Hello all,

I'm new to the board and recently adopted a husky mix from the local animal shelter. I'm not entirely new to owning a dog as I owned a chow for 12 years, but I am new to owning one of this age, approx. 3 1/2 months.

Instead of going into this alone I sought the advice of a trainer and this website came highly recommended. Needless to say there's a plethora of fantastic info here but it's all a bit overwhelming for me. I am interested in purchasing some stuff to help me but I'd appreciate any feedback you guys can give me.

My pup, Max is currently going nuts biting everything in sight; and although he's gotten slightly better with biting hands, feet, ankles etc, it gets completely out of control when he gets hyper.

I don't yell at him or lose control as I don't want him to be afraid of me, but respect me. What steps can I take in establishing a better relationship with him? I understand him recognizing me as his pack leader is ideal, but what is the best way to start.

I'm looking into Ed's articles, and possibly some of the puppy video's. Would a prong collar help at this juncture? Oh before anyone asks. He is being crate trained and has gotten much better with it.

Hey Dan,

Welcome to the forums! I'm fairly new here myself, though I was lurking around the website for many years, but finally started participating in the discussions.

I think most everyone would highly suggest Ed's 8 week to 8 month old video, as it covers a lot of what most likley you're going through.

I also just recently got some of Mike Ellis' DVDs and they are fantastic! I think the first DVD of that series is The Power of Training Dogs with Food.

Anyways, I might check those two DVDs out, and definitely get the 8 week to 8 month old video. Should answer most of your questions.

- Jonathan

Hi, and welcome!

Definetly got the 8 weeks to 8 months dvd - it's great.

I think 3 1/2 months is a tad young for a prong collar, you need to be buliding a bond of trust and respect, I worry that a prong on a very young pup might not be the ideal way to do that.

As far as the inappropriate biting/nipping, carry tug toys with you everywhere, distract your puppy with the toys. When he nips, offer the toy - play a game. You want to keep his confidence growing, not sqealch it.

Remember, too, a tired pup is a good pup. Play games (including making obedience lessons into games), take walks together, play fetch in the yard, etc. Marker training is a great way to wear him out while working on your bond.

Enjoy him and best wishes!

Thanks for the quick responses

I'm definitely getting the 8 weeks to 8 month dvd.

I was uncertain about the prong collar at this age so it's a good thing I came here first before purchasing anything. I don't want to do anything hasty to damage my relationship with him.

I've started walking around with a toy and small towel he likes to tug on with me at all times. As I've done this I've had to remind my fam to do the same. He's been kicking their butts as well lol As for the treats, he loves the zuke's naturals so I will use them for marker training.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Hi Dan, and welcome to the forum.

I want to reiterate a tired pup is a good pup. Huskies need lots of exercise - both mentally and physically. Left to their own devices, they will FIND something to entertain themselves with, be that digging, chewing furniture, etc... I've heard it said that they can be a bit more difficult to train then some breeds (I know yours is a mix) so don't get discouraged if he is a bit "bull headed". Marker training, marker training, marker training - the videos on this and the Power of Training with Food are excellent.

At this age, Falcon had a short 3-4' leash with no handle on his collar at all times. It gave me a bit more control when he was just being a puppy. I was never without a rag or towel in my pocket that was used to distract him from hands and feet (as you are using) and that was extremely helpful.

Are you crate training this little guy? And pictures - we love pictures!

Best of luck with your new guy.

Ah, the "shark" age!

I just went through all of this with my pup who is now just under 6 months...well, actually he is now teething like a maniac so we are definitely still in the chewy phase. Just found two of his teeth on the floor yesterday!

I found this video very helpful: http://leerburg.com/playem.htm?name=flv/biting-puppies.flv

I also understand that my pup NEEDS to chew and provide him with appropriate items for him to do this, his favorites being bully sticks along with raw beef ribs cut into a single rib section and frozen and raw chicken backs (he is raw fed, so these are also part of his meals). I keep toys around the house for him and rotate them to keep them interesting. I have treats in containers place strategically here and there.

I live by the motto: "No reaction, just redirection!" It is working great for me...my husband needs to perfect his method a bit however lol.

Hi Dan! Welcome to the forum! And congrats on your new alligator!

Here's what I did with mine...
-On a leash, ALL the time! No free time in the house except when kenneled. That will show him that you control his whole life. We did all of our play outside. I did give him frozen kongs and things to chew on while on leash inside (while I was cooking or reading or whatever). He learned really quickly to behave and stay fairly calm indoors. That might not be reccomended by everyone, but I have a pretty small house with other pets and my walls would go tumbling down if I let him get into full play mode indoors!

-Lots, lots, LOTS of exercise! We went outside every couple of hours to run around like maniacs, take walks, train, and play to expend all of that puppy energy. To this day, he still gets excited when we go outside and immediately snaps into "train me" mode.

-He went everyhwere with me. Took him to work, took him shopping at pet stores, sometimes I just drove around with him crated in the car. Its all stimulation. Killed two birds with one stone- kept him "mentally exercised" by experiencing new things, and it taught him to be ok with riding around and being kept in the car. He was always exhausted after coming back from our little adventures.

Hope these suggestions help. We're all pretty much chanting the same thing- exercise and stimulation! And the chewing will ease once he gets his little chompers under control and the teething ends.

Please keep up updated!

 Quote: dan grandon

I was uncertain about the prong collar at this age so it's a good thing I came here first before purchasing anything. I don't want to do anything hasty to damage my relationship with him.

Even when you get to the point that you could use a prong I would first try a dominant dog collar. I know that people don't look at me like I am cruel and for me it works great. It seems less "clunky" JMO

Welcome and good luck!

Puppy breath! Just keep in mind that if everyone is not on the same page, some folks might be "undoing" what you are trying to do. Consistency is really important and the most fair way to train a pup. Good luck - he is adorable.