This brings me to another question. I'm having trouble with training 'coz of my pup's lack of "finesse" in taking a treat. I always end up feeling the sting of those needle-like teeth! He takes treats with gusto now. And it hurts hehehe. I can't teach him the down command 'coz of that: he uses is teeth to pry open my closed fist even before he completes the command! Any suggestions? I plan on using tough "mechanics' gloves".

Wow, I knew I just couldn't be alone in the black and blue stage. My hands and arms and legs are covered in scrapes and bruises. I knew when we got Heidi that it would be rough for a while, but it is truly puppy hell (pardon the language). I keep saying to myself and to my husband, it's just a phase, in a couple of months, she'll start to calm down. And, boy will we be celebrating when those dagger teethies fall out. Hurry up Tooth Fairy!

I am so happy every time this subhject comes up. I really thought I was the only one going through that at that time. Fortunatly my boy is 9 mos now and it is not as bad-also he does not do it as hard and his teeth are not as sharp now. Eds DVD on Dominant and aggresive dogs has suggestions I wished I had in those earlier stages. Unfortunately I found Ed when my boy was already 6 mos.Now that he's old enough, on the play-biting I have had so much luck with the remote coller. Ed also has a DVD on training with it. I always give my boy the chance fist to do as hes told and say no if he does not stop biting or whatever, he gets nicked after 1-1/2 seconds. he rarely dosnt mind me after that and the games or training go's well.

How can you tell the difference between play biting and when a dog is being viscious (sp)? My GSD is 11 weeks old and I understand that they bite/chew, however, at times it seems very viscious. She will "attack" for no reason and not let go -- again I know whe probably just want to play, but a lot of times a redirection won't work and with a correction she will growl and bite again even harder. My worst fear is her getting bigger and hurting someone in my family or someone else.

The experts on this board will need to chime in, but I think that if your GSD is only 11 weeks old, you don't have to consider this aggression. Her "attack" is merely play, albeit rough play, still her way of playing.

My 15 week old does the same thing and always has. My pup came home with me at 6 weeks old which I know now is too early. They need 2 more weeks with their mama and siblings to learn appropriate pack behavior. Now she has to learn from her pack leader (you).

Patience and redirection is what everyone is telling me. Although my pup doesn't show much interest when I try to redirect...so I put her in her kennel if she refuses to stop.

I have to say though, she at almost 4 months old now, and she is showing signs of sweetness and settling down (momentary signs ). She'll be just fine.

I suggest the vidio on Dominant and Aggresive dogs. Sounds like you have a dominant dog. I have had the same experiance with my Doberman who is now 9-1/2 mo. It will get better, but these working breeds can have a high amount of prey-drive. I did not find Ed until after my boy was 6-mo. So I had not gotton his puppy vidio, bit I understand it goes into explaining this behavior also. I did get the Dominant & Aggressive Dog DVD and it had advise for calming your puppy. One thing I did was stop playing tug at that age as it worked him into a drive that seemed very aggressive. Truth is he so much better now, but when in play-drive he is very aggressive. when playing fetch-I make him sit to out the ball before I throw it again. This calms him for the next toss, although he sometimes jabs me with his muzzle to hurry my toss. Occasionaly he tries to grab the ball back from my hand and I have to be careful not to get puncured. He is the most loving dog. Very obediant and minds his commands 99%. It is just a high level of play and or prey drive that makes him seem aggressive. I am just a beginner in training and this is just my exper. and 2 cents worth.-To me, it sounds like play.

Michael, can you explain why you think her dog is dominant? Sounds like a nice puppy to me.
AL

a suggestion for the training..maybe first get the pup used to taking the treat from ur open hand with finesse in easy positions like sit. once it is ok without any wounds then try this. withget to sit go on ur knees. one hand on his back close to collar, kind of hold collar ths will help if he lunges at ur hand. then lower the treat along the side of his head to between his legs as he reaches push him down gently and u dont have to hold the ur hand there..just put the treat down and move ur hand. i had to do the whole put treat down and leave quick move with my male pup bcoz he was always way to eager to get the treat in his mouth.and i got stuck plenty of times with those needles in his mouth.

I was actually repling to the post from Chad Dunn. Long day at work? Sun in my eyes...You are right/Chad's situation was a "Been there-Done that reply meant to incourage.