Problem: My puppy keeps biting my calves during walks

N
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Hello,

I've had a 4-month-old Bichon Frisé for 2 months now, and for a little while, whenever I'm out walking him (I take him out 6 times a day for 20 minutes each time), he grabs my leg and starts biting me really hard. He growls and even bared his teeth at me once. I'm not sure how to react when he does it... at first, I used to stop and tell him to sit, but he just starts up again straight away. I've had a look online and some people suggested ignoring him, which is what I've tried, but it hasn't worked either; he just carries on. I can't quite work out what's wrong; I keep thinking something is bothering him, but I don't know what. One day, since he wouldn't stop biting my calf, I picked him up to head home and cut the walk short, but that was even worse because he tried to bite my fingers and bit me so hard I bled. Even though he's only 4 months old, those puppy teeth are razor-sharp...

Sometimes he starts by jumping up at my legs, and as soon as I stop, he stands in front of me and sits down, looking at me as if he's waiting for something. Then, as soon as I start walking again, he bites me really hard.

Also, when he wants to go one way and I want to go another, he pulls on the lead, and when he sees I'm not giving in, he comes back and starts biting me again.

I don't know what's got into him; during walks, I let him sniff around and I don't tug on the lead to make him follow me. Yet, there are some days where everything goes perfectly well.

I hope you can give me some advice.

Thanks :)

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    • N
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    I’m heading to the vet’s soon so I’ll ask for her advice as well. If it carries on despite all your tips, I think I’ll look into getting a behaviourist involved.

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    N
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    Evening sbaar, Thanks for taking the time to reply to my problem :) I’m going to give saying "no" another go, but I’ll be a bit firmer and make sure I repeat it every single time he does it. When I tried it before, he’d sit down, but as soon as we started walking again, he’d go right back to it – it could honestly go on for hours! 😅 You’re also spot on, I don’t think I talk to him enough during our walks, so I’ll definitely start doing that more! Thanks! 🙏🏼
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    N
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    Thanks for the replies! :) The thing is, during walks my dog runs and plays with other dogs, and I don't head home until he’s really burnt off enough energy. Whenever I see people out walking their dogs, I go over so my puppy can play with them. Plus, when we're out, if I don't go in the direction he wants, he starts biting me.
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    Docline
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    My puppy is only on the lead between the car and the secure walking area. I hold the lead vertically; actually, the pup just nibbles the other end of it, so I don't see how he could nip my calves while walking beside me. You should probably rethink your positioning when you're walking on the lead. Also, since nine-tenths of the walk should be off-lead anyway, try to take him out at times when other owners are there letting their dogs run and play together.
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    Docline
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    I’ve got a Bichon who’s 4 months and a week old.

    On walks, he NEEDS to run flat out with other dogs.

    Your puppy is biting you because he’s just desperate to let off steam with all that energy he’s got.

    Go somewhere where there are dogs playing and let him burn it all off!!

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    N
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    Thanks for taking the time to get back to me.

    I’ve tried a firm "no" and making him sit, but he starts again straight away. And no, he doesn't nip everything at home; it’s only when we're out on a walk that he does it to me.

    He’s four and a half months old and I’ve had him since he was two months old.

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    N
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    I don’t let him off the lead yet because I’m still working on his recall and he hasn't quite mastered it yet, but otherwise he definitely gets plenty of exercise. I’ve got a 5-metre lead and I’ve bought a 10-metre long line; when I take him out he runs about, plays with other dogs and gets on really well with them.
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    Loulou345
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    You need to teach him that biting legs is unacceptable. A firm "No" and a stern look should settle him down a bit. How old was he when you got him? If he was too young, it’s possible he hasn't learned bite inhibition. Do you let him nip at you at home?
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    Kikaah
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    Does he get the chance to run off-lead? To play with other dogs?

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