February 02, 2023
How can I redirect a cattle dog puppy from biting pants legs?
Full Question:
Hi Cindy,I have a friend that does not live near me so I am unable to physically help her with her new cattle dog puppy. She is having a problem with him constantly tugging at her pant legs and healing her ankles. She has asked for help. I am a trainer where I live. I’m thinking of redirecting the tug desired to places in each room with an attached tug. Also, a slow feed treat ball for him to chase and to keep his brain occupied.
I wanted to get your opinion on my ideas and tugs you would recommend. I make fleece tugs that can easily be attached to something in each room. Using one for play would also re-enforce the desire to tug. Thanks for your time and suggestions
Cindy's Answer:
This is a totally normal issue and cattle dogs tend to be as determined as some of the other "biting" breeds. I breed working GSD and Malinois but when we had a cattle dog, she was one of the worst biters as a puppy. They are persistent little guys.
Redirection is good, but often redirection from a person to a static object like a tug tethered to something is not as appealing to them. I use food whenever possible for redirection with puppies that I don't want to bite at all. For my bite sport puppies, I use tugs more, but for dogs that I don't want biting at all, I try to use food. I find putting the food on the ground works better than from my hand for some puppies. It breaks the train of thought, so to speak.
I'd suggest the 7-hour long video Raising a Puppy with Michael Ellis. Food chase recalls and engagement drills with food are great!
Redirection is good, but often redirection from a person to a static object like a tug tethered to something is not as appealing to them. I use food whenever possible for redirection with puppies that I don't want to bite at all. For my bite sport puppies, I use tugs more, but for dogs that I don't want biting at all, I try to use food. I find putting the food on the ground works better than from my hand for some puppies. It breaks the train of thought, so to speak.
I'd suggest the 7-hour long video Raising a Puppy with Michael Ellis. Food chase recalls and engagement drills with food are great!
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