My puppy keeps nipping my feet

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Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a bit of advice today.

I’ve just adopted a 3-month-old puppy, a crossbreed (a Bichon and Yorkie cross). He’s been with us for less than a week.

My biggest issue is that he bites my feet when I'm walking, which is quite a pain. The most annoying part is that he thinks it's a game; obviously, things moving around all over the place get him excited and he finds it fun. I’m worried that as he grows up, this behaviour will become a real problem. I've tried ignoring him when he does it by just carrying on, but when I keep moving, he just keeps biting. I've also tried stopping still and looking up with my arms crossed, waiting for him to stop, but it's hard not to react when he's actually hurting me. I eventually have to move my feet and then he just starts again. Even ignoring him for five minutes doesn't work; he never stops, so it's all a bit tricky.

I'm trying a firm "NO", without raising my voice too much so I don't get him even more worked up. It hasn't really worked so far, and today I had to give him a five-minute time-out to let him calm down because he was really hurting me.

I'm not quite sure what to do and I don't want to get it wrong. I know he hasn't been with us long, but I'd like to nip this behaviour in the bud as soon as possible so it doesn't get any worse.

Translated from French
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Dramatic... let's not get carried away ;-)

    But you’re right, if you don't change the way he sees you, this is the kind of behaviour that could stick around, and that’s definitely not what you want.

    At 3 months old, he’s definitely old enough to understand. But you both need to be speaking the same language. Don’t just try to tackle this specific behaviour on its own, because it’s really just a 'symptom'.

    Your puppy needs to bond with you properly. He needs to see you as a whole person, rather than just a collection of moving limbs—as if your feet weren't actually part of you...

    This might sound a bit strange, but I’d recommend starting by giving him more cuddles. Proper big ones, snuggled up in your arms. Obviously, not while he’s busy munching on your feet... but do it regularly throughout the day.

    My advice is aimed at making sure the problem doesn't happen in the first place. Give it a go.

    Translated from French

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