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Answers
Hi there!
Your question got cut off, but it sounds like the growling is a concern, as it should be.
According to most state laws, your puppy should be with his mama and littermates until at least 8 or 9 weeks of age. They are the best teachers when it comes to play-biting and growling, but since he's no longer with them, you will have to be his surrogate parents and socialize him well.
Whenever he nips, bites, or growls, you have to suddenly stop giving him any attention of any kind. As soon as he does it, turn your face aside and fold your arms. If he pursues you, walk away and close the door behind you. No talking, touching, or eye contact - just completely remove yourselves for a minute or so. Then you can resume play.
If you want to use a vocal command, use the grunt-grunt sound (like "uh-uh" or "ah-ah"), rather than saying "no." This will keep your voice calm and low, even if you're frustrated. As soon as he hears it, he should stop. If not, he is alone for a bit. Good luck!
There is nothing wrong with a 7 week old puppy going home. The laws requiring 8 weeks were passed by the same people that passed the one year rabies vaccine.
Young Labs, which I know best, and other puppies tend to very bad about biting. You see a litter of them, and all the ones that are awake are biting another one or themselves. I am not even sure they realize that when they are alone, if they quit biting, they would quit being bitten. At 3 to 4 months they are getting their adult teeth, and it seems they spend every waking moment biting or chewing. One thing you can do at that stage is to knot and wet a piece of cloth. Then freeze it. The cooling will soothe the gums. Only let the puppy have it when you are there to watch it. I maintain a Lab's favorite chew toy is another Lab. Otherwise they settle for any person they can. They keep hoping to find one that won't yelp, jerk their hand away, and leave.You just have to keep on correcting them, hundreds of times, not dozens.
i have put this on another message. My vets gave me a puppy book which im finding very useful, its been a while since ive had a puppy.
Here is what it suggests you do:
As soon as his teeth touch you,even when it is quite gentle and doesn't hurt,pretend that it really hurts. Say "OW", and as your puppy draws back in amazement,gently praise him for stopping. If he begins to mouth/play bite again, say "OW" again and then ignore him for a few moments. He must learn that humans are incredibly fragile and he must be so very careful of where he puts his teeth.
This can also be used to stop them chewing your clothes, chewing on sleeves, skirt hems.
I have been doing this and its working for me tho i have got a long way to go, like anything it takes time and you have to be consistent with it and to also get family/friends to do the same as you.
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