Biting and mouthing is common in young puppies and dogs especially in play and while teething. It's up to you to teach your puppy or dog what is acceptable and what is not.
Biting dogs are generally loving, sweet, adorable, affectionate and wonderful 99% of the time. Only 1% of the time does something specific happen that makes the dog bite. This article will discuss the causes of biting and what you can do to prevent your dog from biting.
Inhibit Biting
First of all, dogs must learn to inhibit their bite before they are 4 months old. Normally, they would learn this from their mother, their littermates and other members of the pack. But, because we take them away from this environment before this learning is completed, we must take over the training.
Socialization Prevents Biting
By allowing your puppy to socialize with other puppies and socialized dogs they can pick up where they left off. Puppies need to roll, tumble and play with each other. When they play, they bite each other everywhere and anywhere. This is where they learn to inhibit their biting. This is where they learn to control themselves. If they are too rough or rambunctious, they will find out because of how the other dogs and puppies react and interact with them. This is something that happens naturally and it is something we cannot accomplish. It can only be learned from trial and error. There is nothing you can say or do to educate them in this realm. They must learn from their own experience.
Another major advantage of dog to dog socialization besides the fact that it will help your dog to grow up not being fearful of other dogs is that they can vent their energy in an acceptable manner. Puppies that have other puppies to play with do not need to treat you like littermates. So the amount of play biting on you and your family should dramatically decrease. Puppies that do not play with other puppies are generally much more hyperactive and destructive in the home as well.
Lack of Socialization Causes Biting
A major cause of biting is lack of socialization. Lack of socialization often results in fearful or aggressive behavior. The two major reactions a dog has to something it is afraid of are to avoid it or to act aggressive in an attempt to make it go away. This is the most common cause of children being bitten. Dogs that are not socialized with children often end up biting them. The optimum time to socialize is before the dog reaches 4 months. With large breed dogs, 4 months may be too late, simply because at this age the puppy may already be too large for most mothers of young children to feel comfortable around. For most owners, the larger the dog is, the more difficult it is to control, especially around children. If there is anything you do not want your dog to be afraid of or aggressive towards, you must begin to socialize your puppy with them before it is 4 months old.
Trust and Respect Inhibits Biting
There are many other reasons your dog will bite and you will have to take an active role in teaching them. However, before you can teach your dog anything, there are two prerequisites that are essential. They are trust and respect. If your dog doesn't trust you, there is no reason why he should respect you. If your dog does not respect you, your relationship will be like two 5 year olds bossing each other around. If your dog does not trust and respect you, then when you attempt to teach your dog something, he will regard you as if he were thinking, "Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?"
Use of Reprimands and Biting
Never hit, kick or slap your dog. This is the quickest way to erode the dog's trust in you. Yes, he will still love you. Even abused dogs love their owners. A unique characteristic of dogs is their unconditional love. You don't have to do anything to acquire your dog's love. But you must do a lot to gain your dog's trust and respect. Another area where we destroy our dog's trust in us is when we scold or punish them for housesoiling mistakes and accidents. When housetraining your puppy, there is never an appropriate time to punish or reprimand. If you catch your dog in the act, just head for the towels and cleaner. You have no right to scold him, because if he is going in the wrong place, it is your fault, not his. If you find an accident after the fact, just clean it up.
Summary Tips on Biting
Just a few tips:
1. Reprimand alone will never stop biting.
2. If no respect exists, the biting will get worse. If you act like a littermate, the dog will treat you as one.
3. If trust is not there, the dog may eventually bite out of fear or lack or confidence.
4. Inconsistency sabotages training. If you let the dog bite some of the time, then biting will never be completely eliminated.
5. Don't forget follow up. The dog must understand that it is the biting that you don't like, not the dog itself. Make up afterwards, but on your terms, not the dog's.
