My Dog has bitten me 4 times in last 6 years. He has bitten others too. He also snapes at the grandchildren. He tries to snap at people's heels when they leave. My Dog is 1/2 CookerSpanial and 1/2 Border Collie.
2007-02-27 02:47:52 · 11 answers · asked by Nancy S 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This sounds like a dominance issue, if he's actually bitten you, the owner. He needs to learn that you are the alpha, not him. Do not back away from him if he tries to show you dominance. Take him on long walks, always pulling the leash tight to have him right next to your side. Have him sit as he's waiting for you to feed him, have him sit as he's waiting to go outside, have him sit for treats. He'll learn that by submitting to you, he will be rewarded.
If he does something bad, don't yell. That will probably just trigger anger. Say his name or say "No" in a calm, firm voice. Pinch the loose skin around his neck to simulate a dog bite [not too hard] when he does something bad.
Rolling over on his back is the ultimate submission. Have him do this a few times a day.
Never feel apprehensive around him; he can sense it and may misconstrue it as meaning that you need to be protected. Have him on a leash around others and tug sharply on it while saying "No" if he shows negative interest in other people.
He should get better.
If you need to, take him to a trainer.
2007-02-27 03:01:19 · answer #1 · answered by dark_reaction 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fun... You have a natural nipper!! I don't envy you at all. My guess is he does it when he's excited or nervous, maybe both and he has no idea how to express all that energy. He's six so he's not old enough to be grouchy... Older dogs can get grumpy in their older age, just like humans. A few things to try are negative and positive reinforcement, like previously suggested. Giving him treats and praise when he's behaving himself and spraying him with a water bottle or making a loud noise when he is misbehaving. Sometimes this kind of aggression can be fixed by distracting him, either with a click tool or a shaker, something that makes a noise but also isn't offensive such as a loud clapping noise or banging noise. With the combination of that and rewarding him for stopping and not acting out, that can sometimes help with the problem. The key is to be consistant with your training. One thing you could try is a soft muzzle. I know it sounds mean but you'd be amazed how effective and non-offensive it can be. I have a 10 year old German Shepard who is "aggressive" towards other dogs (which is ironic because he lives with a Whippet and three cats who he loves and adores) and will bite them if he gets the chance. The muzzle prevents him from hurting anyone and he can check out the other dogs without causing injury. He bites for the same reason, he gets overly excited and energetic, it has absolutely nothing to do with aggression in it's true term. He doesn't snarl or growl, he simply barks and nips which is a sign he's engaging them in play. It seems to me that's what your dog is doing, he's getting overly excited and displaying it in a way that you don't like, no one does and you now you have to try to correct it. Good luck to you and I hope it works out!
Oh and you do not need a behavior specialist for this kind of problem... It's really not that big of a deal. It's also not like you've exausted all your resources; specialists are for when they're uncontrolable and you can't figure out what else to do.
2007-02-27 11:00:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border Collies are extremely smart dogs, they need jobs, he is snapping at peoples heels because for years they have been bred to be herding dogs, he is doing his job.
Cockers are well known for not being good with kids or strangers.
So in effect you have a problem mix. This dog needs mental stimulation - give it a purpose, if it has had obedience training, have him sit and stay when people leave. But make sure you give the dog something to do other times so it isnt looking for a job.
2007-02-27 10:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact an animal behaviorist asap! No one should be giving advice for this serious behavior without first observing the dog to determine why he is doing this and how trainable the dog is. Your vet or humane society should be able to refer you to someone, or go to www.apdt.com.
2007-02-27 10:59:03 · answer #4 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog is 3 years old. my dog does things that aren't good either, but when he does right, i give him a good scratch, when he does wrong i hit him on the nose or the head, and say "bad dog" or "NO" dogs have good memory so if you hit him when he does wrong he will remember. And your tone of voice he will remember too. my dog cowers when i am angry with him, and he knows it too. another good way to do it is if he does right give him a small treat, if does wrong say bad dog or no and dont give him a treat.
2007-02-27 11:02:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm..considering his age it may be difficult, but you need to teach him bite inhibition. Basically so he can learn what the pressure of his jaws do and what is acceptable and not.
This is done with treats and LOTS of repetition. Look it up for instructions.
2007-02-27 10:54:45 · answer #6 · answered by symbo61 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is mixed with CookerSpainel and I had one and they bit my daughter so in order to keep him from biting I gave him a toy to play with and I told my daughter to not be afraid of him cause dogs smell fear.
2007-02-27 10:59:07 · answer #7 · answered by superchocolatechick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is your dog neutered? Sometimes that can be the answer. If not you can try a spray bottle and spray him when he bites.
2007-02-27 10:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get him trained not to
2007-02-27 10:57:01 · answer #9 · answered by ............. . 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spank it. It worked for me.
2007-02-27 11:17:03 · answer #10 · answered by britts 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