Adolescent Pup Biting

[LTMot]

Hi everyone, Sorry if this has been covered before - I have a 6 month old (almost 7 months) male working cocker spaniel. For the past month or so he has been a dream (he was a nightmare puppy: biting, barking, not settling, over aroused etc). However in the last week or so his nasty habits are rearing their ugly head - he has become bitey again (before it was just mouthing but today he gave my leg a quick chomp - no broken skin or anything like that - but it caught me off guard) and took me right back to his horrible biting days. I think he is becoming an adolescent as I've also noticed some of the 'scared phase' I've read about and he also mimicked humping on a cushion. He is also 'talking back' - a stern ah-ah and he mouths again. I think I just want some reassurance that this is normal and will pass! I really struggled with him as a pup and terrified of it going back that way! He has two walks a day (one is combined with recall training/loose lead walking and sniff work) - I also do sniff work at home with him and he has lots of chews to 'bring him down' when needed. He sleeps fine - takes himself off for a nap throughout the day. Any reassurance or tips would be amazing!

[Joules]

Sounds like he has started the teenage phase - can be more of a challenge than the puppy stage 

Biting, not listening, recall out the window, generally being defiant - you get the picture.

Good news is, it doesn't last for long. In the meantime, go back to basics: shove a toy in his mouth when he gets bitey, up the training, make sure he is getting enough sleep during the day (enforced if need be - they won't sleep if there is anything going on) and stock up on wine and chocolate (for you, not him!)

You will get through it - we've all been there. My last cocker, Coco, had me near to tears numerous times, refusing to come back in the park - she would stand just out of reach and run off when I got close enough to put her lead back on! I laugh about it now, and you will too. What I learned from having a puppy is, don't stress about it, it will fall into place, enjoy them when they are little as it doesn't last long and, when they get old, you will wish you could go through it all again. 

Good luck, it does get easier

[LTMot]

THANK YOU!! I can't tell you how much it means to hear that it's normal and will pass! As a youngster he caused SO many tears so I'm keen not to go back to that! I'll keep in mind the enforced sleep. He does take himself off now for a snooze which he didn't before but maybe some more dedicated crate time will help. Wine and chocolate have all been added to the weekly shop in bulk 

[MIN]

Hi and hello to you and " nameless " pup.
Am also going through puppyhood with 3 month Molly.
Can also say the dog teenage journey is just the same as having a 13 year child. They listen to nothing,, test boundaries etc.  So its back to treat them as a child . Luckily, with a pup the stage doesn't last a lifetime 😵‍💫🤣
You are going okay and look forward to hearing more of your journey together, it will be best ever.
Ps, my hands are also shredded if that helps

[vixen]

I feel for all those going through the bitey stage.  Maisie is my third cocker and was the puppy from hell.   From 8 weeks old she had attitude and was like a feisty teenager.   Marley and Stevie were never bitey so Maisie came as quite a shock.  I remember my hands being red raw.  There was a time when she was 5 months old when I really wanted her gone as everything was a challenge with her.  BUT I had taken her on and I knew she would get better.  Happily she did, she is still the feisty little madam but also very responsive and a loving Velcro dog too 
When things got bad, I just took a day at a time and gradually the good days outnumbered the bad.  Just tell yourself it will get better because if you are consistent with your training, it will be.

[MIN]

I feel for all those going through the bitey stage.  Maisie is my third cocker and was the puppy from hell.   From 8 weeks old she had attitude and was like a feisty teenager.   Marley and Stevie were never bitey so Maisie came as quite a shock.  I remember my hands being red raw.  There was a time when she was 5 months old when I really wanted her gone as everything was a challenge with her.  BUT I had taken her on and I knew she would get better.  Happily she did, she is still the feisty little madam but also very responsive and a loving Velcro dog too 
When things got bad, I just took a day at a time and gradually the good days outnumbered the bad.  Just tell yourself it will get better because if you are consistent with your training, it will be.

Our motto  it's a better day tomorrow 

[LTMot]

Thanks so much everyone! One day at a time and lots of wine!