[Vizsla]

Hi all,

I've been lurking for a while now and have decided that I really need some advice!

We have a 10 week old Vizsla puppy. People I've spoken to at work, friends, neighbours even the breeder etc. all seem to think his behaviour is normal but my husband and I are worried its not. To the point where we are seriously considering if we can make it! (keep the puppy!)

He is pretty well housetrained now, sits on a dime, comes 70% of the time, can do a "Down" with guidance, is great in his crate, even listens to off or leave it (50%) for things like the cat food bowl, shoes etc. But his biting is out of control.

We've tried: attaching him to us with the leash. This works for about 10 minutes whereupon he thinks my pants/leg looks tasty and nips and bites. If you try to remove him off you he tugs, growls and bites harder.

If you simply try to interact with him (i.e play) he immediately wants to be in your lap. If you say "Off" and push him away, he comes back for more, mouth open ready to naw on your hand (he is not gentle).

I've tried yelping and ignoring but don't seem to be getting much of a response. I've tried a deep and menacing "NO". Same reaction as above.

In other ways he is quite submissive, allows us to handle his paws, his face, flip him on his back and rub his belly etc.

Is this normal? If so, how long does it last? What more can we do? We find it VERY frustrating that he so easily learns other things but for this seems to be making no progress. Its very difficult to want to play with him if all he wants to do is bite!

Thanks for your advice!