April 21, 2011

Our 9 week old GSD constantly bites and chews on our hands and feet... whatever is available. How do I correct him for doing this?

Full Question:
I am a first time dog owner, and I was directed to your site by the breeder I purchased my now 9 week old german shepherd puppy from. I just ordered your 8 week to 8 month video for my puppy, in the meantime I have questions I need answers to. I want to know how soon does a dog start showing dominant behavior? My puppy (Rex) constantly bites and chews our feet, toes, legs and whatever he can get his teeth into, I know this is normal for a puppy by reading diff rent articles on your web site., and I have given him toys to chew on and everything, but he just prefers me or my husband. I want to know what is the correction we should use for this? We have popped him with our hand before, but I just don't want him to be afraid every time he sees our hand, because he drew away from me like he was afraid a couple of times after that type of correction ,and we were only petting him. Like I said I am completely new at this, but I love my dog and have always wanted a GSD, but I do want a well trained dog.
Ed
Ed Ed's Answer:
The article I wrote titled THE THEORY OF CORRECTIONS IN DOG TRAINING will help give you some ideas on this. I recommend that you read it.

I assure you the odds are very much against this being dominance. The fact is it’s a really good sign. It indicates a level of prey drive and I use prey drive in training. It's an issue of channeling this drive into other items. Teaching the pup that your puppy tugs or orbee balls are more interesting prey items than biting you and/or your husband.

You will get good ideas in the DVD you just purchased. If you wish to learn more about using prey drive in training I recommend the DVD BUILDING DRIVE AND FOCUS. You can read about this on my web site.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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