moona

I need some advice in correcting Roxy when she puts her mouth on me. It seems to only happen when she's super excited...that's when she seems to forget her rules. I know some of it is just puppy exhuberance, but I know that mouthing is never okay. So here's what I do...when she gets those teeth on me, I give her a firm verbal "no" command, I get her by the scruff of her neck & her muzzle and say "no bite." She doesn't fight it, she seems to know that she's made a mistake. I read that people either do or don't put them to the ground, but Roxy goes straight to the ground (more in a down position) as soon as I get a hold of her scruff. My questions are...are my corrections okay? and what do you do after that? Do I walk away from her? I always want to pet her after I've corrected her like that (cause she looks so sweet & pathetic), but I feel like that would be giving her mixed signals; and I don't want her to think that she'll be petted AFTER mouthing. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. I don't want to confuse her. Thanks!!

K9Jarko

I'm glad the scruff of the neck correction is working for you....I would take away attention for at least a few minutes after a correction......allowing her to come to you in her own time (because she submitted to a down)....then I would have Roxy do something that you know she can do ie., sit (anything but a down command) and then praise her. The reasons I would not do a down command right after a correction, where she just submitted to you by going into a down position during the correction, is for a couple of reasons...1. I don't want my dog to have a "down" as a default position as I've seen some handler soft dogs do this 2. Dogs live in the moment -she did something not acceptable and was corrected...it's over.....a down right after a stern correction is sorta like asking a young dog/pup to submit again.

Most dogs really do want to please us...if you give her a command to do something she already knows - you can then praise her for it and she knows she has made you happy again.

moona

Thank you K9Jarko for the advice, I really appreciate it.

voodoolizard

every thing k9 said,, great advice !!
the scruff grab works well in many situations you might need it in the future for other corrections !!
our 2 submiss to a down when we do the scruff grab.. i wander off make a coffee etc,, then call them walk in the garden play ball or do a command and praise if you feel guilty..
but dont feel guilty they will love you with those great big dobereyes what ever you do, and will be better dogs for the correction !!!!

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moona

Thanks Voodoo! I always feel guilty when I correct her, even though I know it's what she needs.

momtoarmani

moona, Sounds like you're on the sensitive side with your baby.... and that's okay because that means you love her. I want to add a little 'tidbit' that may make you feel a bit better about the situation.
What if you looked at it like this? "Each correction that I give... with love followed later, brings her and I closer together."
When you look at human children and their parents, typically the ones who are too sensitive to discipline have out of control children. When children are disciplined with genuine unconditional love, they respect their parents much more than those who do not. Dobies/dogs are no different.
Toughen up a bit girl, and you'll not be disappointed. HUGS! Hope this helps!

ReDobie4xtina2

AWW that was very well said!!! And very true!

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moona

momtoarmani - Thank you so much! That really helps to put it into perspective. I think I worry so much because of researching and reading about what a sensitive breed dobes are. Roxy is a rescue, so I have no idea what she went through before I got her (she was 6 months old when I adopted her). She's very fearful of loud noises and she's sometimes timid when I go to pet her on the head. I just don't want to be too tough and mess her up...but at the same time, I know I can't be a pushover and have Roxy running the house.

momtoarmani

You are very welcome! I'm far from a pro, but do have some things I can help with. Coming from a former rescuer, I can relate. One thing you can do to help Roxy is not to pet her on the head for a while, but rather scratch her UNDER her chin. This is great to increase their self confidence. Are you in any obedience classes? I can tell you for sure that a disciplined/trained dog is a happy dog. Once you really start working with a trainer, you feel more confident, and she will in turn. Confidence comes from success. If you can't afford a trainer or obedience classes, purchase the book "Mother Knows Best". I LOVE this book! It's a great read, and keeps your attention. Amazon.com usually has them for under $5.00 used or almost new.
Until then, try working on the noises with her to help her confidence.

When she starts to act fearful of something (you can read her body language and see right away) then you'll be able to mark in your mind.... "Okay. Here is another thing Roxy is scared or cautious of.

Immediately try to interest her in doing something that she really enjoys. Get out the tennis ball and play fetch (in an escape-proof area) or practice some commands that she knows. Give her a lot of praise and treats for paying attention to the game or the commands. As the storm or the noise builds, you may not be able to keep her attention on the activity, but it might delay the start of the fearful behavior for longer and longer each time you do it. If you can't keep her attention and she begins acting afraid, stop the process. If you continue, you may inadvertently reinforce her fearful behavior.

I had one doberman I'd rescued that was left outside durring horrific thunderstorms. The owners opinion was that pack animals can't come inside durring a storm so why should he? Nothing I did could get that one to overcome his fear. BUT... I allowed him to have the bottom of our linen closet in our bathroom that had a soft bed and toys in it. If a thunderstorm was hours away he could sense it. In the bathroom he went, until it was completely over it.

Just remember: Saying "It's going to be okay!" "I'm here, don't worry", etc, just reinforces to her that there really is something to be fearful of. Try to be very nonchalant (sp?) and get her distracted and this may help.

YOU CAN DO IT!
And, (sorry for the novel!)

momtoarmani

Oh, and one last thing..... You won't be too tough and mess her up! You're too caring and gentle with her for that. Be strong, be alpha, and give her insurmountable amounts of love and she'll be great in no time!