Why is my dog biting?

Question

Almost everytime he does something bad and I'm telling him no he gets this look on his face like he is going to bite me and he'll growl and sometimes he snaps at me. He even got me once and bruised my arm immediately. Funny thing is I have never even laid a hand on him.. but we did recently get him from the pound. Help please, don't want to have to take him back because he is a sweet dog, he's very lovable otherwise just when he gets mad he chews and when you tell him no he tries biting.

Oh don't worry I don't want to take him back he is a sweet dog, just wants to be dominate maybe? I don't know I was hoping maybe someone had some advice or previous experience with a pup like this.

But don't worry I'm an animal lover I would never take him back... I was just saying I didn't want to have to if he continues to not bite. Its just odd how he never bites any other time when he's playing and everything. Only when you tell him no. Seems like a little kid HAHA.

The first time he did it I grabbed him by the collar and pinned him down telling him no bad boy until he calmed down thats what the vet said to do but just tonight he did it again snapping at my face. I've never hit him, I guess I just need to take him to obedience classes, thank you all for your help. <33

Thank you all so much as for the person who was wondering how old he is, the pound said he was 1.5 and the owners brought him in but never really said why and the pound never mentioned aggression, just playful aggessiveness. He's an Australian Shepherd also if that helps any. But thank you all for your kind and meaningful words, they truly helped. I will take your advice! =]

Little Riley will turn out to be a NICE obedient dog haha. He just needs some working with and I'm definitely willing too, he's a cutie and a very snuggly dog when he's not doing something bad haha. Well thank you all again, have a great day! bye!

Answer 1

Sounds like he might have been abused before and associates the word "no" with whatever came next- a mean slap or kick or whatever. Call a local dog trainer & ask thier advice. Also try using the word "stop" to replace no, maybe break that association.Grip the collar firmly, WAIT FOR EYE CONTACT, the most important thing when training to establish command authority, use a calm voice, and give him a quiet, serious talking to. Worked wonders with a Rotwieller I cared for, when we had leash tugging to pull my arms off type of problems. She even got so she would immediately make eye contact when I used her name (also very important) and said " Roxanne, look at me" and would gently but firmly cup her chin & turn her to do so. After awhile, I didn't have to do this, she responded to the verbal command. On your non-training time, and if it doesn't confuse him, immediately after a positive response, lavish him with affection & talk to him frequently, telling him what a good dog he is & how he is safe with you & no one will ever hurt him again. etc. It is truly amazing what they come to understand, your intentions will be loud and clear, causing him to attach more deeply with you & a desire to obey even more out of a deeper love for you.Make sure you play with him frequently throughout the day & night, as much as reasonably practical.Catch this behavior at the earliest possible stage- whenyou see that look in his eye. If needed, at first just distance yourself out of reach and give the stop command & a talking to about how he doesn't need to do that with you. Your goal is to break entirely from the interaction pattern that was most likely paired with the abuse from his previous owner.Kudos to you for hanging in, it may take qiute awhile, be patient & never leave him with children of any age or unsuspecting adults who may inadvertantly trigger this reflex response.

Answer 2

He is telling you that he is the 'alpha' dog of the pack and that you are the followers. You need to be firm, not afraid, and don't let him have the chance to bite you. Are you able to get 'Dog Whisperer' on your TV? He covers this topic a lot. Your vet may have some ideas as well. Take an obedience class and it will help him learn that you are the 'alpha dog' in your family. I have put the link of Dog Whisperer below. You may be able to get a DVD from the library or local movie rental place, watch and follow his advice. It really works!

ps - don't blame it on the dog coming from the pound. we have had 5 rescue animals now, and all have been wonderful. One was half Dalmatian, half Amer staffordshire bull terrier (some would say pit bull), rescued from a pit breeder after several litters and she was up for throwing in the ring to train others (horrible) - and she was the best dog we ever had - the other dogs and a cat got along great, we had visitor dogs with no problems, neighbor kids came to play with her, and our 3 grandsons (from 16 months to 5 years old) could do ANYTHING to her including taking toys or food from her with not a hint of aggressiveness. We had to put her down as she developed cancer after 10 years, and we got cards and keepsake photos from a lot of people who loved her almost as much as we did. Please check out the DVD as it may be what you need most in order to learn how to be the alpha dog. (The dog whisperer actually does not say no, but makes a short quiet sound through his teeth at the dog - chtt chtt - and it works better for some reason.)

