So, Roger is like the cutest damn thing ever. I'll save stories of his antics for another time but I am just blown away by his temperament and intellect in general.

Anyway, something happened yesterday that really surprised me. He is teething, obviously, at the tender age of 12 weeks. I've been issuing corrections in the form of a stern "NO" or even "No Bite" when he chews things like carpets and shoes, but last night he was being a bit willful and disobedient. I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, which I am loath to do at this tender age...but I wanted to express that I meant business and get a little squeak out of the guy, who's generally unflappable. Simply grabbing him just makes him think it's playtime.

So, I picked him up completely by the scruff of the neck, intending to make a quick swoop into his crate. No response! Just a facial expression conveying some confusion but mostly indifference. I looked at my wife, whose jaw had slid open. Still holding the dog, I took a few steps. No yelps, no biting, no signs of discomfort whatsoever while he hung there.

Now, I'm not an expert and it's been ten years since I had a puppy. But I DO remember that none of them particularly liked being grabbed by the scruff of the neck, and all of them would squeal and submit as soon as one of their front feet got off the ground. I knew he was a tough little bugger, but I was totally shocked at this. Should I be? Is this normal for Mals, or is my intuition--that he has an extremely low tough-sensitivity--correct?

Hi Ross:
The behavior you're describing is very typical (and even expected!) for a working Malinois pup. They are usually VERY bitey/mouthy at that age. They are generally not "teething" yet at that age, just biting for the fun of it. Generally they grow out of it, especially when they learn that there are more exciting things to bite on or play with as they get more involved in whatever activity you plan to direct their energy towards.

My personal tactic is to keep them safe from themselves by limiting their adventures as best I can to rooms that don't include important items I don't want them to chew. I don't correct them for chewing or biting (they generally love a good fight, so often correcting them just makes them want to do it more), I redirect them to appropriate chew items instead. Sometimes this is difficult, because they seem to like the reaction they get when they chomp down on your ankle (ouch!), so you'll have to work at making the toy more fun than your ankle.

Also consider getting a longe whip and attaching a rag to the end of it (also called a "flirt pole") to burn some energy off your pup and to get him interested in something other than your ankles.

In my experience, correcting a Mal pup at this age for what is really normal working Mal puppy behavior can do more damage than good. Try prevention and redirection and remember that a tired puppy (mentally and physically) is a happy puppy

Konnie, thanks for your detailed reply. FWIW I have admired your dog quite a few times via the link in your sig.

Your answer focused entirely on the biting/mouthing issue (not a concern of mine), not my question about the touch sensitivity.

So, for clarity's sake:

Am I making a rookie mistake to be totally stunned that this dog can be picked up by the extra skin on its neck and carried around like a grocery bag? I was astounded by what seems to be an especially low touch sensitivity/high pain threshold. He was not bothered at all.

I am asking this not as some kind of "Hey look my dog is badass" e-wank, but in the hope of understanding how he will respond when the real training begins.

Everything I have read suggests that one's approach to a low-sensitivity pup must be different from that to a high-sensitivity pup. Knowing which one I've got will save me a little trouble once I start E-collar training.

BTW the last line of my first post should read "low touch sensitivity," not "low tough..."

I'm sorry I misunderstood your question, Ross. Hopefully I have it right this time! This pup's reaction is what I would want to see in a working Mal pup, and it's not necessarily indicative of him being a "bad-ass" in training later on . Some lines/individuals are more sensitive than others. Sometimes that sensitivity is there in the beginning, and sometimes it comes out over time. As you mentioned, this certainly needs to be considered when introducing corrections into training later on.

I think you'll have a better idea of how to approach corrections with him when he's of age/level to be introduced to that. And the timing of all of that depends on the individual dog as well. Marker training goes a long, long way for Mal pups (and adults too!), but don't be afraid to teach him how to turn off pressure at a young age (and in an age appropriate way). For right now, have fun with what sounds like a nice pup.

So it's good, but not totally shocking to you? Phew...I thought I was going to have to spring for my own custom E-collar with a "FRY" setting for this little punk!

Just so everyone knows and to avoid confusion, Roger spends only about 30 minutes a day uncrated, inside. The rest of the time he is either out with us, or in the crate. I've also got a few toys to re-direct him. I have to say my breeder prepared us quite well, in addition to what I learned on here.

Personally, I never used the crate as a place of punishment even when Falcon was a pup and driving me nuts. If he was chewey-annoying-irritable I would in the happiest voice I could summon through my frustration, take him for a potty break and then put him happily in his crate with a kong or bully stick. Just never as punishment. It IS hard at times when they are pushing all your buttons but ya' gotta be ready to redirect and not correct too much. Little land sharks.... jmho.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

Personally, I never used the crate as a place of punishment even when Falcon was a pup and driving me nuts. If he was chewey-annoying-irritable I would in the happiest voice I could summon through my frustration, take him for a potty break and then put him happily in his crate with a kong or bully stick. Just never as punishment. It IS hard at times when they are pushing all your buttons but ya' gotta be ready to redirect and not correct too much. Little land sharks.... jmho.

I'm lost. Did I give someone the impression that I was using the crate as punishment?

I use the crate a lot because it is really the only 'safe' spot in the house. Anywhere else, he will chew things he shouldn't be chewing (the carpet, fridge handle, dishwasher door).

 Quote: Ross Rapoport

So, I picked him up completely by the scruff of the neck, intending to make a quick swoop into his crate.

Oh. Duh!

Sorry. I generally don't think of it as punishment, just "Let's all go to our rooms and relax for a minute."

I totally understand you didn't think of it as punishment but it could be perceived differently by the pup depending on the tone of your voice, grasp, etc... I think you are doing a great job Ross - this isn't meant as brow beating in any way.