12 Week Old Coton Biting and Eating Sticks!

I have a 12 week old Coton named Ollie. We've had him for about 2 1/2 weeks. He is a sweet dog but over the past week or so has begun biting our fingers and hands. When he does it I say "ouch!" and he usually stops at that moment but even though I do it consistently he still bites. I don't want him biting other people when he meets them!

Has anyone else had issues with their Coton biting? I know at this age they bite when they play but it is becoming a habit with him I think.

Also, he keeps trying to eat sticks, leaves, and pine cones when we take him outside to go to the bathroom. Sometimes he gets sick after eating things. I watch him when he goes out but sometimes I miss it. He seems more interested in the sticks and things than going potty!

Anyone else had similar issues or have some advice?

Thanks!

P.S. This is my first puppy ever!

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Mar 22, 2013
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Biting and Eating Sticks NEW
by: Suzan Mesquite NV

I got my first coton at 12weeks too. She would eat everything in sight even tiny little rocks she stopped after her adult teeth came in. Puppies at this age are teething they will chew on everything they see so keep you stuff off the floor such as shoes, slippers etc.. They will think its a toy and start chewing and ruining your stuff you need to watch they carefully at this stage I would buy teething bones or just something hard like a Nylabone you will probaly have to buy a few of these to keep in stock because the nylabones start to get sharp edges. I wouldn't give a rawhide ever my personal opinion I read somewhere that their dog chewed on one of these and get stuck in the throat thank goodness they were able to recover it otherwise the dog would have died so you need to supervise. I also use to give my coton crushed ice cubes this helps sooth the gums. I would also get one of these kong toys their are various ones I got the one where you put in treats & this will keep them busy trying to get to it there is also one where you fill with water and freeze it this also helps sooth the gums. This stage u really need to keep on top of the puppy because they will start on ur furniture too. If they do this you can't really yell at the puppy if you don't keep an eye on what they are getting into because they get into things quickly so you need to watch if you don't want things ruined. However my coton after getting her adult things she still got into chewing things up until she was 10months to a year. I made sure since she now had adult teeth she still needed something to chew. She is now four years and when I took her for a checkup and the vet I asked him to check her teeth because usually between 3 & 4yrs old they need their teeth cleaned. My Vet couldn't believe what good shape her teeth and gums were for a dog her age. She didn't need a cleaning he said her teeth were whiter and her gums were the best he's seen. I feel its because I give my dog nylabone chews and this helps a lot and I don't give her anything but her dry food and treats. Sometimes I'll give her a piece of turkey but not often. YOur pup will grow out of this you just need patience it does get better Good Luck!
Suzan
Mesquite NV

Mar 12, 2013
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Biting NEW
by: Anonymous

Our dog Diego is 1 1/2 years old. Smart and just adorable but he bites sleeves and hands. He does this to get your attention along with barking. Staying consistent is key with this bread. They want to learn new things and love to be the center of attention. I am 79 years old and he is exactly that to me. He has helped me with my health by taking him out where I would have sat and watched TV. Who would ever think I would be throwing the ball in the back year. He is crate trained at night and he rolls over on his back like he just exhausted. I say Diego you exhausted he becomes more limp and I carry him and put him in his crate. He tells me when he wants to go to bed at 8;00 pm. Best dog ever!

Mar 12, 2013
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Puppy Coton NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

I concur w/last post. Also invest now in a puppy nylabone & puppy kong they r very little. They last for ever & as little as a Coton's teeth stay can be used forever.

When they start to bite on u also actually they r cutting teeth. Take an old white sock & get it wet, ring it out & throw in the freezer. Give it to them to chew on it will relieve their gums ice cubes work also. But do not give them alot of ice also use the sock. Take the other sock throw a tennis ball in it from the $ store tie a knot in it & let htem have fun shaking it around.

The Kong u can use & put their daily kibble in to play & work at getting out to eat. Or even sugarless applesauce that u can get at a Walmart put in the kong freeze & let them work at licking it out. It will also help w/cutting the teeth. U can get lots of ideas off web for kong use. B careful w/to much peanut butter since it will cause poop. A dab will do u when young.

They will put everything in their mouth so if u have flip flops, shoes anything laying around u like & u r not their to watch them to "teach/work" w/them on the "leave it" pick it up for now.

If u leave the house crate them. This way they cannot chew a tv cord or such & get hurt. When ur house is in the same condition as when u left u r a happy dog owner. When u come home u r both happy to see ea. other.

They r just like kids when young if they r out of sight they r up to something.

This is a good link to help w/alot of ques.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/linksbehavior.htm

This link is not to replace us all on the website. LOL. Congrats on ur 1st puppy. U made a great decision on selection of breed. This dogs r 1 of the easiest breeds to begin with. But they r still dogs. Good luck u will be fine.

Mar 12, 2013
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very common NEW
by: Anonymous

Yes, biting and eating sticks and such is very common for a puppy. If he starts biting you, immediately get up and walk away or give him a toy instead. If you get up and walk away, eventually the dog will realize that when he bites, the fun leaves, so he will stop. Don't expect him to stop biting immediately either. That's what puppies do and you must be patient. It will take awhile. As far as eating sticks and such, start training your dog now on the "leave it" command. And if you see him eating something he shouldn't, go take it away.

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