Over-excitement and a lack of sleep?

Hi @came22, how are things progressing with the biting and your puppy's rest? Over the next few days, try to spot what leads up to those spikes in excitement so you can plan a quiet break before he gets overwhelmed. Whereabouts are you based (town or county)? I can recommend a reliable trainer near you. Jean de Rintintin

Hi @came22, at two and a half months old, a Beauceron that bites hard and won't settle down at home is very often a puppy that isn’t getting enough sleep: they need 18 to 20 hours of rest a day, and the more tired they are, the more hyper they get. What usually helps: enforced naps after every period of being awake (about an hour), in a quiet spot (a puppy pen or a quiet room) with a chew toy or a lick mat to help them switch off; calm games rather than high-excitement ones indoors; and when they bite, freeze and then offer them a toy instead. The Beauceron is a lively and sensitive breed, and a bit of help from a positive reinforcement trainer early on can really save you some time. What area are you in? If you like, I can recommend someone good near you. Hang in there, it’s just a phase! Jean

Hi, What you’re describing sounds very much like he’s struggling to manage his arousal levels, which is often made worse by tiredness. A sleep-deprived puppy can become particularly hyper, nipping more, jumping up, and appearing to stop listening altogether. At this age, they need a lot of sleep—often around 18 to 20 hours a day—with relatively short windows of being awake. To help him, you could establish a proper rest routine. After a period of being awake, playing, or going for a walk, encourage him to go to a quiet place to sleep. A playpen or a comfy spot can help him settle down, provided he’s been introduced to it gradually and positively. When he lies down of his own accord or stays quietly occupied, you can give him some gentle praise or place a small treat near him. If the biting is very intense, is accompanied by signs of fear or aggression, or if you’re finding the situation hard to handle, get in touch with a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods as soon as possible. A vet will also be able to check that no underlying pain or discomfort is contributing to his restlessness. Most importantly, don’t lose heart: he isn’t trying to wind you up or be dominant. He’s still learning and needs to figure out how to manage his emotions and his needs. Best of luck with your little Beauceron! Fantine Rouquette

Hi there, what you're describing definitely sounds like a puppy struggling to manage his excitement and tiredness. At this age, some of them paradoxically get even more hyper when they actually need to sleep. I’d also suggest avoiding trying to wear him out further when he gets worked up, as that can sometimes have the opposite effect. There’s no need to worry at this stage, though: after only two weeks with you, he just needs some time to find his feet. ;)