I've never had a pup that young, but it does sounds like normal puppy behavior and not specific to herding breeds.
Herding dog?
I just adopted a 6-week old puppy, who is now almost 7 weeks. (I didn't realize at the time that getting a puppy at that age is not good, and I don't know why the rescue organization did not wait 2 more weeks). She looks like a lab, I've seen the mom and she is a little leaner and longer than a lab but same height, dad is unknown. I'm wondering if she may have some shepherd in her, since she likes to get underfoot, and is very driven to nip at the kids legs. She's getting better, and neither behavior is a huge problem, but she's been stepped on a couple times because of getting right underfoot. When running around with her she'll try to run right up beside you and get in front of your feet. And the determined nipping is annoying, I know she'll grow out of it with some training and guidance. My question is- Is this normal behavior for this age? Or does it sound like she may have some herding drive? Any suggestions on the best way to minimize her drive to "herd" the kids by nipping? Thanks!!
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ThanksI've never had a pup that young, but it does sounds like normal puppy behavior and not specific to herding breeds.
Field/working Labs tend to be much leaner and longer legged than your typical show line Lab, so it's entirely possible that mom is a purebred Lab. Lab puppies are notorious for being land sharks, and chewing on any and every thing that crosses their path, including humans. And chasing and nipping at running kids is very much puppy behavior common to all breeds.
For mouthing on you, redirect, redirect, redirect... If her teeth make contact with skin, give her an approved chew toy. If consistent redirecting doesn't seem to be doing the trick, pop her in her crate for a minute or two, or else step over a baby gate to remove yourself. Also, consider that she might need a nap. Tired puppies are bitey puppies.
It's hard, I know, but try and not let the kids run when they are around her. Running is exciting, and excitement leads to even more nipping.
For mouthing on you, redirect, redirect, redirect... If her teeth make contact with skin, give her an approved chew toy. If consistent redirecting doesn't seem to be doing the trick, pop her in her crate for a minute or two, or else step over a baby gate to remove yourself. Also, consider that she might need a nap. Tired puppies are bitey puppies.
It's hard, I know, but try and not let the kids run when they are around her. Running is exciting, and excitement leads to even more nipping.
I have a Sheepadoodle, 13 weeks old. A cross Between a sheepdog and a standard poodle. It’s a true herding dog and when she came into our home I cannot believe how much she was nipping at my ankles to the point where I had marks and scratches along with some bleeding. When she plays with my daughters dog she also nips hiIt’s a true herding dog and when she came into our home I cannot believe how much she was nipping at my ankles to the point where I had marks and scratches along with some bleeding. When she plays with my daughters dog she also nips . I have to say it’s normal behavior for a herding dog and it has lessened between the dog and humans. Although, she still plays like that with other dogs. I feel your pain.
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