[Val-Hi King Timber]

I am NO expert. But I say he didnt even have a single chance to learn bite inhibition from his litter mates as well. I got my GSD at 8 weeks and it was still very difficult. Should I say....IS very difficult. We are still working on that and sometimes it really worries me because I feel like I see the play bite turn into something more serious sometimes when he doesnt want to quit after he has been told. GSD's are by far the mouthiest puppies. I read someone here refer to them as land sharks. By far the truth.
I just wanted to respond because I wanted to share the other thing that I have also learned about GSD's and this is crucial.
They dont respond to corrections the same way "other" dogs do. And I learned this first with the biting and nipping.
They are much more head strong and spirited than ANY other dog Ive owned. With other puppies Ive raised, all I had to do when they were biting was lightly kind of pop them on the nose with my finger and say NO.
Im not sure how your baby reacts to corrections but Timber will challenge me anytime I use a hands on correction. I was told by our trainer to get him into the down position, roll him and hold him there until he settled down.
Haaaaa haaaaa haaaaaa!!!! No way! Not me!!! Timber does NOT respond with this method and it almost infuriorates him. The biting only escalates and it turns into a vicious circle. I had a neighbor who protection trains his GSD's and he said no way with this technique as well. He said "You cant fight fire with fire".
So, that brings me back to the begining. I dont have really any advice on what to do as I am searching for the same answer. I dont play tug of war with Timber anymore, I keep myself calm around him, I make him work for his food and toys and treats. I just dont know how to correct the biting in the proper way. His preditor drive is usually highest in the morning after coming out of his crate.
I guess the only positive here from me is chew toys, treat filled kongs and chew bones. As soon as puppy starts to chew on you. Divert his attention to something he is allowed to mouth....like his toys.
Right now with Timber, I say a quick Ahhhh Ughhh, No bite! And hand him a toy. Im just not sure this is really taking care of the problem or if its temporarily putting a band aid on it.
So, I wish you luck and lots of replies!
By the way......Congrats on your baby!!!
~Jennifer and Timber~

 

[Val-Hi King Timber]

Just want to add:

And this is ONLY if your puppy is like mine.
If I yelp when Timber bites me, it only excites him more.
Just use different approaches and find out what works for you and most importantly your puppy.

As far as what the others are saying. I sure do hope mine grows out of this because somtimes he seems dead set on biting. Even after I stop walking, moving and after a command to stop. If there is a toy handy, I will get him to latch onto that instead of my leg or shorts but then as soon as I start walking again....bam....teeth to the legs.
I hope more than anything that consistancy works with my dog. Its the one thing thats worrying me because I have a 4 year old that Timber thinks is a walking talking toy to bite.