*chuckles*

Yes, Randy. You have my attention. Now, what are you going to do with it?

I'm struggling to identify how to play, train, and where MY bounaries are. How and when to remain aloof and resist that temptation to just get down on the ground and roll around with him, and when (if it's good) to actually get down and roll with him.

This is a process of discovery for me, as the last dog I had was when I was a child, and there was no real formal training, "Here you go, kids!"

It's not the much different from when you were a child John. The only difference now is as an adult you can have a plan. While you're down rolling around playing with the dog you can also be training the dog. It's a win win.
Being an Alpha doesn't mean you're Stalin, it means you're a leader. It's something of a distinction.
Think of it as 'showing' him the way instead of using force.
Think 'showing' him the way, you'll be surprised how it changes your outlook and your realationship with your pup.
Bye the way, he sounds like a good one.

 Quote: john arbon

Earlier when we were out he attempted to hump my leg. I corrected him harshly enough that he yelped. I'm not sure that he recognizes that I'm his alpha. Any advice?

Yikes! Think of what you did as slapping an infant for reaching out and pulling your hair; completely uncalled for.

He's playing like a normal puppy and humping is a natural instinct. Does he understand that it is not acceptable? NO! Does he have a clue why he was corrected? NO! Has he been taught an alternative behavior say "sit"(too young to own the behavior) for instance? NO! Have you potentially damaged your relationship with him? YES!

John,
I don't blame you; it sounds like you have done some research but there is so much misinformation about the big evil dominance lurking inside every dog; that even normal behavior is suspect.

For now forget the aggressive Alpha stuff it is unnecessary and instead think of the infant who is yanking really hard on your hair. What do you do? Gently unclench his fingers and let him grab and squeeze onto your finger instead.

You retain control, give the puppy direction to an acceptable behavior and reward the good behavior. If you begin to feel yourself becoming frustrated, crate or tether the pup away from you. This is the beginning of bonding, communication and your leadership.

Would a picture be too much to ask for? And how long have you had him?

Nice post, Sheila and Randy. :smile: Good stuff.

Thanks you guys.

I'm just a pup in all of this, so I appreciate your corrections.

The harsh correction was reactive, and stemmed from some frustration. I did give him praise and loving immediately afterward.

Next time I'll redirect or crate until I can come up with a positive way of dealing with whatever situation.

I've read that when the biting/nipping gets too rough during play that the dog should be crated, or gently corrected with redirection, and if that does not work, a cheek grab (not in anger or roughly) until he submits through looking away. I think that this is one of my greatest causes in hesitating in playing with him a lot. Not really knowing how to deal with biting beyond the normal mouthing.

Sheila, I'll post a picture as soon as I get one.

Take Alpha right out of your vocabulary. Find the middle between "here you go kids" and clocking him for humping. Always try to show him what you want and encourage it. Gently stop what you don't want, but don't make such a big deal out of things.If you are consistant and fair with your training, everything will be fine.

That's the thing that gets most people John, biting.
If you have the dog it sounds like you have, learn to enjoy getting bit, in a manner of speaking. It goes with having a good dog. Each bite not asked for, by you, is also a teaching opportunity. It's up to you what he learns from it.

 Quote: John Arbon

I think that this is one of my greatest causes in hesitating in playing with him a lot. Not really knowing how to deal with biting beyond the normal mouthing.

Hard to believe but the biting is normal mouthing....oh....and it does get worse before it gets better .

My guy was a shark too; eventually I lost all feeling in my appendages so it was no longer a problem; but rather than that you might try a drag line. It is like a lightweight leash that when the biting gets fierce and undirectable just hook it to a door knob or table leg etc and walk away. He may throw a fit but repeated everytime he'll start to get the picture.

I found the crate was another option but the drag line was quicker; though if he was really out of control; I found it was often because he was overtired and when I put him in the crate he would crash.

The cheek grab never worked for me, it only escalated things. Separating myself from him using a leash, crate or turning my back and folding my arms is what stopped the biting. (that and age)

Invest in some bandaids, and the neosporin that has pain reliever in it!!

And I personally can not resist a good roll and play with a pup. He will only be a little baby for a very short time. Before you know it that little roly poly furball will be only a fond memory!