April 05, 2021

My puppy is 9 weeks and is biting at my legs and barking. I’m concerned that she’s trying to be the boss. Any insight would be appreciated.

Full Question:
My puppy just turned 9 weeks old and she has recently started barking and trying to bite at my legs. I can't decide what it is she's is wanting. It can happen at times when we are doing something she doesn't want to do, like walking away from something she was trying to eat. (which is everything outside). My response is to stand and tell her nope and if she continues I will put her either in her crate or expen. I've also been trying to direct her to playing tug, which she will do some but not every time. My biggest concern is she is trying to be the boss and I'm trying to do everything I can to assert myself as a pack leader or she could just be being a puppy. Any insight you could send my way would be so appreciated. Thank you!
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
This is normal young puppy behavior. When puppies do this and I can't redirect them with food (toss a couple treats on the ground to break her focus-make sure she sees the treats) or a toy, then I scoop up the puppy and put them in a crate or expen. Saying Nope doesn't mean anything to a puppy of this age. She's not trying to be the boss, she's just interacting in the only way she knows how.

This is how puppies play with each other and is totally normal.
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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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