I just got a 1 year old black female shepherd, Liesel. I think she had some early obedience training, & then I think she got bounced around to a couple of owners.

I have trained dogs -- not hard obedience training, but my dogs mind me. But I know with her size and her personality that I have to make sure she understands that I am alpha. I've always trained my dogs using that pack mentality. So I'm working very hard in that direction. She's a sweet girl, & I love her, but she needs a firm hand.

I have plans to do extensive obedience training with her, and I am seriously considering putting her through protection and perhaps bite training, if she proves to have the right temperment.

Finally to my question. When Liesel plays she gets extremely wound up, and she wants to bite. It's a deep mouth bite. She obviously isn't chomping down like she could, and she doesn't get mean, but the more excited she gets the harder she bites.

First, should I disallow the biting completely if there is a chance of bite training in the future? Maybe it's a dumb question, but I can't find the answer anywhere.

Second, yelping & redirection seems a little... well it doesn't seem appropriate for a dog her size and her age. I would think a bit more heavy handed approach would be more appropriate. A firm "No!" and stop playing. I don't want to always be barking orders at her. I love her high spiritedness, and I feel like she should get to do some rough & tumble play sometimes. So what would be the best most balanced approach to stop the biting?

Well, thanks for the help.

Virginia,

Sometimes threads do not get seen. I know I did not see this one until now.

Is she becoming aggressive when she bites or is she just being mouthy during play?

Have you tried to redirect her onto a toy or a tug?

I play rough with 2 of mine. My 1 yr old bites really hard so we don't "play" that way with him, some dogs inhibit and some don't i guess. Get the tug out and have at it!

Carol, that picture is great, lol