LOL Brady still stops in front of us (no biting)
hhe'll grow out of it eventually just say NO bites
hhe'll grow out of it eventually just say NO bites
Trying to stop us from walking then ankle biting.
So my 5 1/2 month old, Link has now decided that he should stop right infront of us when we are walking him and if you try to keep going he bites at our feet. It is very frustrating and annoying. We have tried saying "leave it" and using a negative marker (which we learnt in Puppy class). He doesn't do it on the whole walk only parts of it. We start a Level 1 Beginner Class on June 10th but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions in the mean time.
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Just keep walking he will figure out how to get out of your way and the biting will stop when he gets pushed aside a few times and realizes that his game is not being rewarded.
Use more tension on the leash attached to the collar to hold his head up and away from your feet and then walk in the opposite direction, saying "heel" or "come", don't look back, just keep going. If he catches up and gets in front of you, turn to another direction saying "heel" or "come".
This turns it from a fun attack on mom's feet into a WALK with you in charge.
This turns it from a fun attack on mom's feet into a WALK with you in charge.
My dog does this too. I'm going to use MaxBaby's suggestion.
What I have been doing is always have a pocket full of treats and my clicker with me. When she starts that nonsense, I give her the down command to establish control and make her wait in a down. Then i start walking again. I'm probably sending mixed signals.
What I have been doing is always have a pocket full of treats and my clicker with me. When she starts that nonsense, I give her the down command to establish control and make her wait in a down. Then i start walking again. I'm probably sending mixed signals.
Maybe mixed signals if you rewarded the down, then you might be chaining the behavior. step in front of mom- lay down - reward- walk- step in front of mom-laydown- REWARD- walk. on and on.....
Thanks, I will try shortening up the leash and changing directions. He is getting stronger by the day so want to stop this as soon as possible. Like I said we are counting down the days until Obedience.
Reich does that to hubby. No clue why.
When I'm walking her and she stops or gets distracted I just give a 'leave it' or 'go!', and we're off.
When I'm walking her and she stops or gets distracted I just give a 'leave it' or 'go!', and we're off.
with a GS, it's been my experience that a "dominance" issue is arising.
your hubby may have to take puppy to the ground and lay on him once or twice.
my 5mo. old "ankle bit" me, and brought blood! I called the breeder, and sure enough, TAKE HIM DOWN! (I had to do it twice, then he understood he was second after me). Good luck!
your hubby may have to take puppy to the ground and lay on him once or twice.
my 5mo. old "ankle bit" me, and brought blood! I called the breeder, and sure enough, TAKE HIM DOWN! (I had to do it twice, then he understood he was second after me). Good luck!
Re: Trying to stop us from walking then ankle biti
This is very typical puppy behavior for a gsd. They are mouthy and will treat people as a chew toy unless they are taught otherwise. I prefer to use positive reinforcement, redirection and counter conditioning as the foundation for my training. The alpha roll (mentioned above) is VERY strongly discouraged by professional trainers these days. The best way to show your dog that you're the leader is to have clear expectations, be consistent and be fair in your treatment.
I have had three very high drive dogs in a row (including foster dogs) and all have gotten overexcited on walks and jumped on me or grabbed my clothing or feet. I stop and turn the other direction and completely ignore them until they stop. Since they are doing it to get your attention this usually works to stop the behavior. Then I give them a command and continue redirecting them until we're walking nicely together again. With Rafi I've trained him to carry a ball on his walk and when he gets excited he can just take it out on his ball. That works really well.
This is very typical puppy behavior for a gsd. They are mouthy and will treat people as a chew toy unless they are taught otherwise. I prefer to use positive reinforcement, redirection and counter conditioning as the foundation for my training. The alpha roll (mentioned above) is VERY strongly discouraged by professional trainers these days. The best way to show your dog that you're the leader is to have clear expectations, be consistent and be fair in your treatment.
I have had three very high drive dogs in a row (including foster dogs) and all have gotten overexcited on walks and jumped on me or grabbed my clothing or feet. I stop and turn the other direction and completely ignore them until they stop. Since they are doing it to get your attention this usually works to stop the behavior. Then I give them a command and continue redirecting them until we're walking nicely together again. With Rafi I've trained him to carry a ball on his walk and when he gets excited he can just take it out on his ball. That works really well.
Re: Trying to stop us from walking then ankle biti
I've never had to 'take down' a pup or dog. And if my husband ever tried it, I'd roll his ass into submission.
This whole rolling deal started because people THOUGHT they witnessed dominant canines roll other lower ranking canines.
The truth of the matter is that the submissive dog/wolf rolls ITSELF for the dominant one.
