Another Problem...

Emultion_Rawks · 11-15-2006, 05:04 PM

This time it's slightly more serious. While I don't think it's too serious at the moment, it could get worse.

My Eight Month Old German Shepard has taken to biting anything and everything to do with Humans. He won't, for example, bite furniture or anything like that, but he will bite our clothes, (For Tug Of War), and especially our Hands. But, to make things worse, it's not only our Hands he's biting. While I was taking him for a walk, a kind lady wanted to stroke him, and he started biting her. I know he thinks this is all in fun, but he's starting to bite quite hard and I need to train him out of it. I've been trying the 'Yelp' method, where you make a 'Yelp' noise when he bites and stop playing with him, but that doesn't work.

Does anyone have any tips on this? Or a different method? I've searched around everywhere and haven't really found anything that's worked for me...

Oh, I have been thinking of giving him an old Shoe to bite. He enjoys biting it, but I'm wondering if that just encourages him to bit other things...

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Curbside Prophet · 11-15-2006, 06:17 PM

I have a couple of quick hits...

If anyone else should ask you to pet your dog, kindly say no and tell them that he is in training.

The Bite Stops Here <- to refresh your understanding of the yelp method.

I would recommend against giving him common items to chew on. A stuffed Kong is way better than a shoe because you dog could very well decide to destroy the shoe, and this could cause internal blockage problems.

Evaluate how you offer treats to your dog. Do you use an open hand? Or do you cup the treat in your palm so that he has to use his tongue to get it out? The second method is preferred for biters.

Emultion_Rawks · 11-16-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

I have a couple of quick hits...

If anyone else should ask you to pet your dog, kindly say no and tell them that he is in training.

The Bite Stops Here <- to refresh your understanding of the yelp method.

I would recommend against giving him common items to chew on. A stuffed Kong is way better than a shoe because you dog could very well decide to destroy the shoe, and this could cause internal blockage problems.

Evaluate how you offer treats to your dog. Do you use an open hand? Or do you cup the treat in your palm so that he has to use his tongue to get it out? The second method is preferred for biters.

Thanks very much, Curbside Prophet!

Have read the article, and I discovered I haven't been doing it quite right, so I'll be trying again!

Thanks again!

Chemikal · 11-16-2006, 10:58 AM

I agree. Letting your dog bite could be an accident waiting to happen. Id suggest not letting him bite. Have you tried the "leave it" command. Some times a simple no will make him understand that he cant do it. My cockerspaniel chews everything and I mean everything. I tell him when hes got something he is not supposed to have "leave it" or "no"

Emultion_Rawks · 11-16-2006, 11:52 AM

Will give those commands a try too... He's still at it, and he's just starting to bite harder, so anything I can do will probably help!

Thanks very much!

LoveLilly · 11-16-2006, 12:57 PM

We taught Lilly to give kisses. First to teach kisses we would say "kisses" over and over any time she did it, or when she licked peanut butter off our hands, cheeks, etc... Then when she would start to bite we would say kisses and if she did it she got a treat. She still reverts to biting at times but she is only 5 months old but the minute you say kisses she stops. One time I said "hi Lilly, kisses" over the phone to her and she started licking air!!! :-)

Emultion_Rawks · 11-16-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveLilly

We taught Lilly to give kisses. First to teach kisses we would say "kisses" over and over any time she did it, or when she licked peanut butter off our hands, cheeks, etc... Then when she would start to bite we would say kisses and if she did it she got a treat. She still reverts to biting at times but she is only 5 months old but the minute you say kisses she stops. One time I said "hi Lilly, kisses" over the phone to her and she started licking air!!! :-)

Hehe, well that sounds very nice! Again, I'll give that a try too, as I'm willing to test out different methods!

Thanks very much!

Dulce · 11-17-2006, 02:28 AM

[quote=Colonel Hugginton;12684[COLOR=red]]***I think this guy smoked off his last few brain cells. What a loser***[/color]quote]

Spammer alert

rocky3 · 11-18-2006, 01:34 PM

you need to get this dog some training and you need to learn how to handle this problem before it get worse if your dog bites someone you could be looking at some very serous issues please find a local trainer in your area or contact your vet for help
rocky3

Emultion_Rawks · 12-21-2006, 03:54 PM

Hey everyone!

Well, this problem is still going on, and it's getting worse. I have tried using a Newspaper, but he's starting to become to afraid and I think he doesn't know why he's getting a tap on the nose.

If anyone has anymore advice, I'd really appreciate it!

Curbside Prophet · 12-21-2006, 04:06 PM

Who recommended using a newspaper? Did you read the bite stops here article?

Emultion_Rawks · 12-21-2006, 04:13 PM

Yes, I have read it, but it doesn't seem to work... I was reccommended by someone who'd been with Dogs all his life. I guessed he'd know, but perhaps he might not be right!

Curbside Prophet · 12-21-2006, 06:19 PM

Have you considered seeking the help of a professional? Since we can't see what's going on, maybe a second pair of eyes from a professional could help determine what exactly is the problem. Is this an option for you?

Emultion_Rawks · 12-22-2006, 07:25 AM

I suppose we have to make it an option now... It's just getting much worse, and he's even biting our Ankles. I'm almost certain it's because he's teething, because apart from the biting, he's an extremely clever, friendly Dog!

Graff123 · 01-16-2007, 08:03 PM

This worked for me... You must be the Alpha...how the Alpha in the pack (Mom) does it....and this DOES NOT HURT... firmly grip the scruff of the neck (just below ears) and GENTLY but forcefully roll him onto his back...don't let go of your grip...he may not like it at first, but continue until he stops struggling and submits...use a trigger word while doing this...perferably one that you want to use when he becomes agressive with humans. This worked with both of my German Sheps. You don't want a lawsuit. Hope you find a method that works for you.

DogAdvocat · 01-16-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emultion_Rawks

Hey everyone!

Well, this problem is still going on, and it's getting worse. I have tried using a Newspaper, but he's starting to become to afraid and I think he doesn't know why he's getting a tap on the nose.

If anyone has anymore advice, I'd really appreciate it!

NEVER hit your dog. Newspapers are for reading, not hitting. Even a tap is counter productive. It teaches him nothing but to distrust you.

DogAdvocat · 01-16-2007, 08:43 PM

Ok, let's try this from a different angle. What have you tried? What have you tried consistently? Trying something once and expecting immediate results is unlikely. You need to teach, and apparently your dog hasn't learned yet. So if you can, please give as thorough of a description as you can - assuming you'd like us to trouble shoot - understanding that we can only do so much since we aren't there to see what's happening.