Quote: Kelly

Bite inhibition is one of the main lessons that puppies learn from mom and litter mates from 6-8 weeks of age - that's one reason why it is important that they are not removed from the litter before 8 weeks of age

I've done the method that Candi talks about - pushing the lips in so that puppy will bite its self, but in my own experience, it resulted in a puppy that was hand shy - she didn't understand that she was biting herself, I think she thought that with my fingers on her muzzle that I was the one biting her... she would duck anytime my hand went near her head. It took me a LONG time to rebuild what I had lost when I did that, so think LONG and HARD before you do that... other puppies may be fine, and mine was the exception, but I for one will not be doing that again...

Redirect, be consistent and patient. He'll figure out that it's much funner to play with the tug than to bite on your arms, legs, etc.

I've owned half a dozen different terrier breeds over the yrs.

Never found one of them go soft for just about anything.

Had a couple where correcting for biting was like trying to shut off a chain saw by pinching the running blade with your fingers.

I love the evil little bassids!

I've always liked a dog with a bit of attitude

Of course the Borders (Cindy and Connie) are absolute sweethearts.

Kelly, if you will, would you please give a description of redirecting a puppy for biting.

My biggest issue would be timing.

If not done correctly a beginner may just be rewarding the bite with the toy.

Thank you, everyone, for all the ideas and insight. I'm still using lots of patience. I've recently tried really upping the volume of my "OW!" and I will stand and ignore the bite that follows that one. After that, it's crate time until my patience returns. I have had moderate success with this. He always starts off light and sweet but keeps bringing on the strong bites as he goes. I'm not only scratched but bruised where my thumb and finger meet. Today he discovered ankles. Oooooh boy!

I'm still wary of anything that may cause the puppy pain. I cannot even explain how much I'm looking forward to playing fetch with this little guy. I've lived with, or owned, so many dogs and not a single one would release the ball for me. Now that I know how to train for that game, the last thing in the world I want to do is reduce his bite drive.

I dug through and finally found a couple of videos regarding bite inhibition but they are basically what I have stated above, along with marked rewards for stopping the behavior. The biting usually happens when the treats are put away. There are so many behaviors to deal with, one being not to lung for the treat bag, that I'm not always as prepared as I'd like to be for every scenario.

Jeff, we just released (about an hour ago) a video with Michael Ellis on how he raises puppies in his home. There is a lecture on redirection as well as other management stuff and a LOT on proper play techniques. This thing is almost 7 hours long, and is PACKED with info.

http://leerburg.com/ellispuppydvd.htm

When I personally redirect, I offer the tug BEFORE the puppy gets a chance to chomp on me... as soon as my pups come out of the crate, the tug is there. When they are out and get that look like they want to come and bite on me, the tug comes out. When I have a pup, I always have my bait bag and tugs on me at all times. I also have various treats and tugs stashed throughout the house.

The tugs that I use for redirection are tugs that the pup ONLY gets when I redirect. They are not left out and they are not used in other training. This keeps them novel and interesting. These tugs may be squeaky tugs, treat tugs, rabbit fur, etc. They need to be more interesting and appealing to my pup than my arm or leg.

Thanks for the tips Kelly.

That new Ellis puppy video sounds like a winner.

I've never been disappointed in anything he's done.

 Quote: Bob Scott

Thanks for the tips Kelly.

That new Ellis puppy video sounds like a winner.

I've never been disappointed in anything he's done.

Yup .... my Ellis DVDs are important possessions indeed!

I just ordered the new Ellis puppy video. So excited to watch it and discuss. Planning on getting a puppy in spring/summer so perfect timing. My beloved 11 year old gsd passed 6 months ago( and only in the last couple of weeks have I been able to talk about it. This video will be great.

With ANY video don't just look at it once and hope you understand it.

I can find something I missed in the videos almost every time I view one.

They can be an excellent source of reference and not just a good video to watch.

I gotta say that, like Bob (and many people), I find new stuff all the time, even in the ones I have had for many years (Power of Food, Power of Marker Training, etc.).

Also, for me, when I first get one, I like to watch about 1/2 hour per night and let it absorb before the next night.


I'm so sorry about your GSD.

Thanks to , Kelly, for the tips. A bait bag I have almost always with we, but no tugs and treats around the house (outdoor dogs). Just wouldn't know where to put that stuff to have quick access and if I put it to low they'll discover and eat or destroy them, if I m not around or overlook their great fun moment.

Michael's new puppy vídeo seems to be very interesting. Although my dogs are no puppies any more, would it make sense for me to buy it in order to learn things I've perhaps missed and to catch up with this?

Bob and Connie how right you are. I don't know how many times I've watched my DVDs and videos and always discovered things I'd missed or watched superficially, neglecting important details. I then take notes to remind me, what I have to add or to practice more exactly. Although watching often I've never ever felt bored.

The tug ideas sound GREAT, Kelly. I will definitely try that. I'm going to have to do something soon because he is quite a handful and gets stronger and bolder every day! He now bites me in the face if he wants down (I carry him to potty because of some stairs and also some accidents/distractions near the door). I am steadfast in not scolding or punishing this behavior but my face and finger really hurt.

He's very unlike any dog I've ever had before. He tests me.

I noticed that Michael Ellis video. There's no way I'll be able to pass that one up!