Biting is getting too serious?

Dean478 · 12-28-2011, 03:36 AM

Hello all,

First time GSD puppy owner so apologise in advance for any ignorance. I'm trying my best.

I'm having some serious trouble dealing with my pup's biting. It's beginning to strain her relationship with other members of the household and it's making the puppy intolerable to be around.

She is biting ankles and arms quite roughly. This can happen while walking towards the tap to fill her water bowl, it can happen during play, it can happen during the middle of a "sit" training session (which is the only command I have been able to teach because as soon as we move to something else should we be lucky enough to complete "sit", she has begun her little biting frenzy and I have to walk away.

Now what I've tried when she bites:

-Yelping. This worked at first. She'd stop straight away and just sit there. Now it has NO effect. Her ears don't even react to it.

-After yelping fails I'll attempt to completely ignore her and walk away. THIS MAKES IT WORSE. Her biting on my feet becomes harder and harder, I'm either tripping myself up or she's tripping over (which then results in her coming back twice as hard and sometimes with some very audible pants or growls). By the time I reach another room or fenced off area, my feet are bleeding. I can no longer walk away. I must physically restrain her as I move or else I'm walking away with nasty cuts on my limbs.

-As soon as I return from time out, it's back to square one. Sometimes she'll just go at the feet immediately as she whines and brushes against my feet before nipping. Toys do not help. Putting a chew toy in her mouth results in her snatching it or attempting to initiate a tug (which she will get very rough and "whale eyed" so I cease it immediately).

-She mostly now ignores toys. If she does fetch, she'll return to a corner or somewhere nearby, sit and chew on the toy and effectively ends play herself. I can generally walk over and retrieve the toy directly (or distract her) but she'll again either go for the feet before or after the toy is thrown.

-During feeding time she is becoming quite unruly. Sitting is being disobeyed more and more and I'll simply refuse to feed her. When I attempt to walk away she'll go bezerk. When I return, nothing has changed. She may be calm but I generally have to hold her still before I can feed her now. Upon receiving the food, she'll dart back and forth between myself and the food. Sometimes she'll nip at my feet as I walk away from feeding her.

-Bitter scents/tastes. She loved all of them (I didn't try anything professional as I cannot find a shop that stocks them). But apple juice, vinegar and anything else suggested did not work. All it did was cause her to lick my feet upon greeting and then after play/feeding/training/whatever it is, the limbs are fair game again.

-Staying still, ignoring her, no eye contact, no voice, no movement, while she bites. This does nothing and it is hurting. As I said I've got red wounds on my hands and feet now.

-I was originally trying to keep her indoors but the frequent biting has left her outside now. Other members of the household are becoming extremely unwanting of the pup in the house, even confined. Originally she was easy to call around the house. Now she ignores everything and will become extremely hyperactive (followed by house accidents).

Now I have sincerely read the sticky and tried so hard to follow everything there. But it seems the only time spent with her now is time out. Time out because I cannot find anything practical to solve this.

Before professional help is mentione, I did seek it immediately after I noticed the yelping was ineffective a couple weeks ago, but I could not find anyone able to attend thanks to the holiday season. I've been trying so hard to find professional in-house assistance (as I cannot get a lead on her at all, she'll get nippy while trying to place a colar and as soon as it's on she'll just chew it to shreds). I've got one trainer who is able to come down and provide some good training but it's a one week wait. The dog is nearly 12 weeks old and I feel we've accomplished nothing but frustration for each other.

Perhaps I'm misinterpreting the situation, quite possibly. I have ALL THE TIME in the world to work on this and would spend 12 hours a day with her if it'd help. But I just cannot find any solution to this.

If anyone has any advice or criticism or anything. I'm all ears. If more specific information or clarification is needed, I'm happy to oblige. As I said I'm new at this and until the local club and puppy school start (not for easily ANOTHER MONTH from now) I'm at a loss. I don't care how far fetched the idea is I'll try it. As I said, all the time in the world for this pup. I just need a little guidance. I'll even repeat the above procedures for the sake of trouble shooting this issue.

