I'm loving this website. I have a English Springer Spaniel called Bailey. She is now 11 weeks old and getting ready for her first walk.
I have one problem and one question. Firstly the problem , Bailey bites, she will actually jump to pounce on to me, attaching those very sharp teeth. It's more than nipping, she will actually clamp down with her whole mouth and won't let go. I try and get her off but she growls and starts shaking me as if she's trying to prise my hand off my arm. I say a firm no and have even resulted in putting her back in her indoor pen everytime. Any advice would be appreciated as my 5 year old is starting to get scared of her.
The question is, how much food should I be giving her?
Sorry for souding like a winger, but Bailey is my first every dog and I want to be a good owner.
Emma
Bailey sounds very feisty and full of personality and you need to get this problem sorted out whilst she is young. First remember that she IS only 11 weeks old so part of this behaviour will be a cross between play and trying to exert her authority with you – testing the boundaries. (just like your 5yr old did – probably still does ! ) You don’t want Bailey jumping up at you. When does she do this ? When you arrive home or all the time ? If it is when you arrive home she is probably excited. The key to this is not to acknowledge her until she settles down, then get down to her level to greet her. Offer her a treat for being a good girl. If it is all the time, then you need to pre-empt the behaviour by having a distraction technique ready – a tin with dried beans (or similar) inside to shake very loudly at her. If she tries to bite, do as you are already doing and tell her ‘No ! ‘ very loudly or even give a high pitched scream. shake the tin at her she will soon learn that the horrible noise only happens when she is biting ,She needs to know that it is not playtime and that it hurts you. As soon as she stops, praise her and offer a treat – immediately so that she links the reward with the action. Make sure she has her own toys to hand, especially ones that she can really chew on. If she carries on, remove her from the situation. When she calms down, allow her back in. Repeat as long as you need to. But, as I said, remember that she is only 11 weeks old and just like a baby she will put everything in her mouth to explore. She needs to know that your flesh is not acceptable ! Be extra vigilant whilst your child is around. The last thing you want is for her to be scared of Bailey or for Bailey to bite her. If she doesn’t outgrow this behaviour, it may be worth a trip to the vets just to have her checked out. Don’t be scared to ask the breeder any questions either. They are the ones who are experienced and know the temperaments of the parents.
Regards feeding, as you know she will still need four meals a day, so divide the required quantity by four. It depends what you are feeding her on. Dried food is easiest to measure and a good quality food (with high percentage of meat) will give you guidelines. But remember that no dog is the same and they will require more or less depending on their build etc. You could ask your breeder for advice on feeding.
Trawl the net, no pun intended (!), for info. Look on http://itsaspringthing.co.uk website and the
Liz