Biting - Page 3

Kosta said "it was alluded in the thread biting equals reward... i think it was misunderstood; biting is the reward..." I guess that was concerning my comment. I believe I was correct in what I said. A bite is a reward but so is playing with a ball. What I was trying to point out is that a puppy who is rewarded will remember his last activity before the reward has been forthcomming and associate the two things. This is the basis of modern training. In protection work a bite is a reward but I'm assuming that this is happening while you are home with the pup.

Interesting list of comments -- i am entertained by the posts -- i think it interesting how we in the GSD woprld so cleanly differentiate work vs. show line -- but then again -- perhaps these are really have gotten to the poin.... of being ... two different breeeds within the term GSD --- to humor you all --- and please excuse the sarcasm it's not meant to be -- aren't GSD supposed to have at least herding insticts in which most 8 weeks pup will inately nip ... and also since they shpould also have protection instincts and that is how they wrestle with their littermates -- isn't it within normal parameters for most GSD pups to act this way before they learn human ettiquette -- ?? get rid of the dog ?? and just because it bites/nips or you think right away schutzhund on that alone ?? i think one of the most important qualities is ..how does a pup recover and respond/interact with it's environment ...goodness i can train a golden retriver to bite ..also -- does anyone really understand canines other than ZVZW -- throw a ball ?? it teaches nothing as to what the dog should or should not do but does teach a dog how to push your buttons --- at least biting on a tug gives the message "no don't bite me , this is your bite. -- operant conditioning laws -- if you trow a ball -- the bite is the behavior and the chase is the reward -- the pup learns to that IT is the one to initiate the behavior[ biting in order for you to throw the ball i.e control , in ordr to get what it wants -- " a chance to chase and the prey[ball] to boot-- and will try a bite again to initiate the another round - please --if you are going to give advice --especially to newcomers ..even though you may be experienced and can handle many matters -- be careful what you advise

Excellent post ALHAPUP. My GSD's are East German DDR and to me it is normal to have bleeding ankles when I have pups. When they bite me I stop moving and carefully remove their little fangs from my leg. I don't get excited nor punish them but do make them stop. Not sure if this is the best way but it has always worked for me. I mainly train for trailing and air scenting along with some agility.

the sharp puppy teeth will be replaced with these huge beautiful white teeth that are not as sharp.its only normal & playfull. i had a massive amount of battle scars on my arms & now none.......give it time & the sharps will go away

Well, I took my puppy to the GSD club tonight for some puppy play. I have to say he was the best looking dog there. All American bred, though there is nothing wrong with that, and most had their ears taped up getting ready to be shown. This was the first time my dog really came out of his shell. He loved the big dogs and played very well. He was not afraid of anyone or any dog. It was so cute. He has such a great personality. I'm definitally going to do the redirecting when he's biting my hands and feet. He's very toy driven. He's a good boy. :)

melissa -- not knowing your experience -- if you are new -- my shared experience-- i always always carry scrumptious treats that the pup likes or inviting pupupy toys [ also bite tugs in respects] -- the key is to learn to read your dog -- first comes the thought then the action --yes -- your dog will tell you hwat it is about to do -- look at the eyes , the ears , the head -- changes in these will be your dog talking to you -- the point :attend to your dog with play /toys /treats as he is thinking about nippng/ biting -- or before he can actually does bite -- and PRAISE him .. the most important part !! .. for playing with his toy . or sitting for a treat. After the dog has teethed you be carful as to not reinforce that behavior -- firmly , calmly ,but not threatenting just tell your dog " no biting " , don't make it a game for he will want to all the more -- channel him onto another behavior and then let him know " that's right' . dog's understand being shown the limits and come to uinderstand to respect --- teaching takes time -- the mother teaches her pups , if they nip her she will without emotion scold them --- believe me -- they learn quite fast not to tempt mother

desertranger -- hey that is great DDr lines -- good for you -- i think i seconded what you sais in your last post --- also ... many people think in schutzhund circles .. and i believe this to be a fallacy , a laughable one at that , [ and also why i never use the descriptive word DRIVE] that if you , in a kind way as you stated make .. [or enforce yourselef ,, whatever ] that it will kill the drive --HAAAAA-yes a dog bred with a so so genetic disposition or if you are overly dominating/overbearing , yes you will repress the dog --BUT a well bred , sound dog with good insticts will maintain the desire to do the work if prevented to bite the handler in a kind loving way that teaches correctness- it will maintain it's MOTIVATION ---- the dog MUST come to respect it's handler - and a good handler will cultivate that respect -- sounds like you are doing well --especially if what you are doinmg works

Hooray for your puppy, Melissa. He sounds like a great little guy.

Sure does, alot of us were hoping you wanted to get rid of him..lol just kidding Alphapup..my oldest female was a terror for awhile as a pup but had been a total pleasure to work with. When playing ball (or anything you can throw) she will only give it back if you get it underhanded and let her drop it in your hand(give her command very calmly) but if you reach for it the fight is on and you will never get it. Just have to understand each dog and find a way like you said to make it work! Good luck with your dog Melissa!

I was hoping the same thing, Ranger. My first GSD was a pretty calm guy, but Blitz was a holy terror for the first year and a half of his life. We had all sort of scabs on any body part he could reach, still have some scars to prove it. He sent me to the emergency ward when he ran full tilt into my head when I bent over to pick up a toy. I thought he detacted my retina LOL; I had the mother of all black eyes. I always wondered if this is a low or no drive showline, what must a high drive working line be like. It's all relative I suppose.