Jagger rang his bell ...but...I need more info please

[natsan6]

Okay well my little 8.5 week old Jagger rang his bell on the back door today for the first time (not sure if he knew what he was doing but I acted like he did anyway). He will go outside most of the time but slips up 1-2 times a day. Should I point out potty mistakes or ignore and focus on the outside accomplishments only?
I am taking him to puppy class when he gets his last set of shots but I would really like to have an idea of what I should be able to expect from him at this age...I don't want to overestimate or underestimate what he can do. He will work with me for spurts on sitting and if I help him will sit and wait for his food.
The other thing I would like to know is how much "puppy biting" I should correct him for? I have lots of little kiddos and I try to make sure they take him out and help feed, water, treat that sort of thing but I would like for them and myself to be "correcting" his biting/ankle chasing that sort of thing correctly.
Sorry for the long list but help or advice would truly help so I thought I would ask ray:
Natalie

 

[Smart_Family]

Anytime he rings the bell, take him out. Don't do anything besides clean up (obviously) his indoor messes but praise the heck out of him when he goes outside. Keep working on sit with him. We have little kids around as well so we don't tolerate any puppy biting and it actually wasn't that bad with Azlin but then again she had the other dogs to bite instead of us. I would redirect or loudly say ouch every time he bites.

 

[natsan6]

Today was the first time he rang it I was very excited, most of the time he will just pee buy the back door before I seem him, lil stinker. I have been told several ways to correct his biting....hold his muzzle closed tell him "no bite", just give him something else to chew on and ignore it, firm no and leave, put him in bed, all sorts of stuff I even had a friend tell me to make him bite on the bottom of his own muzzle.....I thought the crazy advice was bad when I had all my babies(4 girls 2boys) it is just as bad with having a puppy only I don't have near the knowledge base with our 4 legged baby. Thanks Smart Family I am so glad I found this forum where I can actually ask for wanted advice

 

[Smart_Family]

You can try the muzzle holding and redirecting as well. Every pup is different and what may work for Jagger may be something different. Just stay on top of it so he knows it's not okay all of the time not just some of the time. I'm jealous he's using the bell. We tried with Azlin to do bells and she killed them on several occasions until I just gave up. Like you mentioned just like everyone (strangers included) will tell you how to parent your kids, it's almost worse with dogs! Sorry for the rushed reply but I'm running out the door to the animal shelter but I'll be back later

 

[natsan6]

I am not going to get overly happy until it happens with some consistency hahaha! I will keep on him about the biting for sure! It wasn't rushed at all, I always appreciate your input and advice One more crazy question for you or anyone else that wouldn't mind responding can I bathe him with regular shampoo or do I need to get something meant for pups? Thanks!

 

[Smart_Family]

Puppy shampoos are usually more mild but I'm not sure it matters that much as long as you're careful of his eyes. Someone else might have a suggestion as well.