Thank you very much in advance! Really appreciate any help from this and hope the experience can eventually become a positive introduction to the GSD community.

bianca · 12-28-2011, 05:16 AM

Just to get this out the way, I am not anywhere near experienced like others who will hopefully come along soon

I felt the same way when my girl Molly was the same age, I used to be in tears wondering what the heck I had got myself into with her.

Now my new pup (10 weeks) is mouthy and I carry a toy or even a soft towel tucked into my shorts so anytime teeth connect with skin, something, anything gets shoved into those sharp little teeth!

Have you been using a crate at all? Or even a pen? I feed Cooper in his pen (partly so he doesn't annoy Molly). He gets in a frenzy for food but he has to sit first. If you haven't looked into crating, I would do a search for this. It is a godsend and gives you a chance for some peace.

How much exercise is puppy getting? That can help too. Although in saying that I remember with Molly the more tired she was, the nippier (almost like a toddler who chucks a tanty when they are really tired!)

I'm sure you will get better responses soon and good luck it will get better

Dean478 · 12-28-2011, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bianca

Just to get this out the way, I am not anywhere near experienced like others who will hopefully come along soon..I'm sure you will get better responses soon and good luck it will get better

Nope just having a response is great. The fact that you've posted similar experiences is good to help me gauge if I'm a unique case or just another puppy with typical/normal biting issues.

Quote:

Now my new pup (10 weeks) is mouthy and I carry a toy or even a soft towel tucked into my shorts so anytime teeth connect with skin, something, anything gets shoved into those sharp little teeth!

I do the same with a chew rope toy (that I've also covered in food and frozen in the past hoping she recognises this is perfectly acceptable to chew).

Quote:

Have you been using a crate at all? Or even a pen? I feed Cooper in his pen (partly so he doesn't annoy Molly). He gets in a frenzy for food but he has to sit first. If you haven't looked into crating, I would do a search for this. It is a godsend and gives you a chance for some peace.

I haven't used a crate. The closest I've done is confine her to a fenced off area of the backyard but I found it didn't help when I ignored her. She simply calmed down and as soon as she was let out she'd come out just as excited as when she entered.

Quote:

How much exercise is puppy getting? That can help too. Although in saying that I remember with Molly the more tired she was, the nippier (almost like a toddler who chucks a tanty when they are really tired!)

Inconsistently, as much as I can give her. She loves chasing a tennis ball but I cannot get her to retrieve. So I usually throw another and then pick up the previous one as she drops it to chase the new one. My backyard is pretty large so she's running a decent amount each time. But generally when she returns, or if I move to pick up a ball, that's when she'll take a shot at my feet and then I have to cut playtime and "retreat". So lucky if I can get a good 30 minutes at a time of playtime. Sometimes (usually midday) she'll be very calm and that's when I try some training.

bianca · 12-28-2011, 06:19 AM

With Cooper (and he is a bit younger) I do training numerous times a day (TV ad breaks are great at night!), they are so young their attention span is like a flea. So maybe 1-2 minutes using food as a lure. Cooper will now sit on command, and then I use a marker word (yes) and reward.

I started training classes last week (am taking both dogs although Molly has been throughout her life) and they got me to have him on my left side with teeny pieces of soft food in my left hand. Bend down and walk and lure him to follow giving him pieces as he trots along.

So I guess if she is so food driven you can use that to your advantage. Try lots of small training sessions, mental stimulation seems to be more tiring than physical.

What about socialising her? Are you taking her out and about. I am taking Cooper somewhere most days (holding him as he has not had all his vaccinations yet) such as skate park, vets (a weigh in each week), outside shopping centers etc. He is knackered after (only half an hour at a time).

