Biting puppies - aka ‘crocapups’.

Just the two, but J measures, so that was enough. I will use the other half of Mr Rabbit for training at some point.

I missed the actual point of my story which was, even though puppy teeth can scratch, draw blood and hurt, they are already inhibiting their bites because they have so much power in their jaws that if they were actually trying to do damage, it would be so much more severe. Squidge was a proper croc, but learned in time to be super gentle with her mouth. But an experience like this reminds you how strong their mouths actually are.
 

Emily_Babbelhund

Mama Red HOT Pepper
But an experience like this reminds you how strong their mouths actually are.
No kidding! After Brogan's first TPLO the surgeon had me pick him up too early after the Op (it was New Year's Eve) and he was still zonked from the GA. I went to put on his harness and the movement must have scared him in his semi-conscious state and he bit me - first and last time in his life. I had on a heavy winter coat plus it wasn't even a full on bite (didn't break the skin) but it hurt like the devil and made bruises for weeks. There is an amazing amount of power in those jaws.
 

Lab_adore

Moderator
Staff member
Maxx was SUCH a crocopup. I've told the story a million times but that time at 4.00am with lacerated, bleeding hands, wrecked outdoor furniture, no sleep OH and I decided to give him back. We thought we were doing something wrong. Thankfully a small band of saviours (you know who you are) convinced us that it was completely normal and there were others out there going through exactly the same thing. Thank DOG you did as I couldn't be without my little furry monster now :highfive:
 
OK - I need hope !! - when does the crocopup phase end ? Cola 13 weeks on Wed - nice 2 toy play with my crocs just now - then suddenly not interested in crocs - go for mum - arms back neck ahhh - I can't help the odd ouch that comes out, even though I've read the posts that say don't react. Cola:devil: me:scared: - sigh
 
Depends on the pup. Some are not so bitey some are terrible. Long sleeves, distract with toys and just walk away if they start. I don't interact with biting pups. I offer a toy let them bite that and stay calm don't shout growl squeek. If the bite I'm no fun.
 
Oh, Squidge was a menace for months! She was far worse than the other two, both in duration and in how hard she bit. Willow was over it by the time we got Shadow, and that was 14 weeks. Shadow never bit at all - although when he was a bit older he would sometimes jump up and nip at clothing when he was very excited.
Squidge - I've blocked out exactly how long, but loooooong! With her, I had to do a lot of play time through the gate of a crate so I could withdraw my arm if necessary, and she was a monster at the calf chomp-and-shake!

You just have to remember that this, too, shall pass. I really don't think you can do an awful lot to make it better (and the odd squeak or "F***** hell, that HURT!" won't make it any worse). Management protocols to protect yourself and your things, lots of praise for appropriate play, putting pup to bed with a chew or Kong when they're overtired.
 

Boogie

Moderator
Location
Manchester UK
OK - I need hope !! - when does the crocopup phase end ? Cola 13 weeks on Wed - nice 2 toy play with my crocs just now - then suddenly not interested in crocs - go for mum - arms back neck ahhh - I can't help the odd ouch that comes out, even though I've read the posts that say don't react. Cola:devil: me:scared: - sigh

Yes. It gets better. They stop being crocapups. 🐊

Spencer was the worst I’ve ever known. You couldn’t walk in the door without those needles attached to your ankle! I had a toy in every pocket, at all times, to put in his mouth.

I‘d say he improved when his big teeth were all in, but he was ‘mouthy’ for a while after that.

He’s now a wonderful, sensible guide dog. Just two years old.

:nod:
 
I was the same as @SwampDonkey. As soon as my labrasharky started on my hands he would get a toy for distraction and I would walk away and ignore him. He would then launch himself at my socks/feet so I invested in Crocslippers! Lots of praise when he started to chew/play with the distraction toy instead of me. I would also give Hunter a frozen broth Kong.
For Hunter it lasted about 8 weeks, not long really but it felt like an eternity! The odd squeak and some word obscenities may have taken place....but it does pass.
 
You won't want to hear this @Foxy Lady but Bear is still quite bitey at 20 weeks :-(
It's less frequent, and more mouthy than bitey - I think h';s still at the end of teething so may explain a bit of it, - but will still nip my ankles, grab at clothing, often combined with jumping up so scratches as well. The toy in the mouth has sort of worked, but not always. I think he is developing bite inhibition, though is still really snatchy with treats too. I'm hoping it will magically stop very soon. I have squealed out in pain many times, and he has been called literally every swear word under the sun. :wtf::wtf:
 
You won't want to hear this @Foxy Lady but Bear is still quite bitey at 20 weeks :-(
It's less frequent, and more mouthy than bitey - I think h';s still at the end of teething so may explain a bit of it, - but will still nip my ankles, grab at clothing, often combined with jumping up so scratches as well. The toy in the mouth has sort of worked, but not always. I think he is developing bite inhibition, though is still really snatchy with treats too. I'm hoping it will magically stop very soon. I have squealed out in pain many times, and he has been called literally every swear word under the sun. :wtf::wtf:
there is good and bad here - bad :another 7 weeks of it :sad: but good I'm not alone with poor "ouch!" inhibition:wtf:
 
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