Most owners wait until a bite just "happens to occur" before trying to deal with it and are therefore totally unprepared when it happens - and do all the wrong things, thus making the problem worse. If your dog already has a biting problem you might want to order the book "Help! My Dog Has an Attitude
perfectpaws.com
this is the best site i have found from books to the internet. it goes from loud noises and how to get them use to stairs and everything.
congrats on your new puppy
2006-07-24 06:43:35
·
answer #1
·
answered by halfpint 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Some good answers, and some good information already. The bottom line is, when you adopt a dog, you become that dog's pack, which is vitally important to his health and emotional well-being. Punishment is never a good method for instilling or inhibiting negative behaviors. It is infinitely better to encourage your dog to 'be good,' to offer him reinforcement for good behavior and withhold reinforcement for not so good stuff.
First, realize that dogs don't think or interpret things the way people do--much of their mentality is instinctual, so the more you understand their instincts, the better you'll do in training them.
Second, be aware that dogs live in the now! While they do remember things, and do filter through those memories, they pay very little attention to what they're doing moment-to-moment, so punishing your dog for something he's already quit doing is contra-productive. Instead, elicit a positive behavior, and reward him for it.
Third, either find a good trainer, or a good source of training information like 'the Dog Training Institute' online. Very helpful.
Fourth, be paitent. Because they don't have the same priorities as people, they don't learn the same way,either.
Fifth, in regard to the biting: their mouths are the easiest way they have of manipulating the things around them, and of expressing themselves. Biting is common in pups, and not necessarily intended to hurt--they don't know that your skin is more sensitive because it's less insulated by fur. When he bites you, give a noticeable squawk and withdraw from him. He'll soon figure out that biting=loss of company. It's that easy.
But also, do not confuse nipping with biting. They are not at all the same thing, and though both should be discouraged, nips are not necessarily a hostile action. Sometimes they just forget your delicate sensibilities.
2006-07-24 06:57:02
·
answer #2
·
answered by kaththea s 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
You always try the most positive method first:
Some ideas for discouraging finger chewing: when your puppy clamps down, let out a very loud YELP in imitation of a hurt puppy. Then, fold your arms and ignore him for 10 minutes. With very young puppies, this sometimes works wonders - it's the same thing that happens when they get too rough with another puppy. The wounded puppy yelps and runs off, refusing to play for a bit. The yelp must be startling enough to stop the behavior. If nothing changes, you probably weren't a good enough actor.
That should do the trick, unless she is prey driven, however, if it doesn't fix the problem this will work:
To introduce an element of "natural discipline", grasp the recalcitrant pup by the scruff of the neck with one hand, place your other hand over the top of his muzzle, gently pressing his muzzle towards his chest as you say, in a low, growly tone of voice, "No BITE". If they begin to throw a tantrum and thrash around trying to bite, just hold the line until they "give in" and "say uncle" (quit resisting). You should not find it necessary to get aggressive with a young puppy. Simple restraint is usually enough to get the message across.
2006-07-24 07:06:00
·
answer #3
·
answered by Chetco 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Don't worry too much if your puppy "mouths" you to death! It is all part of her growing-up process and, with the right encouragement, will cease as she matures. It is a bit more serious if she is doing this in anger - and you just have to be that much stronger!
Realize that consistency is the key. Everytime puppy bites, say "NO!" in a strong, harsh voice. Then just walk away and ignore her.
When she has calmed down, talk to her gently and stroke her calmly. Keep your hand away from around her mouth. Tummy tickles are a great way of connecting with your puppy whilst remaining as far away from her mouth as you possibly can!
Never play roughly with a puppy who is inclined to bite. Rough play will only encourage this behaviour and establish in strongly in puppy's mind.
Always praise good behaviour with lots and lots of gentle love and cuddles - and perhaps a few tasty treats too!
Tips
Socialize puppy as much as possible. Let her meet other dogs and lots and lots of people. Introduce her to all sorts of new experiences while she is still very young. Enroll her in obedience training classes and let her learn her place within the family structure. Remember, you are now puppy's parent - it's your responsibility to encourage her along the road to becoming a happy, healthy, well adjusted family friend.