A crate would be really good. Cooper sleeps in his beside my bed. The idea is that eventually they will look at it as their den and want to go in. But if puppy is being a total ratbag, you could put her in there (not as a punishment) but give her a bone or a stuffed Kong to keep her busy. AND give you a break.

doggiedad · 12-28-2011, 07:22 AM

as a pup that's what they do, nip, bite, scratch,
shred, run away from you, everything in the house
and yard is theirs untill they learn. when my pup
nipped i use to give him a toy or bone. sometimes
i would gently pull him back and say "no biting".
the nipping stops slowly. my pup went from nipping
constantly to sometime, to a little, to very little
to every now and then. i remember when my dog
was 6 months old. he was walking pass me with
plenty of room to pass. as he was passing by he moved
closer and put his mouth around my knee, kept moving.
he went into the livingroom, turned to face me and laid down
with a look on his face as if to say "what, that's what we do.
it didn't hurt." hang in there your pup will learn not to nip.

jetscarbie · 12-28-2011, 07:40 AM

I'm not a pro, so my advice is strictly from my experience with my 3 GSD's.

They are called landsharks for a reason. That stage can be a chore....but it WILL pass. Just keep redirecting with something else. Kong's stuff with peanut butter (frozen) always worked for mine.

Sounds like your girl is a bundle of energy. Energy can be good. You might try giving her some mental toys to play with. Hide treats and teach her to find. Give her a job where she has to use her brain. It works wonders with some dogs. I just read on here this morning where one member gave their dog a job by hiding treats in boxes. I think she even posted videos. That was a good idea. I teach mine to shut my cabinet doors in the kitchen.

Read about crate training. You can teach her to turn off her "switch" and calm down. It's been my experience, GSD's do not do well away from their humans. They crave human interaction. You might try to teeter her to you in the house.

Exercise. As much as she can handle. Trust me, it works wonder for pups with lots of energy.

I hope you won't get mad b/c I mean no disrespect....but I did laugh at your post this morning when I read it. I wasn't laughing at your frustration b/c I've been there and know how you feel...I was laughing b/c those are some of the same frustrations I've felt so long ago when mine where pups and your post reminded me so well.

Good luck

TechieDog · 12-28-2011, 10:04 AM

It sounds like she is taking advantage of you and walking all over you. You need to teach her some manners. Keep her on a leash all the time. Correct her when she is misbehaving, be firm but keep it positive (watch the Michael Ellis DVD's) and use a crate. Give her lots of exercise too. Mostly it sounds like you need to take control of the dog. Keep redirecting her biting, it will come along if you get control of the rest. My $.02!

**MaggieRoseLee** · 12-28-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

-I was originally trying to keep her indoors but the frequent biting has left her outside now. Other members of the household are becoming extremely unwanting of the pup in the house, even confined. Originally she was easy to call around the house. Now she ignores everything and will become extremely hyperactive (followed by house accidents).

Now I have sincerely read the sticky and tried so hard to follow everything there. But it seems the only time spent with her now is time out. Time out because I cannot find anything practical to solve this.

The only way to work thru this is by WORKING THRU THIS! WHen you get a GSD there's a good chance the puppy you get will do exactly what yours is doing. So when you choose the breed, after all the research and planning, then you are also CHOOSING THE WORK!

And frankly, that's what teaching my pups to have bite inhibition is, work. So that includes the time and learning and effort.

So while crating for a BRIEF time out can give me time to come up with a better plan. Or leaving my dog out in the yard for a BRIEF time can do the same........... NEITHER can be used to replace the brainwork, time and effort I need to put in to exercise, train and teach my dog what I want them to do.

For me, the number one thing that helps is true and exhausting exercise for my pups. And that is absolutely never exercise I can give in my back yard (specially if dog is alone in the yard). I have to get out my scheduling calendar and WRITE IT IN. Exercising/training my dogs is important for my peaceful home life as going to the dentist and taking my kids to Scouts. So it gets the same importance on my scheduling calendar and will get done.

I have to do things like:

Glory B (11 wks) and Bretta Lee (5 yrs) Wildhaus Hiking at Toms Ck (PA) - YouTube

Hiking the Poconos w/Friends and their dogs - YouTube

German Shepherd puppy 15 Weeks - Socialization at Dog Fair - YouTube

I go over to friends homes with my pup. I invite people to mine. I watch the newspaper for 'doggy events' and I make sure I attend all the puppy classes I can.

