[unknown624]

I just got a puppy, he is about 2-3 months old, and he has selective hearing, and he bites my ankles and feet while I'm walking. I've never owned a puppy before, so I'm not sure at what age they start learning their name, but my boyfriend and I are teaching him that he needs to listen... when he's doing his own thing, or exploring, he doesn't answer to us even though he's gone too far from our house. He just wants to explore. Other times when he's in the house and we tell him to come, he does. We have carpet in our house, but we don't want him going on it. He knows he shouldn't, because he thinks about it, then walks away. He does still go on it though, when we're not looking, or he'll sit on the edge (it's a split level) and he'll either jump full on and right off, because he knows I'm watching, or he'll just put two paws down on it then jump back. Other times he'll just look at it, almost jump, then I say "no" in a warning tone, and he'll walk away. So he does listen, but only when he wants to.

With the biting, I'll just be walking down a hallway, and he'll either nip me from behind or he'll run ahead of me to face me, then attack me as I'm coming. When we go for walks and he's on the leash, he'll be walking beside me then go for my feet. I have to pull him straight with the leash. And when we're just petting him, he'll whip around and bite our hands. How do I teach him that it's wrong?

[Lucky098]

For his biting since he is in your control, spray him with cinnamon breath spray directly into his mouth and say "No bite" very sternly. Wait a few seconds and then praise him for not biting you. If he continues, just continue to spray him in the mouth with the same command of "no bite".

2-3 months old is very young. He isn't going to know much until he is closer to 6 months. Right now, everything is repitition. No pottying in the house, no biting or chewing. He is bonding with you at this point and needs structure more then training. Continue working with him indoors. When he is outside, there are more distractions and his tiney little puppy brain can't comprehend everything. Take him out and play with him, test out what he will listen to and what he won't listen to, and then work with him indoors more. Puppies attention span only lasts about 15 minutes.. so instead of doing a solid hour of training, break it up into 15 min sessions throughout the day.

After your pup has received all vaccinations required, I would suggest to start puppy classes. A trainer will help you through the potty training problems and questions you have about your pup.

Right now is the best time to train your dog manners, however you don't want to over do it. He needs training, but needs structure more are this point.

Good luck to you