As I've stated before, I'm new to the Mal game (retired my shepherd and new dog is a Mal). I have a question about being "mouthy". He is now about 15 months old and seems to always have to have something in his mouth. When he is just playing, he will carry one toy in his mouth and "bat around" the other toy with his feet. Ok, no problem. Problem comes when I go to praise him up after a job well done (what ever it happens to be) he wants to "mouth" my arm. Not trying to bite, just play, if you know what I mean. This hurts like hell! I correct him when he does it and he seems to understand, but the little wire in his brain seems to come loose when he gets a little excited.
Is this normal for Mals? Something he might grow out of? Suggestions?
John
I don't know much about raising Mal puppies just seen them worked and took a couple of hits. But a similar topic was discussed in this same thread stream.
"Differences between a high drive GSD and a Mal?"
I thought it was funny and informative, your impression maybe different then mines after reading it. But I'd think thats pretty normal for a Mal, going by this post. Check it out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
John Haudenshield Webboard User Reg: 07-12-2001
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Patrick,
I'd just keep reminding him that mouthing you is unacceptable. I'm going through a similar thing with my 14 month old GSD. My previous dog, a Mal, never did this, but each dog is different.
Just remember to be consistent and fair in your correction and he'll get it sooner than later.
OK, this might sound a little bit too soft for you, but here's what works for me. My little BC sometimes gets sloppy and bites my hand when she's going for the toy. The second her teeth touch my skin, I yell "OUCH!" (whether it really hurt or not) and immediately stop the game and completely ignore her for at least five minutes. I do not give the little booger the time of day; no eye contact, nothing. I literally use the stopwatch on my watch to make sure it's really been five minutes. Next time I go to play with her, she is very careful about where she puts her teeth. If your dog is particularly hard headed, longer than five minutes might be neccessary. The point is, when she bites, the fun ends.
David Morris Webboard User Reg: 11-28-2002
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Loc: North Carolina
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What Id do is set up the scenario so you can correct because if you waite till it happens on its own you are usually to late to give a correction at the moment it happens. Put the dog in a down( Keep the leash and collar on it) hold the leash in your right hand and with your left do things that will make him mouth your left hand like poke the ribs, grab some hair, grab back feet, tail, you know what Im saying.While you are doing this I would not even allow a head turn.As soon as the dog turns its head I say NO! and correct with the right hand. Id do this on a regular basis till the dog understands there will be no mouthing or headturns( headturns are like the dog saying he could stop you if he wanted too).Its better to do this and get it over with than to keep letting him do it on his own when your correction is always to late because the dog is so fast. Id also give the dog some calming praise when the dog is keeping its head forward.Dont let this turn into a hectic excercise but still be very consistent in it.
Stop making excuses for your dog and start training it!
David Morris Webboard User Reg: 11-28-2002
Posts: 570
Loc: North Carolina
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John,
You do want the dog to think it is wrong to bite you, especially since you are going to be doing patrol work. Letting a dog bite on you has nothing to do with bite training.
Stop making excuses for your dog and start training it!
The point is teaching the dog to play by your rules or not at all.
I don't know much about bite training, so I would defer to others who know more when it comes to the "OUCH" thing, but would your dog out on a suspect if the suspect issued an "OUT" command?
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