My pomeranian bit me?

Question

my one year old pomeranian bit me. i was going upstairs with him and he had food in his mouth. he jumped up on my bed and started chewing it, but i didn't want crumbs on my bed so i was going to carry him down but he jumped off and hit his head on his cage door and crawled under the bed. i went to check if he was alright, so i stuck my hand under the bed and he bit me. it wasn't a bite, bite but it was a "back off" bite. he bit my chin too. he is normally a sweet dog. when we play, he "play bites" and its fine with me, because once i say "ow" he lets go. he knows when i'm in pain. what to do?

Answer 1

I think he hurt his head and it was just a reaction to the pain. Maybe he was blaming you for it. I wouldn't worry as long as he didn't draw blood.

Answer 2

I don't know what your problem is. He was scared so he went under his bed and you went and stuck your hand down there. Duh he bit you! What to do? Don't stick your hand in front of a dog while it's scared.

Answer 3

I would never allow a dog to "play bite" me.  It might "play bite" a stranger and then your dog wouldn't understand why you are upset with him.  Biting is never allowable in my opinion.

Also, I have had my dogs bite me in the past.  Usually when I'm trying to get them to let me cut their nails or something like that.  I ALWAYS reprimand them sternly and they tend to not bite me again.

I would recommend you do the same.  Good luck.

Answer 4

he might think that since it was you who made him get  off the bed it is partly your fault and is scared you were trying to cause him more pain than he was in. just pet him regularily and he will be ok and probably won't bite you again. I'm not blaming you.

Answer 5

For starters dont punish him. He is just protecting what is his. All dogs are like that. They like to hoard thier food. Be gentle and loving to him and especailly if he was abused at one time.  

Answer 6

a "backoff" bite is the same thing as a "bite, bite" as you called it. Anything not a play bite, is an actual bite. Yes, the dogs needs punished.

Answer 7

Be dead honest with yourself.  This isn't such a big deal if this is the only time this has happened (but still needs work!), but is headed down a very bad path if biting is what gets this dog his way.

Do NOT punish this dog.  I'm an experienced dog trainer and this is a good way to teach your dog to trust you less and use aggression as a means to protect himself.

In classes we teach "reach for the collar" so the dog associates being reached for or grabbed as not a big deal.  Put a great treat in front of this little guys nose, reach for the collar, deliver the treat.  Simple and effective.  This teaches it isn't a danger being grabbed for.

Trading is something else this little guy needs to learn.  Start with something that is kind of dull for him (milk bone, rope toy, depends on your dog) and offer that wonderful treat in front of his nose, but don't give it yet.  Take the object he has away (behind your back), give the treat and then give him the object back!  Do this a few more times.  The dog learns he doesn't lose stuff to you, but gets even better stuff when you are near.

Hit an obedience class in your area or just get a good book if this is indeed the first time this has happened.  Dunbar, McConnell, Wilde, Aloff are all great authors who have basic books out that don't cost a lot.

Lastly, going on furniture or your bed is a privilege, not a right.  My kids earn the right to get up on my stuff (they get off if I tell them, don't growl, overly hog it or chew it) :)