gsd mix with nipping problem? - Page 1

About a few months ago I found a stray gsd mix. He's about 90pounds he's not fixed and about 3 years old.He is kept outside most of the time because he doesn't like being in the house for long periods of time. Whenever im around him all he does is nip. He has never broken skin but has caused indents and scratches. He's a strong dog so I usually find myself on the floor getting pulled around. He's usually not aggressive but he plays really rough. I have tried many techniques of positive/reward type training, nothing has worked. I have tried grabbing him by the scruff and of his neck and shaking ( never roughly) , I have tried "yelping", I have tried turn my back and crossing my arms (but that didn't work either as then he goes for the ankles/legs). I honestly don't know what to do with him anymore. Any info on how to fix this problem?

Honestly, it sounds like he needs a job and exercise. Not much help, sorry. You're best bet is to find a reputable trainer
in your area to teach him manners and obedience. GSD need a job (mental stimulation) and lots of structured exercise
(I took 2 of my GSD for a 9 mile run with the 4 wheeler yesterday and they were barely winded)

thanks for the reply and I forgot to mention he gets 2 walks a day 1 hour each, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. He also spends most of his day outside in the yard (it's a little over 2 acres).

I agree with Melba and suggest obedience training on a regular basis! Yards can be pretty boring ...

I agree with the above posts in relation to exercise and a purpose, the danger in my opinion is that the little nipps can develop into harder, firmer nipps and on a more regular basis. I think that this dog needs clear boundaries and clear understanding on where he is in the pack, and that nipping is not acceptable in any way. A good trainer or behaviourist could help you with this. Good luck.

If you train this dog (obedience first) and work him learning new things (and it can be anything from putting his feet in a box or standing on 3 legs) he will get tired out. 

These are intelligent dogs and you need to keep their mind occupied.  Turned out in 2 acres won't do that.  Walks won't do that.  Interaction with you and training and requiring consistant behavior (such as sit means sit until I release you or give another command) may help more than you can imagine.

One thing people don't think of when they have a dog that does something they don't want is what do they want the dog to do instead.  They only think, "I want Rover to stop doing XYZ." 

IOW's train the thing you want him to do INSTEAD of nipping.  That could be bringing you a ball or a toy (build his toy drive which will also build a relationship with you). 

BTW have toys he can have all the time and have other toys he can ONLY have if he is interacting with you.  If you have 10 toys he can have always, give him two and take those up each day and give him a different two.  Keeps the toys "new" for him. 

Toys that he can only have with you should be things like Tugs, Balls, frisbee and so forth. 

Sounds like he needs something else to nip besides you... lol... maybe he comes from a strong herding line?