Our new pup is causing frustration!

[The schnauzer owner]

We just got our new 2 month old miniture schnauzer, we've had him for a few weeks now and he is biting a lot, he seems to do this when he is very happy, that's when we usually come back from somewhere. When he bites, it's usually our slippers when we wear them, or on the bottom of our pants. He is now even starting to bite on our ankles. When he does these things, we firmly say no! But he continues, and when you try to guide him off, he will get at your hands.

We are a family of 4, parents with son and daughter. We are expatriates living in Jakarta, Indonesia where it is a highly Islamic place where keeping a dog is not common and there is no dog parks other dog owners around.

He also has a nasty habit of peeing and pooing when we're around, we have made a place to relieve himself, but I don't think we are putting him into action into using this. But for some weird reason, he will do most of his business in his loo. But when he relieves himself around us some yell at him some are too soft on him, and some have even resorted to hitting him. We have many arguments on how to discipline and train the dog which leaves us in endless frustration for all of us, which is leaving some of us to consider getting rid of the pup.

So if you have any suggestions or would like to know more, just reply to this.

[Bill]

We just got our new 2 month old miniture schnauzer, we've had him for a few weeks now and he is biting a lot, he seems to do this when he is very happy, that's when we usually come back from somewhere. When he bites, it's usually our slippers when we wear them, or on the bottom of our pants. He is now even starting to bite on our ankles. When he does these things, we firmly say no! But he continues, and when you try to guide him off, he will get at your hands.

The big reason is that he is a puppy and puppies do all kinds of things to get attention. What you should do is when he starts this, IMMEDIATELY pick him up and put him in his crate and walk away for two minutes. Don't say anything to him. Just pick him up, put him in his crate, and walk away without getting angry or anything. Leave the room. Don't stay in there with him. After two minutes come back, open the crate and let him out. Again, don't say anything. At first he will probably do the same thing again. If he does, repeat the process until you can let him out without him mouthing you. You must do this everytime he mouths you. Soon he will learn what he did to get himself put in jail and he will stop. If you don't have a crate, put him in a bathroom or laundry room or some other place where you can isolate him from any contact.

He also has a nasty habit of peeing and pooing when we're around, we have made a place to relieve himself, but I don't think we are putting him into action into using this. But for some weird reason, he will do most of his business in his loo. But when he relieves himself around us some yell at him some are too soft on him, and some have even resorted to hitting him. We have many arguments on how to discipline and train the dog which leaves us in endless frustration for all of us, which is leaving some of us to consider getting rid of the pup.

Don't yell at him. He is too young to have figured out what he is supposed to do and yelling at him only makes the learning process take longer. If you pay attention, you will learn his timing for this. The first thing every morning upon waking up, take him outside. Stay with him until he does his business then praise him heavily and give him a treat. At this age, he needs to go outside at least once every two hours. Always praise him and treat him when he does good. If you see him start to squat inside, QUICKLY rush to him, pick him up and take him outside. Even if he has already begun, interrupt him and take him outside. If you don't catch him in the act inside, there is nothing you can do. Just quietly clean up the mess and go on with your life. Don't fuss at him. He won't have a clue why he is being fussed at and it will do no good. Remember he is still a baby and it will take him a little while to figure this out.