aaaaahhh!!! Puppy teeth!!!

So I received an email regarding a 12 week old puppy biting its owner.  This is such an incredibly common thing that I decided to copy the whole email response and make a blog post out of it so I can refer to it on a regular basis.  The owner asks:

"Things are going OK but not great.  I have a question...what do I do when she plays and bites the leash ( I need it to keep her from the flower beds with mulch) and when she bites my pants?  Thanks again for your help."

To this I wrote:

It's ok, these are all things we will cover in class but you're needing answers now! I completely understand.  First of all, the biting is something most dogs grow out of. However, puppies need to learn how much is too much.
So, when puppy is playing with you and  hits your hand OR chooses your hand, as soon as it hurts I want you to yelp the same way your puppy yelps if he accidentally gets hurt.
"YIPE!!!" This usually interrupts puppy's play. As soon as it's stopped, grab a toy and encourage play with the appropriate object.
In other words "NO don't chew on me" followed by "YES chew on this"!!
If his play biting does not stop or he won't be redirected onto a toy, stop playing with him. Give him a little time out.  If what he wants is you, don't let him have you. 
He will learn that biting Mom makes her yelp and go away! Give him some down time then bring him back out for constructive play (remember that's when you play and train at the same time).

Same thing with the leash and pant legs, revert to the "no don't chew on that, chew on this" concept.

12 weeks is not too young to teach a "leave it" command but it's hard to teach it through an email.

Just tell pup no by saying "ah'ah'" to interrupt him whenever he's got his mouth on the leash. show something he's allowed to have then go about your business.
By the way, the leash pesters your pup. He can feel it tugging on him as well as it's fun to chew on! Keep an eye on the condition of the leash each day. Sometimes those little razors can cut through the leash without you even knowing it!

One of the best things i've found regarding pant leg and shoe biting while you're walking is to encourage your pup to walk by your side slightly away from your feet.

Do this by:

• getting your pups attention before you start moving (no leash required for this excercise)
• holding your hand off to the side wiggling your fingers or holding a treat where you want your pup to walk.
• say "lets go" in an encouraging voice
• look, talk and hold your hand AT the spot you want your dog to walk.
• praise him for walking in the correct location around your body

I hope this helps!
-Shanthi