well to the ignoring and time outs. The spray bottle with a little bit of vinegar or bitter apple works really well too, but you have to nail them right in the nose or mouth or it won't affect them. I didn't have to deal with a super young puppy, but we do have quite a few members who got theirs at 5-6 weeks and they've had similar problems. Hopefully one of them will chime in.

hadesthehusky wrote:

But every time we try to ignore him and put him in his crate he starts to cry and yelp really loud! he doesn't stop. We don't want to leave him for long periods of time when he is crying so loudly because we feel that he is getting stressed, or anxious.

Unfortunately, this is only going to make his tantrums worse and worse. Essentially you're teaching him "if you scream and carry on I will let you out." If you are going to incorporate the crate- make sure he's calmed down and quiet before letting him out.

Quote :

we walk him constantly in the morning and in the evening. We even got him a backpack to tire him out more, but when we stop walking and stop to rest he continues with the biting like he isn't tired at all. We walk him outside for 1 to 2 hours twice a day at the park.

This sounds like a very frustrated over-tired puppy. Backpacks and walks that long are putting more pressure on his still very young and developing body and skeletal frame. You ARE tiring him out, to the point of being very cranky! lol

Huskies by nature are very mouthy. They discover a lot with their mouths. If yelping and other methods aren't working (and it's not going to happen overnight) you need to move on to tougher methods such as walking away. He bits, you yelp (such as saying no in a high pitched quick voice,) he bites again, leave. Just get up and walk away preferably closing a door between the both of you.

Agreed with the above posts. Way too much exercise. Our guy gets very cranky when he's too tired - including being mouthy. If you cut back on his exercise you will see his behavior improve. Think of a toddler - when they are tired is when they cry and throw fits and any little thing sets them off.

Pick a method and stick with it. Whether it's redirection or separation. Don't bounce between them. This isn't an overnight fix. Personally I'd use separation because he clearly doesn't like it - therefore it's good "punishment." Leave him in there until he stops carrying on - even if it seems "rude." Yes, he is anxious, yes he is stressed, because he's learning. Let him learn what it all means and eventually you will have a much happier - less mouthy pup.

I also agree on the over exercising!

One thing our puppy class trainer taught us to do is to get a good rope toy and play chase. Let the puppy grab hold of the toy and play with it for a few seconds. Then, lightly put you're fingers under the puppies collar and stop pulling on the toy (sorta like you're saying the game is over) and the puppy will drop the toy. Praise, then repeat. Eventually, incorporate drop/off when you touch the collar and he/she will learn that when you touch the collar area it means stop. This could work with him biting/nipping and will also teach him not to be possessive over things as well, because if he goes to bite you, right away turn you're back.

I highly suggest signing up for a puppy class! It will teach you a bunch of thing's you didn't know and it's great socialization for you're pup. Plus, at the end of class you're puppy will be tired and hopefully will sleep the rest of the night.

I have to agree with all of the above. Also since he is very young you may be facing teething issues which make the mouthing and biting worse (as well as chewing in general) and will also add to the cranky. (i.e. Toddler teething) Get a good rope toy, get wet, freeze and give it to him to chew on when you put him in the crate. This works as a redirection also.

.Ive had my puppy for about 2 months. She was a bit young when we first got her. She acted the exact same way. I let her play outside with my chihuahuas until she wants to come in. I reward her when she does something good and she has plenty of chew toys.