4 month old puppy freaked out - Page 2 - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Beaumont67 · 01-01-2013, 09:58 AM

How did you handle this? I have read many posts on this subject and I also read the "bite inhibition".
- answered earlier

When I first got her, she was very mouthy. It stopped for a bit, but the last 2 days she has decided I am her chew toy.
- mine girl was extremely mouthy too, like a little puppy devil (aka tasmanian)
- I hope Jazzy is not biting you on feet/arms/hands/etc....I get my pup to only hand bite at first, my legs and arms are always off limits

I did what others suggested and yelled "ouch", but that only seemed to cause her to bite harder.
- your voice is winding her up...lol

I've been trying to be consistent with the tone of voice in my "no" command, but even I can hear the difference as I know she does. If my "no" is too loud or the least bit frantic, she pays absolutely no attention.
- when I trained other peoples dog(s), it was often the female owners that needed to practice the "stern military voice" and learn to say "NO/ITCH" with full conviction...still many never said it strong enough, for the dog to take Mom as serious / sometimes you just have to say the correction words, like your really fed up, which convinces the pup...No means NO finally

I have read where others let their dogs bite and then redirect.
- redirect is easiest with a marrow bone, from the grocery store / get a free hour of rest...he-he
- once the center of the marrow bone is worn out, then I incorporate it as a high value prize, in my training
- I use the bone to pull on (mini tug) when puppy is holding it, and use this play time to build a stronger bond and be seen as a very fun person, to be around that controls some games in the house...all the while, not getting bit

Jazzy seems to have a one track mind and the redirect with the correct chew toy lasts for about 5 seconds.
- in january and after your property fence is up, once Jazzy learns to follow you off-leash, her focus in the home will be 10x better, in no time

I know every dog is different, so last night I tried just removing myself when she was either chewing on me or her new bed, I did it 6 times in a row (leaving her in the computer room). She can't stand for me to leave her and every time I come back in she is waiting at the door.
- our computer workstation is in the corner of our dining room, so when Kelly needs to settle down (like when we are eating super) she is 5ft leashed to the corner of the desk and allowed to lay on a soft blanket and keep away from jumping up on people
- so our girl is not removed (per-say), but can see the eatings without interfering...and this builds up her patience, as tasty distractions are in full view

I'm hoping with consistency, this will work, but I am open to any suggestions. Thanks again for your reply.
Bluedobie
- Does Jazzy know how to FETCH correctly, playing with a pro. tennis ball or toy ?
- Does she share toys/bone with you, and bait you into playing more / and not be possessive over prize ?
- Are you a fan of playing Tug-of-War with Jazzy (and remember - pup always wins) ?
- Will Jazzy fall asleep in your arms (or often close enough to keep touching Mom) and comfortably awake, if you choose to stir her ?

**MeadowCat** · 01-01-2013, 12:21 PM

Here's a good explanation of the "Look at That" game from Leslie McDevitt's book, "Control Unleashed," Look at That! A Counterintuitive Approach to Dealing with Reactive Dogs Dog Training for Dog Lovers Blog. The "Control Unleashed Puppy" book is fantastic and I highly recommend it. I think it would be very helpful for your pup, especially since you are already clicker training.