I also don't just 'expect' my puppy to learn to play and not hurt me. I know I have to spend all the time to TEACH them. Frankly, my older dog I still don't really play with her mouth or may get hurt. I use long tug toys and pay attention. But my younger dog is better, though I'm still one to use the long tugs rather then trust them if they are too excited.

You able to watch thru these yet?

Michael Ellis Talks on Playing Tug with Young Puppies - YouTube

Michael Ellis: Tugging with puppies - YouTube

IT'S NOT JUST YOU! YOU AREN'T GOING CRAZY! GSD puppies can really be much harder than other dogs. So you can't raise/train them the same. They can have different issues/strengths and weaknesses and we have to adjust and learn new ways to deal with them.

But when issues/problems come up we need to be with them to teach them what we want. Not isolate them in the hope it will work out naturally as they grow. As you can see (and that's why you are here) problems grow worse and not better and new problems come up.

ENGAGEMENT training would be another huge help here.

You Tube

You Tube

**Cassidy's Mom** · 12-28-2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean478

The dog is nearly 12 weeks old.....

Okay, so your puppy is 12 weeks old, and you've probably had her about a month now? Well, there you go! Teaching bite inhibition is a process, not a fix it and you're done kind of thing. 12 weeks old is the begining of that process, not the end. Right now you may not be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but over the next few weeks or months, she should start to improve, but it will probably happen so slowly that at first you may not even notice that she's not quite as bad as she used to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaggieRoseLee

The only way to work thru this is by WORKING THRU THIS!

Totally. Pick some things to try and keep plugging away at it. The yelping (remember it must be LOUD and SHARP - you want it to startle her) works better for some pups than others. It got Dena more excited, but Keefer would stop biting for a second and look at me, so I was able to mark and reward that, even if it was for a nano-second. If that just gets her more ramped up, try something else. Redirecting to a toy is a really good method, so don't abandon that too soon, keep trying it.

And timeouts can be very effective (play by my rules or play stops and I go away), but I'd suggest getting a crate rather than just putting her in the backyard. You want a place where she can hang out and chill for a bit, not have a lot of room to run around and have fun. A crate will also give YOU a break, which is extremely important when you've got a biting little landshark, er... PUPPY, trying to destroy you and everything you own. My pups would usually end up taking a little nap, because often when they were the worst and I was at my wits end, it was because they were overtired, like a toddler having a tantrum.

carmspack · 12-28-2011, 01:28 PM

keeping the animal "juvenile". If that pup did that to it's mother or any other canine family member , that pup would know , immediately, in no uncertain terms , that this was not to be tolerated.
A good swift , just, correction will put things into perspective. Nothing lingering. No anger. No inhibition later when it comes to protection or bite work. You are not the dogs toy.