Answer 3

If you screamed at him he will act just as you would have hit him. Try to be upset with him and ignore him for 10-15 minutes he will feel sorry and he will need your attention. since you just got him from a pound you have to be very affectionate with him since he didn't get a lot of that. He growls and bites because he is afraid and he is trying to defend himself. This was definitely an abused dog. If he growls just tell him in a calm voice Bad dog and ignore him. Then after 15 minutes return pick him up, if he looks ok with that and talk to him in a very calm and friendly voice, just as you would talk to a child.
You could also try to put his head on your chest, he will hear your heart beat and get used to it just like a baby. Never force him to do something, be upset if he did something wrong and ignore him but only for a little while and then go back and act like you forgave him and play with him and be affectionate.

It takes patience to get close to a dog but they really are the best of friends

Answer 4

if you got the dog from the pound, that is probably the problem right there. dogs who have been abused by previous owners have alot of anger that is built up inside of them and it doesnt go away right away. it depends on his past. contact the pound and see what info you can find out. don't hit the dog because if the dog has been abused, it's only gonna bring back bad memories and then watch out. there is also a possibility that the dog is doing it out of revenge. so if you're not home enough or if the dog isn't getting what it thinks is enough attention, he could be acting like that too. otherwise, check with the vet. maybe it's the breed too. lots of different factors....that is though one downside to adopting a dog from the pound... good luck...

Answer 5

He may have been taught to become aggressive to the word "No", he may have been beaten while being told "No" (that may have been the reason he was sent to the pound, because he fought back), or he just may be trying to be dominant. Try using another word like "Bad". When you are playing or even just relaxing with him, make him roll on his back with you over him to assert your dominance. If he persists biting, try putting him in his crate for 15 minutes. If that doesn't work after 2 weeks, you may have to resort to grabbing his muzzle when he tries and thumping his nose. Keep at it, or he will dominate you and thats it, the house will be his and you'll be his B****. Good luck!

Answer 6

Sometimes dogs from the pound had a previously bad experience. Maybe just give him some time to trust you. Just keep a toy in his mouth instead of your arm. I would hate to see you take him back. He would be really upset.

Answer 7

Is your canines incredibly attempting to break you with its chew? regardless of if it is incredibly being violent and attempting to interrupt the floor then it is a severe subject and additionally you may desire to maybe seek for a specialist canines coach. in the journey that your canines is mouthing you (preserving your hand or leg or regardless of in his mouth, with out incredibly biting down) then it is extra ordinary to handle. some canines mouth because of the fact they do no longer comprehend that persons have not got fur to guard them, and so as that they simply attempt to get our interest they way they could if we've been different canines. you could stop a canines from mouthing by using say "OW" such as you're soreness whilst he bites. This teaches him that that it hurts you whilst he bites, considering which you haven't any longer have been given fur like he does. Your canines desires to verify which you are the boss. canines are %. animals and yours seems to think of that it is the boss of the %.. attempt doing obedience education to make it sparkling which you're in fee.

Answer 8

Try using the sound, "Shhh" made loudly..this is a universal warning sound (as in snakes, cats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, birds, etc) Most dogs respond to the sound with respect. He may have really bad experiences with the word, "NO'..
You didn't tell us how old he is, but called him a pup, so I assume he's as a teenager (human) and teens go though similar personality and attitudes..
I have had 2 rescues that were biters, and one outgrew it, and learned to trust, but one was never safe with children, so I re-homed her...I wish you the best with this dog..
These are sites for training rescued dogs, as recues have different needs> http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/ccp51/cc/dog-training/train-rescue-dogs.shtml

http://www.petshub.com/dog/training/dog-training-training-rescued-dogs.php

http://www.leerburg.com/qarescue.htm

Answer 9

He may be biting out of fear and also he is proving to himself and you that he is alpha in the situation. Once he is able to establish his superiority this can be a tough one to discourage and may require professional help to overcome. I know - I lived with one with these tendencies for eight years, a shelter dog that had a lot to overcome but professional help saved us both and he turned into a delightful companion. Don't give up.

Answer 10

Not a good dog at all.If you dont want to take him back to the pound then you better send him to obidient school now.He is dominating you and the first time he did it you should of showed him you dont fear him.