Alphas rarely resort to physical force...that type of thing takes place at the lower end of the totem pole.
I've simply told hubby it's time for him to start working with her more one on one. He's out of town sunday through thursday every week....she may be unsure of his position.
I've had and fostered unruly Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, mutts of all walks, and GSDs.Originally Posted By: moribellewith a GS, it's been my experience that a "dominance" issue is arising.
your hubby may have to take puppy to the ground and lay on him once or twice.
my 5mo. old "ankle bit" me, and brought blood! I called the breeder, and sure enough, TAKE HIM DOWN! (I had to do it twice, then he understood he was second after me). Good luck!
I've never had to 'take down' a pup or dog. And if my husband ever tried it, I'd roll his ass into submission.
This whole rolling deal started because people THOUGHT they witnessed dominant canines roll other lower ranking canines.
The truth of the matter is that the submissive dog/wolf rolls ITSELF for the dominant one.
Alphas rarely resort to physical force...that type of thing takes place at the lower end of the totem pole.
I've simply told hubby it's time for him to start working with her more one on one. He's out of town sunday through thursday every week....she may be unsure of his position.
Re: Trying to stop us from walking then ankle biti
The dominance training method used is done so by professional trainers worldwide. The ALPHA roll , as you put it, is used in the circle I travel in. Which stretches to Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, as well as in the US.
Perhaps it's a difference of K-9's vs. the more domestic types of GS's you seem to be dealing with. Are you familiar with the breeding of K-9'S?
The particular trainers I've worked with train and ship police dogs, personal protection dogs, drug dogs, cadaver dogs, all over the world, and these dogs are renowned for their obedience, intelligence, loyalty, and far superior communication skills with their handler. When I said "take him down", it's not something that is done in a cruel manner, or even forceful. But meaningful. There is a difference, perhaps you should research it more.
I wish you luck in your endeavors.
The dominance training method used is done so by professional trainers worldwide. The ALPHA roll , as you put it, is used in the circle I travel in. Which stretches to Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, as well as in the US.
Perhaps it's a difference of K-9's vs. the more domestic types of GS's you seem to be dealing with. Are you familiar with the breeding of K-9'S?
The particular trainers I've worked with train and ship police dogs, personal protection dogs, drug dogs, cadaver dogs, all over the world, and these dogs are renowned for their obedience, intelligence, loyalty, and far superior communication skills with their handler. When I said "take him down", it's not something that is done in a cruel manner, or even forceful. But meaningful. There is a difference, perhaps you should research it more.
I wish you luck in your endeavors.
Re: Trying to stop us from walking then ankle biti
If this is just happening just when you are walking him, maybe you could try playing some ball or some other game before you go on the walk. He might be a little more chilled out and less likely to want to do the ankle biting.
Just a thought
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If this is just happening just when you are walking him, maybe you could try playing some ball or some other game before you go on the walk. He might be a little more chilled out and less likely to want to do the ankle biting.
Just a thought
Re: Trying to stop us from walking then ankle biti
Either way, it has everything to do with the trainer, and nothing to do with the type of dog.
The alpha roll is a technique developed decades ago, based upon research into wolf pack behavior which has since been proven to be erroneous. Wolves and dogs do NOT go around alpha rolling one another. The submissive animal will roll himself over to show submission. This is very different from the dominant one forcing a roll, which is what trainers who advocate this method do.
As far as dominance, it is a VERY rare dog (even in the hard, high drive "K9" types) who has such a dominant personality that it will challenge it's owner and needs constant rank adjustments and management. People seem very quick to jump on the "He's trying to dominate you!" bandwagon, when in 99% of the cases that is NOT what is happening.
Perfectly normal adolescent dog behavior is very often misinterpreted as dominance. And even in those cases where a dominance issue actually exists, it is very rarely a result of having a "dominant dog" and most often the result of the owner making huge mistakes in the raising and training of the dog, essentially eroding away their own dominance and leaving the dog in a state of confusion as to whether or not the owner is in charge, or is worthy of being in charge.
The vast majority of cases of rank problems with dogs are not because the dog WANTS to be in charge, but because he is receiving mixed signals from his owners about who is in charge. Placed in that situation, most dogs will try to pull rank. But this isn't because they want to, it's because a lack of leadership on the part of their owners forces them to. They do it because their natural need for a clear heirarchy is so strong that when placed in a situation where the heirarchy is unclear, trying to take over the top position is the only way for them to know who is in the top position. Very few dogs truly want that top position, but it is far more stressful for them to not know who has that position. They really just can't cope with a lack of clear heirarchy, and when the owner doesn't make that heiarchy clear, the dog has to do what he can to do it himself.
