Older puppy whining and biting (for attention?)

[maria.codlin]

I recently rescued a puppy who is about 7-8 months old. I have noticed that sometimes, he will whine and bite me, I think for attention or to play. However now I am not so sure what he is trying to tell me because I put him in the crate after a particularly bad bout of whining and biting, and he calmed down instantly, no whining or trying to get out. He is the sweetest puppy and very friendly to everyone, but I'm not sure how to deal with this biting behavior which is getting worse. Yelping at his bites did not help to stop him, and so I have started to stand up and walk away. However sometimes he will come up and bite me on the back of the legs, when I turn away to ignore him. Is this a typical attention seeking behavior from an energetic puppy or could he be trying to tell he something else?

[JMFS]

Hello,

 

Yes, that's your typical attention-seeking behavior and since your pup is entering the adolescence stages he's going to be like a teenage human - sometimes exasperating! You're on the right path to getting him to understand good behavior will be rewarded, unwanted behavior will be ignored.

 

Here are a few of my favorite posts on the issue to get some quick info to you:

 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/forum/showthread.php?196-Biting-and-Jumping&highlight=nipping

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/forum/showthread.php?170-Grabbing-and-biting&highlight=adolescent

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/forum/showthread.php?57-Biting-dog&highlight=adolescent

 

Then the "How to Survive Your Dog’s Adolescent Stage" article: :)

 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/survive-dogs-adolescent-stage/

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Another thing that comes to mind since you mention he calms down once in the crate is that your dog may be getting a bit cranky and simply needs some rest. While this is common with the younger puppies, if this is a recent rescue, it could be he is overstimulated and doesn't know how to wind down. If your dog comes from a shelter, it may take some time for those stress hormones to get out of the system and for him to learn what it feels like to be calm.

 

If this seems to happen at a certain time of the day and with predictability, you can try to anticipate him by placing him in the crate with a chew toy before he gets too revved up. A blanket over the crate and some calming music can help him relax.

 

Jennifer has shared with you several posts on how to redirect the nipping if yelping doesn't help. Tossing a ball the opposite way can help keep him away from your legs as you walk away. A flirt pole may too keep his mouth busy and away from your legs. Keep us posted on what strategy works best for you.