12-28-2011, 03:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dean478 New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 5	Biting is getting too serious? Hello all, First time GSD puppy owner so apologise in advance for any ignorance. I'm trying my best. I'm having some serious trouble dealing with my pup's biting. It's beginning to strain her relationship with other members of the household and it's making the puppy intolerable to be around. She is biting ankles and arms quite roughly. This can happen while walking towards the tap to fill her water bowl, it can happen during play, it can happen during the middle of a "sit" training session (which is the only command I have been able to teach because as soon as we move to something else should we be lucky enough to complete "sit", she has begun her little biting frenzy and I have to walk away. Now what I've tried when she bites: -Yelping. This worked at first. She'd stop straight away and just sit there. Now it has NO effect. Her ears don't even react to it. -After yelping fails I'll attempt to completely ignore her and walk away. THIS MAKES IT WORSE. Her biting on my feet becomes harder and harder, I'm either tripping myself up or she's tripping over (which then results in her coming back twice as hard and sometimes with some very audible pants or growls). By the time I reach another room or fenced off area, my feet are bleeding. I can no longer walk away. I must physically restrain her as I move or else I'm walking away with nasty cuts on my limbs. -As soon as I return from time out, it's back to square one. Sometimes she'll just go at the feet immediately as she whines and brushes against my feet before nipping. Toys do not help. Putting a chew toy in her mouth results in her snatching it or attempting to initiate a tug (which she will get very rough and "whale eyed" so I cease it immediately). -She mostly now ignores toys. If she does fetch, she'll return to a corner or somewhere nearby, sit and chew on the toy and effectively ends play herself. I can generally walk over and retrieve the toy directly (or distract her) but she'll again either go for the feet before or after the toy is thrown. -During feeding time she is becoming quite unruly. Sitting is being disobeyed more and more and I'll simply refuse to feed her. When I attempt to walk away she'll go bezerk. When I return, nothing has changed. She may be calm but I generally have to hold her still before I can feed her now. Upon receiving the food, she'll dart back and forth between myself and the food. Sometimes she'll nip at my feet as I walk away from feeding her. -Bitter scents/tastes. She loved all of them (I didn't try anything professional as I cannot find a shop that stocks them). But apple juice, vinegar and anything else suggested did not work. All it did was cause her to lick my feet upon greeting and then after play/feeding/training/whatever it is, the limbs are fair game again. -Staying still, ignoring her, no eye contact, no voice, no movement, while she bites. This does nothing and it is hurting. As I said I've got red wounds on my hands and feet now. -I was originally trying to keep her indoors but the frequent biting has left her outside now. Other members of the household are becoming extremely unwanting of the pup in the house, even confined. Originally she was easy to call around the house. Now she ignores everything and will become extremely hyperactive (followed by house accidents). Now I have sincerely read the sticky and tried so hard to follow everything there. But it seems the only time spent with her now is time out. Time out because I cannot find anything practical to solve this. Before professional help is mentione, I did seek it immediately after I noticed the yelping was ineffective a couple weeks ago, but I could not find anyone able to attend thanks to the holiday season. I've been trying so hard to find professional in-house assistance (as I cannot get a lead on her at all, she'll get nippy while trying to place a colar and as soon as it's on she'll just chew it to shreds). I've got one trainer who is able to come down and provide some good training but it's a one week wait. The dog is nearly 12 weeks old and I feel we've accomplished nothing but frustration for each other. Perhaps I'm misinterpreting the situation, quite possibly. I have ALL THE TIME in the world to work on this and would spend 12 hours a day with her if it'd help. But I just cannot find any solution to this. If anyone has any advice or criticism or anything. I'm all ears. If more specific information or clarification is needed, I'm happy to oblige. As I said I'm new at this and until the local club and puppy school start (not for easily ANOTHER MONTH from now) I'm at a loss. I don't care how far fetched the idea is I'll try it. As I said, all the time in the world for this pup. I just need a little guidance. I'll even repeat the above procedures for the sake of trouble shooting this issue. Thank you very much in advance! Really appreciate any help from this and hope the experience can eventually become a positive introduction to the GSD community. Last edited by Dean478; 12-28-2011 at 03:40 AM.

12-28-2011, 05:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
bianca Knighted Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 3,328	Just to get this out the way, I am not anywhere near experienced like others who will hopefully come along soon I felt the same way when my girl Molly was the same age, I used to be in tears wondering what the heck I had got myself into with her. Now my new pup (10 weeks) is mouthy and I carry a toy or even a soft towel tucked into my shorts so anytime teeth connect with skin, something, anything gets shoved into those sharp little teeth! Have you been using a crate at all? Or even a pen? I feed Cooper in his pen (partly so he doesn't annoy Molly). He gets in a frenzy for food but he has to sit first. If you haven't looked into crating, I would do a search for this. It is a godsend and gives you a chance for some peace. How much exercise is puppy getting? That can help too. Although in saying that I remember with Molly the more tired she was, the nippier (almost like a toddler who chucks a tanty when they are really tired!) I'm sure you will get better responses soon and good luck it will get better __________________ Miss Molly Moo (aka The Piranha/The four legged Mouth) GSD 31/10 Raennik Hassan (Cooper) GSD 19/10/11 Paris Tabby Cat 15 years Texas Tabby Cat 15 years

