May 20, 2011
Should I play tug with my puppy while he's teething?
Full Question:
Hello,This is in the comment section of my order I placed earlier today but I was not sure if it would reach you, so am cc'ing it to you both as well. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your extremely informative site, I have been reading articles and watching the streaming videos obsessively ever since I stumbled across it!
I am purchasing the Bernhard Fink dvd's to help me begin training with my new Doberman puppy towards Schutzhund.
The pup is 4 months old. My question is concerning teething. I know he should be coming into teething soon and have read NOT to do bite work during teething, could you elaborate for me please... does this include ANY and all tug play? Should I wait altogether until he is 6 months/past teething age to start any of this work?
I haven't seen any signs of teething yet, how should I know when I need to stop any bite/tug/prey drive work with him, is there any that is OK(I am also purchasing your rubber puppy tug toy and plan to make a fleece tug & leather rag for him at home).
I don't want to miss this optimum time for learning with him but of course don't want to harm his teeth or discourage him should he be in any pain. Please let me know where the line is drawn!
Thank you!
Berdella
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It's always best to avoid ANY tugging with puppies during the teething period (approximately 4-6 months of age) You'll see that the teeth are starting to fall out around 16 weeks of age.
The benefits are not worth the risk of accidentally causing the pup some discomfort or pain and creating a negative association with biting and tugging.
I don't play any tug games with my pups at all during this period. I wait until the new molars and canines are completely grown in.
Cindy
The benefits are not worth the risk of accidentally causing the pup some discomfort or pain and creating a negative association with biting and tugging.
I don't play any tug games with my pups at all during this period. I wait until the new molars and canines are completely grown in.
Cindy
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