Brenda,
I also want to add that Nickie is ALWAYS on a light drag line in the house and also when he is in our backyard. He wants to play "keep away" too much for me to eliminate the drag line at this time. (Everything is a GAME to him!)

I took an old 6 ft leash and cut the stitching where the loop was and now it is just a straight piece (can be re-stitched at a later date if I want to).

1st: I wouldn't prong him yet. Although I would wager there is a prong colloar in the future for you guys.

2nd: Drag Line, even a short one, then you can give a correction more easily then trying to grab the collar.

I find my pup gets mouthy when he has to go to the bathroom. Ever since he was a very YOUNG pup, if he had to go potty, especially poop, he would get very mouthy. This seemed to happen most often in the evening. Most likely because that is when we are winding down in the living room, and letting him hang out with us in there.

Versus our morning routine is in the kitchen, where he has access to the outdoors (at least spring through summer), as I leave him on leash (on a long-line) and leave the front door open, so if he has the need, he can go outside to do his business.

Even knowing that, sometimes he is just mouthy, especially if I've told him to DOWN. He is on a prong now (@ 8 months) and his behaviour is much improved, and it is very easy to give a correction. However I don't like correcting him any more than I like giving a child a spanking. My family says that he knows that and that is why he is constantly challenging me. Perhaps.

My goal is to make sure that our pup has enough FAMILY TIME (My son, My Pup & I), and frankly I think it will be good for all three of us.

Like everyone else has said, the pup can be so GOOD, that when he is BAD, it is very distressing.

p.s. I've heard that the SHAKER CAN full of Pennies is an Excellent Tool to use in more than one Dog Book. Good Luck and Let us know how it works.

If you don't already own Ed's "Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months" DVD, please order it today!

http://www.leerburg.com/120.htm

And be sure to LIVE by the following articles <:-)

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Thanks everyone! I tried the can of pennies and the first day it worked really well. (just like the squirt bottle worked on the first day). But then on day 2 she desensitized herself to it or something, and it didn't work every time. I'd have to shake it three or four times before she would get "off". (just like the squirt bottle). she's so smart, and it seems as if she figures these things out quickly and they don't bother her anymore after that. I'm trying the leash and so far things are going a bit better.

I noticed also, Louanne, that she gets more mouthy in the evenings when she has to go to the bathroom or is hungry. (mostly bathroom). I am going to teach her to ring the bell when she has to go out, but I live in Estonia and have searched all over for a "hotel doorman" style bell that she can ding but I can't find one anywhere. (everyone laughs when I tell them what I want it for). as soon as I can find a good bell that works, maybe then she'll learn that she doesn't need to bite my leg or jump up on me on the couch to tell me that she has to go to the bathroom. On the other hand, I'm reading her a bit better to know enough what this particular biting means and can take care of it rather quickly. We've had several higher exercise days the past few days, so she's been so tired out that she's been much better behaved. I'll keep you posted!

And thanks, Candi, for the link to the articles. I had read them before, but it's good to review and refresh!