12-28-2011, 06:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
bianca Knighted Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 3,328	With Cooper (and he is a bit younger) I do training numerous times a day (TV ad breaks are great at night!), they are so young their attention span is like a flea. So maybe 1-2 minutes using food as a lure. Cooper will now sit on command, and then I use a marker word (yes) and reward. I started training classes last week (am taking both dogs although Molly has been throughout her life) and they got me to have him on my left side with teeny pieces of soft food in my left hand. Bend down and walk and lure him to follow giving him pieces as he trots along. So I guess if she is so food driven you can use that to your advantage. Try lots of small training sessions, mental stimulation seems to be more tiring than physical. What about socialising her? Are you taking her out and about. I am taking Cooper somewhere most days (holding him as he has not had all his vaccinations yet) such as skate park, vets (a weigh in each week), outside shopping centers etc. He is knackered after (only half an hour at a time). A crate would be really good. Cooper sleeps in his beside my bed. The idea is that eventually they will look at it as their den and want to go in. But if puppy is being a total ratbag, you could put her in there (not as a punishment) but give her a bone or a stuffed Kong to keep her busy. AND give you a break. __________________ Miss Molly Moo (aka The Piranha/The four legged Mouth) GSD 31/10 Raennik Hassan (Cooper) GSD 19/10/11 Paris Tabby Cat 15 years Texas Tabby Cat 15 years

12-28-2011, 07:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
doggiedad Crowned Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jenkintown,Pa. Posts: 9,853	as a pup that's what they do, nip, bite, scratch, shred, run away from you, everything in the house and yard is theirs untill they learn. when my pup nipped i use to give him a toy or bone. sometimes i would gently pull him back and say "no biting". the nipping stops slowly. my pup went from nipping constantly to sometime, to a little, to very little to every now and then. i remember when my dog was 6 months old. he was walking pass me with plenty of room to pass. as he was passing by he moved closer and put his mouth around my knee, kept moving. he went into the livingroom, turned to face me and laid down with a look on his face as if to say "what, that's what we do. it didn't hurt." hang in there your pup will learn not to nip. __________________ "Life Without A Dog Is A Life Unfulfilled"

12-28-2011, 07:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
jetscarbie Master Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 746	I'm not a pro, so my advice is strictly from my experience with my 3 GSD's. They are called landsharks for a reason. That stage can be a chore....but it WILL pass. Just keep redirecting with something else. Kong's stuff with peanut butter (frozen) always worked for mine. Sounds like your girl is a bundle of energy. Energy can be good. You might try giving her some mental toys to play with. Hide treats and teach her to find. Give her a job where she has to use her brain. It works wonders with some dogs. I just read on here this morning where one member gave their dog a job by hiding treats in boxes. I think she even posted videos. That was a good idea. I teach mine to shut my cabinet doors in the kitchen. Read about crate training. You can teach her to turn off her "switch" and calm down. It's been my experience, GSD's do not do well away from their humans. They crave human interaction. You might try to teeter her to you in the house. Exercise. As much as she can handle. Trust me, it works wonder for pups with lots of energy. I hope you won't get mad b/c I mean no disrespect....but I did laugh at your post this morning when I read it. I wasn't laughing at your frustration b/c I've been there and know how you feel...I was laughing b/c those are some of the same frustrations I've felt so long ago when mine where pups and your post reminded me so well. Good luck

12-28-2011, 10:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
TechieDog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 455	It sounds like she is taking advantage of you and walking all over you. You need to teach her some manners. Keep her on a leash all the time. Correct her when she is misbehaving, be firm but keep it positive (watch the Michael Ellis DVD's) and use a crate. Give her lots of exercise too. Mostly it sounds like you need to take control of the dog. Keep redirecting her biting, it will come along if you get control of the rest. My $.02!

12-28-2011, 01:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
carmspack Knighted Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: ontario - Posts: 3,325	keeping the animal "juvenile". If that pup did that to it's mother or any other canine family member , that pup would know , immediately, in no uncertain terms , that this was not to be tolerated. A good swift , just, correction will put things into perspective. Nothing lingering. No anger. No inhibition later when it comes to protection or bite work. You are not the dogs toy.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement