[Yz_ThaiRidgeback_Owner]

We recently acquired a Thai Ridgeback puppy. He's now 4 months old. We've had him for a month. He still nips and bites like a lot! And he often gets into a "zoom" type mood that is combined with biting like a playful fight, and he pounces around like a crazy dog. I noticed he does this extra when he smells "outdoor" chair cushions that are brought in by the porch door to keep dry, it's like the smell awakens some primal instinct. He never once bit out of anger, but his bites still hurt and get me mad when he's acting bitey to my young kids. Other than this he's an amazing dog, much better and calmer than I thought he would be. But unfortunately we're almost at our wits end with this constant biting. He still has his puppy teeth.
We've owned 2 dogs before but they were rescues and they didn't have this tendency to bite all the time.
Does anyone have any advice on how we should handle this?
Thanks!

 

[Knute]

Sounds like normal puppy play. The dog does not know how to control his bite. You must teach bite control.

When he mouths you, YIP LOUDLY, stop play with the dog. Never yank you hand away, this will lead to injury. Most critical, DO NOT get angry. Do not strike or yell at him. Just YIP and stop playing. You can resume play after a brief timeout.

The "zooms" are a vent for excess energy. The dog needs more time on exercise or walking or outdoor play. My dog is nearly 4 years old.....he still gets the zoomies. I walk him at least 3X/day for about 2 hours total. My point is the zoomies never really disappear.

 

[Yz_ThaiRidgeback_Owner]

Sounds like normal puppy play. The dog does not know how to control his bite. You must teach bite control.

When he mouths you, YIP LOUDLY, stop play with the dog. Never yank you hand away, this will lead to injury. Most critical, DO NOT get angry. Do not strike or yell at him. Just YIP and stop playing. You can resume play after a brief timeout.

The "zooms" are a vent for excess energy. The dog needs more time on exercise or walking or outdoor play. My dog is nearly 4 years old.....he still gets the zoomies. I walk him at least 3X/day for about 2 hours total. My point is the zoomies never really disappear.

Thanks for the response. By "Yip" do you mean "Ouch"? We have been doing that and it isn't working that well. And these Zoomies don't seem to be just "playing" it seems he wants to spar like practice fighting..Meaning we aren't initiating it. He just gets crazy...But he really is a good dog, I can't stress that enough.