[Weimaraner]

Our new Weim puppy is just over 9 weeks old. She is very happy and excited. Bouncing is fine, but the nipping and constant mouthing is a source of concern since I am about to be the keeper of my 3 month old grandson and the puppy will be there too. Is this pup too young for puppy training? She is very smart and already responds to sit, with a reward. She does, however, look you dead in the eye and tinkle right in front of me! Of course, we had just been outside for at least 15 minutes running and chasing a ball. I have no problems exercising her, but if I turn my back for just a minute, unless she is sleeping, there is trouble. Maybe I'm just too critical and have forgotten how a puppy is. Please, words of advice. Thanks! :confused:

[Alty]

Remember that she's a puppy and still has her puppy teeth, the nipping may well be because her teeth are irritating her. Make sure she has plenty of dog toys to chew on, that may help.

Nipping should never be allowed. There are many ways to stop this behavior, but time and patience is the key. Our 5 month old beagle had a very big problem with nipping, I followed the Cesar Milan method and it has worked. I don't know if I can explain it well enough, but, every time puppy nips form a claw with your hand and put pressure (like a bite) on her neck pinning her down. This is what dogs do in the wild when puppies exhibit unwanted behavior. You can Google Cesar, there are many video clips and most of them show his method of putting a dog in submission.

No, she's not to young to learn, in the wild dogs learn from the minute they are born, it's only we humans that think that age is a hindrance. Positive reinforcement, and being a calm assertive leader are key to showing your puppy the behavior that is appropriate.

At 9 weeks urinating in the house is still normal. At this age they don't have the bladder control of an older dog. At 4 months of age she should be a bit better at holding it, and will be a bit easier to house break. That doesn't mean that you should accept this behavior, it just may take a bit more time to get the desired result. Every time she pees in the house, if you catch her in the act, clap your hands or say "no" then grab her, take her outside, choose a word for potty, keep repeating that word until she pees or poos and then lots and lots of praise, even a treat. You have to teach her what you expect, because to her, peeing wherever she wants to is normal.

The main thing to remember, she is a puppy and will settle down as she gets older, in the meantime, do your best to show her what you expect and enjoy this time, it goes by so quickly.

Good luck.