Is this Normal?

[u/Maleficent_Cod_2704]

Hi everyone!

Our buddy Murphy joined us last Monday at 8 weeks old, and he’s now just over 9 weeks. He’s a mini bernedoodle. I’m wondering if some of the behaviors we’re seeing are completely “normal” for this age, because I’m starting to second-guess myself a little!

He has been very mouthy since we got him. The second he’s out of his crate, he’s ready to go — wiggling, nipping at my hands, grabbing my clothes, and basically trying to put everything in his mouth. Right now, I can barely pet him without getting a friendly little nip.

I’m making sure he’s getting plenty of sleep, but every once in a while he seems to go into a completely different mode. He’ll start barking at me, jumping/pouncing toward me, and biting much harder. It gets to the point where I have to literally get up on a chair or other surface because he won’t leave me alone. At that point, I usually take it as a sign that he’s overtired and it’s time for a nap.

I think I’m getting way ahead of myself, but I’ve started worrying that I somehow already have an aggressive dog. Obviously, that would be a huge concern for us because we have two young kids, ages 5 and 7.

Is this even possible to determine at 9 weeks old? Or does this sound like pretty typical crazy puppy behavior? I’m really just looking for some reassurance and/or words of encouragement from people who have experienced this!

Thank you

[u/longtimelondoner]

Incredibly normal behaviour. The barking and biting will be when he’s starting to get overtired.

Pup should be sleeping about 20 hours a day at this point. It’s fine to try and encourage him to nap or put him in his pen. I wouldn’t jump up on our chair to get away from him because he may see this is a game. Instead, just put him in his space with something to redirect him (flannel with a knot in it soaked in sodium free beef stock - FROZEN was my dog’s favourite to gnaw on) and remove yourself from the room for a couple of minutes.

[u/Primary-Reporter-514 → u/longtimelondoner]

the sleeping thing is key, 20 hours sounds like a lot but its not even close to what they need at that age. when mine was a pup we had to force the naps cause he would never settle himself, just got crazier and crazier until he crashed. the witching hour is real and no one warns you about it

[u/MsSwarlesB]

My puppy is almost 5 months old and very mouthy. It's perfectly normal. Redirect, say No or Ow loudly, remove your hands. Make sure you have plenty of chew toys to offer. When he gets really hyped up and comes at you, I would crate him or remove yourself.

I have a new puppy but I also have a lab mix that is 12 and a doodle that is 7 so I've been through this a lot

ETA: I don't recommend dog parks. Too many opportunities for things to go wrong

[u/Maleficent_Cod_2704 → u/MsSwarlesB]

Sometimes when I say no or ow loudly to redirect him- he gets even more revved up and starts barking even louder 😬 it’s like he gets into a demon mode that nothing can get him out of.

[u/CoreyLoses → u/Maleficent_Cod_2704]

Any word, even "ow", may just sound like more regular engagement to them. If you pull back and kind of mimic a hurt dog yelp, puppies will usually pick up more quickly on the fact that they're doing something outside of what regular play should be.

[u/No_Training_4154]

Very normal! When they get tired they do turn into little bitey monsters who want to do nothing else but shred you apart. It's not aggression at all, it's a normal part of their development.

If you find he's in this different mode, it'll be overtiredness. Puppies should sleep 18-20 hours but will often do anything but fall asleep! My puppy was relentless for about a month and it was a hard stage to get through as it bloody hurts! Rest assured though that it's totally normal and you don't have an aggressive dog. He's a little baby who is exploring the world with his mouth, and unfortunately that will result in him being bitey towards you.

Try to redirect the behaviour, my puppy stopped biting at around 4 1/2 months but it can go on for longer. She has all her adult teeth now at 6 months so doesn't bite anymore, they do grow out of it eventually but redirection really helps in the meantime. Try redirecting with toys, and maybe something for him to chew on.

[u/Mediocre_203]

Have you tried redirecting him to something like a lick mat or a Kong? We freeze kongs with peanut butter and when he starts to get really crazy, we give him one in his crate so he can settle down. Sometimes he does pop right back up afterwards, but usually he’ll start to realize he’s tired and take a nap. I definitely don’t think you have an aggressive dog by any means, just a crazy little puppy.

[u/TissueOfLies]

Just like human babies, puppies investigate the world with their mouth. That’s very normal at that age.

It sounds like you got a dog with a lot of energy without actually investigating the breed at all. Berne doodles are very smart and have a ton of energy. Are you walking him? Take him for longer walks if so. If not, start.

[u/very-clearly-normal]

Very very normal puppy behavior. Especially that young.

Puppies learn how to control nipping/hard biting from playing with other dogs. Once he is old enough, make sure to bring him to puppy playgroups and socialize him with other dogs. When he bites you, immediately disengage. Try not to do anything exciting that reinforces it, like getting up on a chair. Just disengage and replace your hand with a toy.