[Pryght]

I know, this appears to be a popular topic right now. Anyhow, Izzie is eight weeks and she bites pretty hard. I have tried: yelping, saying ouch, ignoring/isolation, redirection, etc. and they are not working very well. I have read elsewhere of four other techniques that I wanted to run by you guys and get your opinions.

1) After she bites, with one hand, hold her mouth shut for up to fifteen seconds, while simultaneously telling her "don't bite."

2) Using a spray bottle (filled with water), and squirting her in the face when/after she bites.

3) Putting thumb ontop of tongue and applying pressure, in effect pinching her lower jaw.

4) After she bites, use index and middle finger to tap (lightly) on her nose.

A part of me is hesitant to utilize any of these techniques because I don't want her to become a mean dog...seeking revenge on me when she's older...

 

[Pryght]

Thank you everyone for your responses, they have been very helpful.

Val, I am not interested in pursuing SchH. I will take her to obedience classes, etc., and train (intellectually stimulate) her, but SchH, to me, is a whole different level. From what I've read (which I admit is limited), SchH sometimes involves harsh corrections...something that I won't do. In my eyes, it is just not worth it.

 

[Pryght]

Well, I went with the spray bottle and it is working pretty well. I just hope this doesn't lead to a fear of water. Reading multiple threads on this subject matter, it almost appears as though female puppies are more likely to be biters than their male counterparts. Coincidence...? Also, my parents have had a couple male GSDs and they claim that biting was never an issue...of course this was many years ago so they may have forgotten.