Stopping a 6 month old pup biting

[CAPP0]

Thanks, yes, I hope so - I also subscribe strongly to the Top Dog philosophy, I don't make a big song & dance about it but there are certain rules they all have to abide by just to reinforce that point.

[B17NNS]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

Bite it back, twice as hard. I don't know if it works on dogs but it worked for my youngest son.

I was told this by the trainer I used for my old Weim. The theory being that the dog doesn't realise that it's bite causes pain. If it bites you, bite it back (ear is good). He/she realises that a bite hurts, doesn't want to hurt you, stops biting you.

I can see how a loud ouch would have a similar effect.

[HenryJM]

B17NNS said:

I was told this by the trainer I used for my old Weim. The theory being that the dog doesn't realise that it's bite causes pain. If it bites you, bite it back (ear is good). He/she realises that a bite hurts, doesn't want to hurt you, stops biting you.

I can see how a loud ouch would have a similar effect.

[Jasandjules]

HenryJM said:

Have you ever seen a b**th enforce the rules against her offspring?

[HenryJM]

Jasandjules said:

HenryJM said:

Have you ever seen a b**th enforce the rules against her offspring?

Well no, hardly anybody does, they get separated at 8 weeks.

But more so if you aren't a b**ch then what's the point? They may be best at biting it but it ain't going to work very well for people trying to do it.

[Jasandjules]

HenryJM said:

Well no, hardly anybody does, they get separated at 8 weeks.

But more so if you aren't a b**ch then what's the point? They may be best at biting it but it ain't going to work very well for people trying to do it.

Actually some of us keep puppies until they are 12 weeks.

But, the way a dog understands is the best method is it not?

[HenryJM]

Jasandjules said:

Actually some of us keep puppies until they are 12 weeks.

But, the way a dog understands is the best method is it not?

It's the best way for a dog. Of course a dog has very little else, in the main they have the legs for running and a mouth for eating and biting, there isn't a lot else.

So look at, for example, an issue like putting a puppy in some restrained place for a while as a punishment, it doesn't come into it from another dog perspective because they couldn't easily do it anyway. That doesn't make it bad, just not an option for them.

[y2blade]

B17NNS said:

TwigtheWonderkid said:

Bite it back, twice as hard. I don't know if it works on dogs but it worked for my youngest son.

I was told this by the trainer I used for my old Weim. The theory being that the dog doesn't realise that it's bite causes pain. If it bites you, bite it back (ear is good). He/she realises that a bite hurts, doesn't want to hurt you, stops biting you.

I can see how a loud ouch would have a similar effect.

Yeah great advice...put your face right next to his then bite him...I hope he doesn't snap back against your cheek or nose.


Has to be the stupidest advice ever.



A loud "ouch" or shreek will be sufficient, then turn away and ignore the pup for a moment.

[B17NNS]

y2blade said:

Has to be the stupidest advice ever.

A loud "ouch" or shreek will be sufficient, then turn away and ignore the pup for a moment.

Each to their own. I'm just repeating what the two ladies (both kept, showed and trained GSDs) told me. This was basic puppy training, not adult dogs with behavioural issues. A hand over the muzzle to prevent the possibility of retaliation and a nip to the ear. As the poster above said, basically mimicking the mothers actions.

Your method is equally valid.

Whatever works for the OP and his animal. Dogs that understand what is and is not acceptable from an early age and are firmly aware of their position in the pecking order are usually well behaved, well rounded and content.

[Martin4x4]

B17NNS said:

Each to their own. I'm just repeating what the two ladies (both kept, showed and trained GSDs) told me. This was basic puppy training, not adult dogs with behavioural issues. A hand over the muzzle to prevent the possibility of retaliation and a nip to the ear. As the poster above said, basically mimicking the mothers actions.

Your method is equally valid.

Whatever works for the OP and his animal. Dogs that understand what is and is not acceptable from an early age and are firmly aware of their position in the pecking order are usually well behaved, well rounded and content.

My issue with biting him back is the potential for re-enforcing biting as an acceptable show of dominance. Whilst an adult should be able to maintain that dominance so he won't bite you back. That may not be true for children or other animals, inside or outside the household especially with a naturally 'bity' breed like German Shepherds. If the dog was a guard dog it probably be an acceptable approach but not for a family pet or in mixed pet household with other dogs or cats.