problems with puppy?

Question

I have a 7 month old female Golden Retriever. She comes running and jumps on you and nearly knocks you off your feet. We tell her OFF!! OFF!! But she keeps at it. And she bites, play bites but they hurt all the same. We tell her NO! or BAD GIRL!! or STOP!! but she keeps it up. Otherwise, she is a joy and obeys other simpler commands, but 3 of us can't break her of these things. I'm considering a private trainer, but before I spend that kind of money, I wondered if anyone here had suggestions. Thanks!

Answer 1

Try this article for the Jumping problem - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/jumping-up.html

And this one for the Puppy Biting - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/how-to-stop-a-puppy-from-biting.html

Good luck with your Golden!

Answer 2

Here's a great time-saving tip : dogs do not speak English. So, you can shout things at your dog all day - it won't matter. Instead, control the consequences of the behaviors that you don't want, and reward the behaviors that you want to encourage. If you don't want her jumping on you, simply turn around when you see her run at you. No need to knee her in the chest or punish - just turn around. This will stop the game from being fun for her.
To stop play biting - check out Ian Dunbar. He has written several articles about how to stop puppy nipping - and he's a positive trainer (no choke collars or alpha rolls).
A trainer is always a good idea so that you can learn more about how dogs learn. Group classes and extra reading (The Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson; anything by Karen Pryor) are great books. Good luck!

Answer 3

For the jumping, what has worked for me to train 2 dogs from doing it, is to when they jump, take your knee and lightly put it into the chest of the dog, not hard enough to hurt them, and say down at the same time until your dog has gotten onto all fours. You must have everyone in the house do this until the dog learns that jumping is not allowed. I was told to try this by a dog trainer.

When she bites say "ouch" or "ow" in a loud but stern voice and pull your hand away and immediately stop petting or touching your dog. Try to match the tone of when you hear other dogs playing and you hear them yelp when one gets too rough. To dogs, this means that it hurt and to stop.

If these things do not work after a few months or so of trying, it may take a little longer so be patient, I would look into spending the money on professional training.

Answer 4

As for the play biting.. it is different in golden retrievers than it is in other dogs. Golden Retreivers have a real *need* to *hold* something in their mouths...especially when they are excited.(holding things is one of the things they were bred for).

Most of them will pick up a toy if it is nearby. If not...make sure to have one at the ready for when she starts this.

For Golden's it is really not so much about *play biting* so much as to *hold* something in her mouth. It's also kind of like a *security blanket* for them...they will also do this when they are even slightly stressed.
She probably won't grow out of it...as it is more the golden retriver's need to hold, than it is play biting. (my golden mix is like this also....but it is very under control...as long as she has something around to hold. Which I make sure she always has).

As for the running and knocking you off your feet. Have a good treat ready, when you know it's going to happen, such as a small piece of cheese or dog biscuit.

As soon as you get in the door...hold it away from you, but toward her. DOn't let her have it till she sits. (I'm assuming you've taught her the sit command).

You want to hold it near her nose...so she knows you have it..and it will distract her from jumping on you. If she knows the sit command..make her sit before she gets it.

If she doesn't..obedience school would be a good idea.

It may take a few weeks for her to learn that she will get a treat when you come home...(after she sits..).

After she gets the treat..she will be excited again and greet you....but she won't be able to come running at you and knock you over...she will be too close.

After she sits, and you give her the treat...lean over her and give her praise, and pet(rub) her in a calming
manner....*yeeessss.....gooood giiirrrllll.....yeeessss*.

Don't say it in an excited manner, but in a calm and reassuring manner.(while you pet/rub her).

Dogs can be quite ritualistic about their greetings....so it may take a few weeks...but it can be done.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Yes, buy a book on training. the training is really for the people as well as the dog, so one person going to obedience classed won't work. The book will give you pointers on these probnlems and you can learn together and be consistent...it won't work otherwise. Also the dog is teething really bad and will for about a year, it needs very large rawhide bones, give them when you need down time or when he is left at home or in his area, when he listens always give him a treat too. The jumping is hard, buy the book and follow it to the tea and keep it up until it stops.
Good luck. He's a big puppy and needs to learn so you will all be happy.

Answer 6

You have to be very consistant, and when you say "Off!" you have to say it in a low, demanding tone, but don't scream at her. When she starts jumping on you, or biting, turn your back on her and completely ignore her. When she sits like a good girl, then you can pet her. When she starts jumping up again, ignore her again.

You can also try turning her lips in on herself when she tries to bite you--she'll get the idea.

If you're not having any luck, I would also recommend trying training classes. Most instructors really know what they're doing and will be able to give you great advice on things you never even thought about.

Answer 7

Try putting several pennies in an empty coke can. When you sit down and anticipate her coming at you, shake the can loudly and say No, down.
With repitition these might work.
Same with the biting....I shook the can and said "no bite" . My dog quickly learned as the noise is loud and disturbing to them.
It worked with my puppy, hope it works on yours.....
Goldens are such a fine dog, congratulations, she just needs to learn behavior that will not be tolerated.
Good Luck on your fine choice of a breed.
By the way, stay consistant with the training and it won't take long.

Answer 8

There are a couple of things that have worked for me and I've had many dogs. One would be to keep her on the leash and when she does this, tug the leash and give her the command. It may make her fall but after awhile she will get the point. Secondly, is to give her a tap on the nose when you say the command. She will not like and eventually will get the point that you are serious about what you are saying. After awhile all you'll need to do is say the command and she should obey.

Answer 9

When she jumps on you immediately turn your back on her...or even better, when you see her running up to you turn your back so she won't get to greet you like she wants. You can also just grab hold of her legs when she jumps on you and in a stern voice (not yelling) say "no jump" and praise her once all four feet are on the ground. As for the biting...when she bites your hands say "ouch" and pull your hands away and put them behind your back until she calms down. You could also pull your hands away and immediately replace your hands with one of her toys and praise her for chewing on that.

Answer 10

I recommend you get one they will be in your own environment and will help your dog over come her tendency to jump on people in a calm quiet place that she recognizes. When we first got my German Shepherd puppy she was very dominant and would do the same things as your dog does. So we got a trainer and she has gotten better since then, and has not much of a tendancy to jump on people.

Answer 11

We're taking our puppy to pre-school and our trainer said that you put your hand over its mouth firmly but do not squeeze and slap your hand not touching the puppy and say 'no biting'.

This is only for your dog biting, (i don't know how to stop her jumping) but i hope it helps.