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#256876 - 11/16/09 08:56 AM
Biting correction - 2 schools of thought...?
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Vanessa Vleck
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 07/20/09
Posts: 39
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Hi Everyone,
I have read many a book on puppy training and I wanted some advice on how to correct when my puppy (10 week old GSD) mouths my hands. For starters, he has a very gentle mouth, he has not come close to breaking skin, but as you all know his teeth are super sharp. I redirect him when he goes after my feet in a nippy way with a toy to chew on (instead of me). But, I have read that when a puppy plays with his mouth and gets bitey you can:
a) squeeze his muzzle tightly to get him to stop
b) yelp as if you were another puppy
c) give a shake to his upper neck (like a mother would)
Thoughts on those techniques? They both work to some degree but I want to be consistent and use a correction that is appropriate. What has worked for you all?
Thanks...as Ed Frawley writes, "everyone has an opinion on training, just ask the mailman" - this is so true!
Thanks in advance.
Vanessa
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#256879 - 11/16/09 09:25 AM
Re: Biting correction - 2 schools of thought...?
[Re: Vanessa Vleck]
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Lynne Barrows
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 09/22/07
Posts: 1636
Loc: S. Florida
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Boy, if he's not breaking the skin then you've got a one in a million pup!
Remember, puppies explore their world with their mouths...
Personally, and especially if he's not breaking the skin, I don't think a 'correction' is warranted. You can redirect to a toy or rolled up hand towel, just like you are doing w/ pants legs.
You could try a gentle, calm squeeze of his muzzle and a firm, deep 'No...' before redirecting, to show that human skin is off-limits.
When you are playing with him, have these things ready to go (toys, tugs, hand towels) so that he is more intrigued by the toy than your skin...
Keep him on a drag line (leash w/ no loop on the end) in the house and pre-empt him from jumping on and mouthing your kids.
He will grow out of this phase. 
It sounds like you've got a really nice pup. Welcome to puppyhood!
Edited by Lynne Barrows (11/16/09 09:28 AM)
_________________________
Chula 
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#256938 - 11/16/09 09:41 PM
Re: Biting correction - 2 schools of thought...?
[Re: Nic Kaiman]
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Michael Reese
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 03/07/06
Posts: 309
Loc: Sacramento, Ca.
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Vanessa,
What kind of dog is it and what is it's purpose?
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#256970 - 11/17/09 09:22 AM
Re: Biting correction - 2 schools of thought...?
[Re: Michael Reese]
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Vanessa Vleck
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 07/20/09
Posts: 39
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Hi Again. Tonto is a 10 week old German Shepherd - Czech line. His parents are both working dogs. My breeder chose him for me from the litter because of his calm demeanor. So far, this is very true. Tonto will be a family pet, although I'd like to get him into agility down the road...
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#257116 - 11/18/09 03:41 PM
Re: Biting correction - 2 schools of thought...?
[Re: Vanessa Vleck]
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Michael Reese
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 03/07/06
Posts: 309
Loc: Sacramento, Ca.
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Vanessa,
At this age and especially because it sounds like a working line shepherd this little guy is more alligator than dog. He is to a large degree just doing what puppies do. They explore everything with their mouths. Though it can be painful, I would redirect as much as possible and then when I couldn't take it anymore I'd put him away. I don't like the idea of creating division in the relationship that your trying to establish with your pup. Quite often this only causes confusion and manifests itself later in life.
There is plenty of time later as the pup matures and your line of communication becomes clear and well established for any type of compulsion.
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