Warnings
If you haven't ensured your puppy comes from good stock with sound temperament, you may have a problem on your hands. If you notice real aggression in your pup - consult your vet, who will check if there is a medical reason for your pup's behaviour. He may also recommend your pup sees an animal therapist.
2006-07-24 06:47:23
·
answer #4
·
answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
you are not hopeless and have two advantages: one, your dog is very young (consider a 3 month old child, how do you teach them to stop crying?) and two, its a german shepherd. one of the most trainable breeds in the world. why do you think they work in the military and in airports? these dogs love to work, they need a mission. give your dog plenty of walks which will bond you very close. (people tend to think by petty your dog and saying "good puppy", it will show the dog how much you love them, not true. 90% of bonding with your dog comes from walks). once you establish a firm bond with your puppy, you can begin to train it. the whole biting problem for this breed stems from their need to "do stuff" (ie:work). but since your dog is still a puppy, you need to realize that just like babies, dogs teeth grow out painfully. you give babies teething crackers and expect your dog not to bite? doesnt seem fair. buy a chew toy and see if the problem persists. your dog is too young to know better. however, if you are desparate, there is a trick that might work. every dog has a spot at the back of their neck that when slightly pressed with your fingers, it feels like a dog bite. your dog will immediately know who is in charge. follow that with a non-word command like "shhh" and i guarantee it will work.
2006-07-24 06:49:25
·
answer #5
·
answered by Agata 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
She is not biting - she is playing as a puppy plays. Think about a group of puppies together - they nip each other, that is how they play. You need to let her know that our human skin is much more delicate than other puppy skin, and when her teeth make contact with your skin, yelp in a high pitch like a puppy shows it is hurt, put a hurt look on your face, and cross your arms over your chest. She should look at you to see what is wrong. After a half minute or so, resume playing but when she nips, repeat. She will come to learn that if she nips, you will not play with her.
2006-07-24 07:09:21
·
answer #6
·
answered by sim24 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
You know right now at Pets Mart they have a class for 99.00 and it last 8wks. It shows them basic manners & problems such as chewing, biting, jumping, how to socialize with people and other dogs and also puppy health, grooming and nutrition. If you don't have time for the class, they sell a spray and you spray it on things you don't want him to chew on like furniture, shoes, etc.. it don't smell bad it's called "No Chew Spray" Good Luck!
2006-07-24 07:21:19
·
answer #7
·
answered by Summer 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
Give a loud "yelp" like a hurt dog would, then walk away and ignore her for a bit. Make sure the whole family is consistent in doing this. Dogs hate to be ignored, so after a while she'll clue in and stop doing it.
2006-07-24 06:42:23
·
answer #8
·
answered by ontario ashley 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
have a bunch of chew toys just for her. every time she bites you, let out a sharp, squeeling "ouch!" like you are a hurt puppy. and then RIGHT AWAY put the chew toy gently in her mouth. Praise her for chewing on the toy. If she starts chewing on you again, or if you dont have a toy handy at the moment, turn your back to her and walk away. Dont even look at her if she bites you. Dont yell at her either, just walk away. But the second she starts chewing one of her toys or bones, PRAISE HER A LOT!! That way she learns what to chew and what not to chew. PS- dont give young puppies rawhide.
2006-07-24 06:44:43
·
answer #9
·
answered by olayak 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
I have always had good luck buy playing a little rough and as the dog is bitting placing my thumb in their mouth, under the toung and just holding for a moment or two.
Mine have never hurt anyone. And I am on my 4th dog
2006-07-24 06:48:57
·
answer #10
·
answered by Mitch 1
·
0⤊
0⤋
Do not tease and do not strike. A firm scolding for bad behavior and a gentle compliment for good behavior. A treat works good too. Nothin wrong with a bribe, my wife gives me a treat too when I'm a good boy.
2006-07-24 06:55:28
·
answer #11
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