We got our 10 week old lab/boxer/mutt mix a little over a week ago. So far he’s been amazing- doing awesome sleeping in the crate, etc.
My biggest issue right now is his incessant tugging on my clothing. Hes only doing this to me and my kids- my husband has been spared somehow. The issue is that he LATCHES on, growls, and proceeds to then turn it into a very intense tug of war game. He has bit right through my skin by tearing into clothing multiple times this week and I’m covered in some nasty gashes. He also goes right for the kids faces so now they’re barely wanting to play with him.
When be latched on, I’m worried that the fabric of my clothing is going to rip a tooth out (it’s freezing here so wearing a lot of sweaters). It ends up causing more of a tug of war when I try to pry it from his mouth and gives him more of that “push pull” sensation which I know is not effective. He continues to growl the whole time. We had to stop letting him on the couch completely as he would latch and growl the entire time being up there.
Tonight he kept doing it and I tried what I’ve read is the best method, which is going behind a gate and passively ignoring him. I did this about 3 times (every time I came back he was back on the prowl immediately after I came through the gate). The final time he did it, he bit through my pants onto my thigh (he’s done this a few times and it causes me to inadvertently yell). I tried making a noise by patting my thigh to get him to let go but he was hooked. I feel horrible for yelling but those puppy teeth are sharp and it gives me anxiety that he’s going to hurt either myself or him by getting his tooth stuck.
I love him so much but this is by far the hardest part. I know puppies aren’t aggressive but I worry a lot about this turning into aggressive behavior because he’s getting big fast. I use a lot of positive reinforcement (treats, good boy!, etc) but this issue has me feeling defeated. I want to be a good dog parent and feel like I’m failing. We are starting puppy class next week which I’m hoping working with a trainer helps
submitted by /u/HoneydewEmotional500
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