When this happens, it is a result of major relationship issues within the household and those stem from a lack of clear, consistent and fair leadership on the part of the humans involved. And the only way to fix it is to address those issues. An alpha roll isn't going to do it. What it is going to do is either get someone bit or, as happens in most cases, further damage the relationship.... destroying trust between dog and handler, and showing the dog that the human is even more unfit for leadership than the dog originally thought because good leaders worthy of following are consistent and firm, but also fair. They do not go around beating up their subordinates and forcing them into submission in inappropriate circumstances, which is exactly how a dog views an alpha roll.
No. It is a difference of knowledge, skill, and "enlightenment" on the part of the trainer. Most professional trainers have seen the light in terms of not only the fact that alpha rolling is unnecessary, but completely inappropriate behavior on the part of the owner, and a great way to cause severe damage to the dog/owner relationship. But of course, there are still a few hold outs who cling to these outdated methods of training and managing dogs.Originally Posted By: moribelleThe dominance training method used is done so by professional trainers worldwide. The ALPHA roll , as you put it, is used in the circle I travel in. Which stretches to Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, as well as in the US.
Perhaps it's a difference of K-9's vs. the more domestic types of GS's you seem to be dealing with. Are you familiar with the breeding of K-9'S?
Either way, it has everything to do with the trainer, and nothing to do with the type of dog.
The alpha roll is a technique developed decades ago, based upon research into wolf pack behavior which has since been proven to be erroneous. Wolves and dogs do NOT go around alpha rolling one another. The submissive animal will roll himself over to show submission. This is very different from the dominant one forcing a roll, which is what trainers who advocate this method do.
As far as dominance, it is a VERY rare dog (even in the hard, high drive "K9" types) who has such a dominant personality that it will challenge it's owner and needs constant rank adjustments and management. People seem very quick to jump on the "He's trying to dominate you!" bandwagon, when in 99% of the cases that is NOT what is happening.
Perfectly normal adolescent dog behavior is very often misinterpreted as dominance. And even in those cases where a dominance issue actually exists, it is very rarely a result of having a "dominant dog" and most often the result of the owner making huge mistakes in the raising and training of the dog, essentially eroding away their own dominance and leaving the dog in a state of confusion as to whether or not the owner is in charge, or is worthy of being in charge.
The vast majority of cases of rank problems with dogs are not because the dog WANTS to be in charge, but because he is receiving mixed signals from his owners about who is in charge. Placed in that situation, most dogs will try to pull rank. But this isn't because they want to, it's because a lack of leadership on the part of their owners forces them to. They do it because their natural need for a clear heirarchy is so strong that when placed in a situation where the heirarchy is unclear, trying to take over the top position is the only way for them to know who is in the top position. Very few dogs truly want that top position, but it is far more stressful for them to not know who has that position. They really just can't cope with a lack of clear heirarchy, and when the owner doesn't make that heiarchy clear, the dog has to do what he can to do it himself.
When this happens, it is a result of major relationship issues within the household and those stem from a lack of clear, consistent and fair leadership on the part of the humans involved. And the only way to fix it is to address those issues. An alpha roll isn't going to do it. What it is going to do is either get someone bit or, as happens in most cases, further damage the relationship.... destroying trust between dog and handler, and showing the dog that the human is even more unfit for leadership than the dog originally thought because good leaders worthy of following are consistent and firm, but also fair. They do not go around beating up their subordinates and forcing them into submission in inappropriate circumstances, which is exactly how a dog views an alpha roll.
Back to the originally scheduled program.....
The obedience classes will help, as they will help show him and you how to mold a more appropriate walking on leash behavior. As it is now, he doesn't know what's expected of him or what he should be doing, so he's going with what comes most natural and seems most fun.
In the mean time, since it will take him a while to learn what behavior he should do, I would suggest finding something to redirect him too when he gets playful. When we have puppies, we always make sure there is a tug toy of some sort within arm's reach, so we can redirect them when they start getting the inkling to chew or bite something they shouldn't. That goes for taking walks too. They can't nip at our feet, or chew on the leash, if their mouth is already full of a "puppy pacifier". Try taking a toy with you on walks to keep him occupied and redirect him off your feet when he gets in play mode.
