Attack biting

Attack biting is when a dog bites somebody, or another dog, seemingly without provocation. This is, of course, the worst kind of biting. No dog should ever bite without provocation, but it does sometimes happen. 

This is most often linked to trauma and/or a lack of training/socialization. Attack biting also occurs in some breeds more than others, most often in dogs with a genetic history of guard work and dogfighting.

How to train your Doodle puppy to stop biting & chewing

As mentioned above, your Doodle dog should grow out of their teething behaviors at 6-8 months of age, but don’t panic! The bitey-ness will wind down gradually and you can train them to stop biting you and chewing your home to pieces in the meantime. You can also relieve your Doodle’s achy gums with teething gel, which you can buy at most pet stores. 

Puppies usually learn how hard to bite each other when they play with their siblings in their first few weeks of life. However, not all puppies are lucky enough to experience that crucial period, and even when they do, they don’t always learn their lesson! 

You can teach your puppy not to bite others by yelping like a puppy whenever they bite you and ending your interaction immediately. This way, they learn that biting causes the fun and affection to stop. It may take them a while for them to understand, as puppy empathy can take several months to develop, but you should start doing it as early as possible. If you stay patient and remain consistent, they will learn! 

Additionally, you should reward them a lot for appropriate interactions.
Use training treats to show your Labradoodle puppy that sitting politely pays off way more than nipping!

As for chewing, you will never stop your dog from chewing as it is natural, normal, and good for them! However, you can teach your pup what is and isn’t theirs to chew by redirecting “naughty” chewing and praising them when they chew their toys. 

Make sure they have access to some good rubber chew toys that are appropriately sized and hardy enough that they won’t break. There are even chew toys that are designed specifically for teething pups, with rubber teeth that massage and soothe their gums. 

Frozen carrots are also great treats for teething pups, as the cold will relieve their gums. Or, you could try filling a pup-sized Kong toy with something tasty and freezing it overnight for another yummy, soothing treat. You can even soak your Labradoodle’s food in water and put it into the toy and freeze it!

You shouldn’t punish your pup for chewing anything that they shouldn’t have, as they are just acting on their instincts and don’t yet understand that it’s wrong. You should, however, remove anything that you don’t want to be chewed from their path, such as shoes, and spray your household furniture with “pet repellent” spray to discourage them from chewing it. Don’t forget to confine them to a crate or exercise pen when you leave the house!

Do adult Labradoodles bite?

Labradoodles are known for being a friendly breed, this is part of what makes them such a popular choice for dog owners around the world. They will protect themselves, their loved ones, and their home when necessary, but Labradoodles are not an aggressive breed by nature and shouldn’t bite as adults unless provoked. 

Can Labradoodles be dangerous?

It is not recorded how many dog bites are caused by Labradoodles every year, or how many violent dog fights involve Doodles. However, this is a good thing. You can easily search up dog bites by numbers and find lists of the most “dangerous” breeds in terms of injuries and deaths by dog bites, but Labradoodles never make the lists, meaning that they don’t bite in any significant number and are not considered dangerous dogs.

How to approach a nervous Doodle?

If you come across a nervous Labradoodle, you should remain at a distance, stay calm, and try to make yourself appear smaller by crouching down to their level. Introduce yourself by speaking to the dog in a quiet, friendly tone of voice, and don’t make eye contact if they seem frightened. 

You can stretch out your hand to invite them to come over and say hello, but don’t approach them, let them come to you. Offer a treat or toy if you have one, and if they come to you and let you pet them, keep your hand where they can see it until they are comfortable with you. If they react aggressively at any point, just calmly back away.

Can anxiety make Labradoodles bite?

Extreme anxiety can cause Labradoodles to bite. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, canine anxiety is most commonly caused by fears, separation, and old age. Fear-based anxiety is the type that is most likely to cause unprovoked biting, as it can cause dogs to become jumpy, making them snap out of panic, rather than aggression. 

Common fears amongst dogs include loud noises and cars, and they are usually born out of bad past experiences. An anxious dog may engage in repetitive behaviors such as pacing and lip licking. Triggers can be treated with positive association training and anti-anxiety aids like supplements, diffusers, and thunder vests.

Some dogs also have an intense dislike of being groomed and bathed. If your Labradoodle is biting e.g. while you try to brush him or shampoo him, you should seek the help of an experienced groomer.