Mouthy - Page 2

I appreciate everyone's input! It sounds like most of us are in agreement that he is basically showing his affection towards me, since I am the only one he does this to and because he always does it in a happy way. But now I'd like to know HOW you think I should change the behavior. Some have mentioned to ignore him and not give him the attention he's seeking....and NILIF was also suggested. I have been doing this for 2 days, but it was just last night when he left the bruise (which is beginning to turn to purple with very pretty shades of green mixed in today and has become the size of a silver dollar!). I'm concerned that he's just trying even HARDER to get affection since his behavior isn't rewarded now. Should I begin stern corrections? Give it more time with the NILIF? Continue to ignore? Again...thank you for all your input! There are so many knowlegable people here and I truely appreciate your help! :)

Even though you feel he's not trying to "Dominate" you, just excited to see you, what i think he's doing is demanding affection and that is a dominance issue. Set rules and boundries, everything must be done on your terms. Look for other things in your day to day life with your dog that you can change to be set more on your terms. ie. make your dog sit and wait till he eats, give your dog a command to go lie down while the family eats and he must stay there until everyone is done, (if your dog is allowed on furniture) he is not allowed until invited by you. I used to throw the ball in the house for my female (very high ball drive), then realized she was demanding I throw the ball for her when she sat next to me and continuously threw it at me while staring at it. I thought I was fulfilling some genetic need by playing ball with her constantly. However when I realized what was happening I decided NO ball throwing in the house. It took her a couple days, but now instead of constantly wanting to chase the ball she lays quietly while I'm watching TV. I do make sure I take her and the others outside on non-training days for some playtime. Since I have made some changes she doesn't seem sad at being less spoiled, she also seems to be less agressive with my other dog. For the mouthing issue I would shake him by his scruff and say "no" or "phooey" like you mean it! make him sit then pet him slow and calmly. Repeat if necessary. JMO. Good luck, Melanie

I have owned a number of W.German import blooded GSDs over the years. My current dog has a Sch.II. Each of these dogs titled or not (hortly after acquiring them and moving into the house full time) "pinched me" on the inside of the arm, wrist or thigh, leaving a double half moon bruise. I once asked a breeder of many years about this and was told that many such W.Germ import bloodlined GSDs with sheepherding in their background will "mark" their owners once they fully accept them and decide to be devoted to them. I think they are attempting to mark and implant their scent. Anyhow, each dog has only done this once and all been great and devoted dogs. his little love pinch smarted but there was no further such events and all these dogs sumitted to my authority. I'm sure in some cases it can be a test for dominance etc. but in my opinion a GSD with very correct temperament will not test their master if treated and raised properly with fair corrections and lots of love and attention.

Good 'nuff! Melissa, NILIF is 'nothing in life is free'.....if you read the post from Melanie (gsdfan) that pretty much explains it. NILIF has worked WONDERS for me, even with the most stubborn dog. (I've just never had one that did these 'love bites' and wasn't real sure how to handle it...if NILIF was enough, or if I was interpreting the bites wrong!) :) Also, you asked about a puppy training book...I would suggest you pick up the book from the Monks of New Skete "The Art of Raising a Puppy". It's not alot of actual training techniques, but there is some very informative 'all around' info, especially concerning pack dynamics. Good advise everyone! Thank you!

First of all I think if I just purchased a new dog, the dog wouldn't be staying in the house loose...I mean he would at least be crated and then let out at my time...if the dog then bit me or grabbed me harshly I would at least pop him on the nose with a finger or something (Not Hard)...But you then have to read the dog and see what's in his head...If he's been raised in a kennel then he doesn't understand the difference of living in a house...he has probably had 1 person (the kennel person) pay attention to him and he just doesn't want to let it go because this is his one chance to play and have fun and 1 on 1 time with someone else...How is he around other dogs?...Is he ever aggressive towards someone or something?... ~Bob~

As I said in my previous post, I have a mouthy GSD male. His is attention getting. But he does not mouth that hard to leave a bruise. You need to set a limit, a good stern no will probably surfice. Even dogs set limits when they play and let the other dog know when he is too rough. Also don't let him get away with doing it all the time, when I am busy doing something outside and he is being a pest he gets a NO. Then he just follows me around while I am working and waits till I stop for a break to be a pest. With ignoreing a behavior the frequency of occurence will increase before it decreases, it can also even intensify before it goes extinct. Some things can be dealt with this way, but in this case I think you would be better off setting limits.

Just so I understand this, it's OK if one's dog mouths them since it could be considered a form at affection and a "love bite", but not OK if a dog mouths a stranger as it could be considered a form of aggression? If you say so..............LOL.