Re: [PyrNet-L] biting

[clhenke@juno.com]

Trenton, has anyone written back?  Usually you will hear quite a bit on
puppy chewing.  I am of the opinion that people get too bent out of shape
on this.  Understand that  oral mouthing is all a little one has to learn
it's world.  Guide the mouthing, if it hurts give it a word, no, easy,
gently.  Give it more hand, make it a little uncomfortable
( gently, not breaking it's jaw ), reminding it you want it to go easy. 
Do not rough house the mouthing, do nothing to encourage rough mouthing,
but allow it to mouth you as long as it is gentle.  Dampen smooth knotted
cloths and freeze them, giving them the cold cloths to chew on for their
tender teeth and gums.  Choose safe chewable toys for them to work on.   
Putting their mouths on you is not wrong, only doing it in a rough way,
or making it a game where it could escalate to something else, is.  But
they really do need that oral " fix" to better understand their world and
how to relate.  I have never had a hard mouthed dog, or a bite in play
dog, from letting mine mouth.  They seem to learn quickly what is
acceptable.  Also, as with other animals, do not pull away during the
mouthing as you hurt yourselves, the dog does not.  Hope this helps some.
 Good luck with your new little one! Cyn.

Cindy Henke
clhenke@juno.com
Ennis, Texas

"All knowledge, the totality of all questions and answers, is contained
in the dog."  ~ Franz Kafka

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