We recently got a german shepherd mix puppy about 6 months old. She is too rough in "play biting" my shi tzu and I'm afraid the shih tzu will get hurt. What can I do other than say "No". Is a muzzle the answer for short term use? Thanks for helping me out.
2007-04-29 11:35:45 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I wouldn't use a muzzle. it is surprising how rough dogs are when they play- it looks sometimes really bad. But unless the shi tzu is crying out, there is nothing to worry about. Also, if the puppy actually bites too hard and makes the shi tzu cry out or yelp, the shi tzu will teach the younger one not to do that.. the shi tzu will also properly defend itself. Puppies don't know their strength, and learn by doing. Do not worry that the shi tzu is being hurt, they will work it out on their own.
However, if they start a fight, you will have to keep them seperated. (never try to seperate them WHILE they are fighting unless you want a bloody or missing body part- if you want to break up a dog fight throw water on them- fastest method I know) If there is real fighting, you may want to use a muzzle, but separation is best.
2007-04-29 11:55:45 · answer #1 · answered by happy_n_freeone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So how does the shih tzu react? Does it run away when the play and biting get out of hand? If the shih tzu doesn't then don't worry about it and if the dog does run away then that is what you want. The GSD (german shepherd dog) mix will learn how to play bite and not hurt the other dog. The last thing the GSD mix wants is to have its play partner run away and not play. Is the GSD mix play biting you? If it is then you do the same thing, when the GSD mix bites so hard that it hurts then you pull away, turn away and pretend that the dog just bit your hand off. Keep turning away from the dog and don't allow it to get your attention. As I said the last thing the GSD mix wants is to lose a play partner. It will learn real fast how hard to bite. Whatever you do, don't use a squirt bottle! If it works it is because the dog will fear it and by association fear you. That is something you never want to happen, your dog fearing you.
2007-04-29 19:07:09 · answer #2 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a shih-tzu also. He is between the age 1 & 2.
And I also have a mixed chow and a Eskimo Spitz.
When I first brought the shih tzu home I was afraid that 2 larger dogd would hurt him, because he weighed 12 lbs and all it took from them was ONE bite. The chow is afraid of the shih tzu and he is acout 5 years old. The spitz isn't afraid of him, they will play and have a ball. Dogs learn from each other.
If your shih tzu is grown , he could be teaching the puppy things. Just supervise and make sure neither gets hurt.
If the puppy is loosing his puppy teeth , you can get a rope toy and play with him and it will also help him in shedding his baby teeth.
2007-04-29 19:02:46 · answer #3 · answered by born again 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By 6 months, pulling teeth is stupid and play biting does become an issue.
Try putting "Bitter Apple" spray on your hands and arms when you play.
Don't worry about the dogs' interaction with each other, the shi tzu will make it very obvious if your pup goes too far.
2007-04-29 18:42:45 · answer #4 · answered by Annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u hav to hit him on the hed and say no/stop then take him 2 his cage and get him out after 5 minutes is up if he barks for u 2 let him out add another minute he will soon relize y hes in his cage and y ur poppin' him on the hed say no in a strong tone of voice & show him that shi-tzu isnt his chew toy then hold his chew toy in front of his face and let him bite on it so he knos wut it is
2007-04-29 18:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by Macy!<3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog needs to associate the bite with something unpleasent.
2007-04-29 18:44:27 · answer #6 · answered by ren_cub 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well u should probably give it some chew toys because ur pups most likely still teaten or is still sore from teaten!!!! Wen ur dog bites u (or the dog) in a way u think is uneceptable firly say no and slap them not to hard but in a way that they will no wat u mean!!!! I hope this works!
2007-04-29 18:41:06 · answer #7 · answered by Smokahontas 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
here is what i think... because your German shepherd likes to bite, get your dog a chew toy. your dog will bite and chew that in stead of anything else.
2007-04-29 18:42:25 · answer #8 · answered by Lola 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can buy one on those head collars and put it on your pup when hes playing and when he starts to get into the bitting to much then just tug on and it'll shut his mouth. I put down the link so you can see what they look like.
2007-04-30 17:43:55 · answer #9 · answered by michelle s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure how a dog would react, but I trained my cats with a spray bottle of water. They hate that, and learn quick!
2007-04-29 18:39:43 · answer #10 · answered by thing4reason 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