What to do with untrained husky puppy that bit me?

Hi there. I'm new to Rover; however we fostered over 100 dogs for Aussie Rescue. This is a common problem in many puppies. When I have a dog that is guarding something, reaching for it is usually the last thing you want them to do. Fighting over the object (tugging on it) makes it a game, so that's not an option either.

What I will do in this situation is offer the dog a high dollar item - something more valuable than what they are chewing on. Some cold cuts or really tasty liver treats. I offer the treat and tell the dog, leave it at the same time.

Most dogs will choose that treat, and when they do, you say Good boy, leave it! Practice this a few times until the dog is releasing the no no item proactively. Then go to a higher level and if the dog walks toward something he can't have, grab that treat and redirect him before those teeth even touch that item. Show him that treat and say Leave It firmly. Pretty soon, you'll be able to just say leave it and not even have to use a treat. Hope this helps.

There are other sitters who have more experience with puppies and Huskies, who will likely contribute.

For now, you're handling it well (Contacted owner & separating him from others). Definitely use the crate whenever needed to keep you and your dogs safe. You can lure him in with a treat.

I do have to agree that this pup might require someone with a bit more experience or someone who is an actual trainer. From the sound of it, his owner is aware of this but does not really see a problem with it so this poor pup probably has not received very much training or guidance plus he is most likely very nervous, in a new environment with strange people and strange dogs, add the fact that Huskies are not great with changes to their routine and environment and you get a scared snappy puppy. SO someone who knows the breed or has training experience might be a better match. But most likely it is a case of a nervous pup's first night in a strange place.

We dog sitters who own dogs ourselves can easily forget that these dogs are not ours and that they do not know us or have any reason to trust us yet and we go ahead and handle them the same we would our own dogs and it can easily be very overwhelming for the dog. So my recommendation would be to build trust between the two of you. I suggest starting with very high value treats like cooked chicken, cheese, bacon and lots of them. When ever he seems scared, when ever he is calm, pretty much when ever he's not biting or humping. I would also take him on a nice walk all by himself, it always helps with nervous dogs, like telling them they are with you and you are with them now and most dogs LOVE to go on walks so again you are the provider of goodness.

And give him time, this is his first night, most likely he will be a different dog by the end of tomorrow.