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Pretty normal puppy behavior. He wants to play, and since a pup's natural inclination is to play with people the same way he would with other dogs, that means biting and wrestling. Heck, our adult dogs often grab and chase at one another's feet when playing. You're feet are right there, and they're moving.. perfect target!Originally Posted By: Link's MomSo my 5 1/2 month old, Link has now decided that he should stop right infront of us when we are walking him and if you try to keep going he bites at our feet. It is very frustrating and annoying. We have tried saying "leave it" and using a negative marker (which we learnt in Puppy class). He doesn't do it on the whole walk only parts of it. We start a Level 1 Beginner Class on June 10th but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions in the mean time.
The obedience classes will help, as they will help show him and you how to mold a more appropriate walking on leash behavior. As it is now, he doesn't know what's expected of him or what he should be doing, so he's going with what comes most natural and seems most fun.
In the mean time, since it will take him a while to learn what behavior he should do, I would suggest finding something to redirect him too when he gets playful. When we have puppies, we always make sure there is a tug toy of some sort within arm's reach, so we can redirect them when they start getting the inkling to chew or bite something they shouldn't. That goes for taking walks too. They can't nip at our feet, or chew on the leash, if their mouth is already full of a "puppy pacifier". Try taking a toy with you on walks to keep him occupied and redirect him off your feet when he gets in play mode.
I love this response.Originally Posted By: Chris WildNo. It is a difference of knowledge, skill, and "enlightenment" on the part of the trainer. Most professional trainers have seen the light in terms of not only the fact that alpha rolling is unnecessary, but completely inappropriate behavior on the part of the owner, and a great way to cause severe damage to the dog/owner relationship. But of course, there are still a few hold outs who cling to these outdated methods of training and managing dogs.Originally Posted By: moribelleThe dominance training method used is done so by professional trainers worldwide. The ALPHA roll , as you put it, is used in the circle I travel in. Which stretches to Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, as well as in the US.
Perhaps it's a difference of K-9's vs. the more domestic types of GS's you seem to be dealing with. Are you familiar with the breeding of K-9'S?
Either way, it has everything to do with the trainer, and nothing to do with the type of dog.
The alpha roll is a technique developed decades ago, based upon research into wolf pack behavior which has since been proven to be erroneous. Wolves and dogs do NOT go around alpha rolling one another. The submissive animal will roll himself over to show submission. This is very different from the dominant one forcing a roll, which is what trainers who advocate this method do.
As far as dominance, it is a VERY rare dog (even in the hard, high drive "K9" types) who has such a dominant personality that it will challenge it's owner and needs constant rank adjustments and management. People seem very quick to jump on the "He's trying to dominate you!" bandwagon, when in 99% of the cases that is NOT what is happening.
Perfectly normal adolescent dog behavior is very often misinterpreted as dominance. And even in those cases where a dominance issue actually exists, it is very rarely a result of having a "dominant dog" and most often the result of the owner making huge mistakes in the raising and training of the dog, essentially eroding away their own dominance and leaving the dog in a state of confusion as to whether or not the owner is in charge, or is worthy of being in charge.
The vast majority of cases of rank problems with dogs are not because the dog WANTS to be in charge, but because he is receiving mixed signals from his owners about who is in charge. Placed in that situation, most dogs will try to pull rank. But this isn't because they want to, it's because a lack of leadership on the part of their owners forces them to. They do it because their natural need for a clear heirarchy is so strong that when placed in a situation where the heirarchy is unclear, trying to take over the top position is the only way for them to know who is in the top position. Very few dogs truly want that top position, but it is far more stressful for them to not know who has that position. They really just can't cope with a lack of clear heirarchy, and when the owner doesn't make that heiarchy clear, the dog has to do what he can to do it himself.
When this happens, it is a result of major relationship issues within the household and those stem from a lack of clear, consistent and fair leadership on the part of the humans involved. And the only way to fix it is to address those issues. An alpha roll isn't going to do it. What it is going to do is either get someone bit or, as happens in most cases, further damage the relationship.... destroying trust between dog and handler, and showing the dog that the human is even more unfit for leadership than the dog originally thought because good leaders worthy of following are consistent and firm, but also fair. They do not go around beating up their subordinates and forcing them into submission in inappropriate circumstances, which is exactly how a dog views an alpha roll.
I'm ready to start a Chris Wild fan club
Thanks everyone. I think today i will try taking a toy with us and see if that helps. If not tomorrow will try to sap some of his energy by playing ball in the back yard.
Hey guys just got back from our walk. Had Link play some fetch in the backyard before we went then went for a shorter walk. He looked at my feet a couple of times but gave him the negative marker (uh uhhhh, learnt that at puppy class at PetSmart) and he left my feet alone. Glad I asked you guys. It was getting really frustrating. I am thinking we will have to go earlier in the morning because it was pretty hot out there and he is now panting very quickly. Thanks again.
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