10 month old keeps nipping

This is a placeholder text
Group text

by Abby_K on 06 June 2007 - 07:06

My female GSD has a very irritating habit of constantly biting, albeit lightly, but it's still unacceptable. This happens whenever I try to grab her collar; upon greetings; when excited, etc. etc. etc. Almost seems like a nervous habit. It's driving me crazy. I firmly tell her "Don't bite!" and she'll stop until the next incident--apparently she's not taking any corrections. It really is bothering me and I've tried all types of things to stop this, but she insists on trying to dominate the situation even though she exhibits more passive body language in other ways, like rolling over on her back, but still biting. Most commonly she'll try to jump up and bite in a "friendly" manner, but it's extremely annoying. Any ideas on how to train her out of this?

by animules on 06 June 2007 - 11:06

She's not biting, she's giving toothy kisses. Mine lay beside me when I'm on the computer and "hold my hand". If it bothers you that much, have a toy handy and teach her to hold it at times like that. Before you acknowledge her give her the toy so she has something in her mouth. Takes patience but they learn.

by hellsbeast02 on 06 June 2007 - 13:06

Well Abby I am not a trainer or behaviour specialist, but this is what I would ask first. What type of bloodlines does your girl come from? How are her drives and is she getting enough exercise? If she is kenneled or crated without allowing a workout, that nipping could just be from too much drive. I have a friend that is a behaviour specialist and got in a older pup that did that very thing. The owners did not know what to do, this also was annoying to them. After figuring out the nipping was coming from alot of drive and no exercise. She was given alot of time to exercise and then she worked on obedience and manner. It worked, but the key was the exercise. So far per the owners she is a changed pup and they love her now. JMO

Debbie

by ColeHausGSD on 06 June 2007 - 14:06

Are you going to work this dog or is she just a pet??

by Abby_K on 06 June 2007 - 15:06

She does have a lot of drive (Kevin v Murrtal daughter) and is a long coat pet. She gets a 4 mile walk nearly every day and also many play sessions, but she could go all day long. Compared to people who work an 8 hour day, I see her a lot. She lives indoors with us. Perhaps this is just a stage, but perhaps it's not. She is in a kennel two days of the week for six hours as I teach on those days, but nevertheless work at home and she gets throw- the-ball-breaks. I was told by the breeder not to train until she's a year old so all she knows is basic commands and has been through one puppy training course and did fine, except has always displayed this behavior. I agree they are "toothy kisses" but it's still a pain in the ass--sometimes literally.

by kmaot on 06 June 2007 - 18:06

Abby K - I have a Kevin daughter as well. She does the same thing and is pushing one yr of age. I am becoming more and more tolerant of it. And yes, she does get a ton of ovebdience and drive training and exercise. I have seen it called "rapid fire nibble kissing" as well. PIA - yes. Will she grow out of it....? Well, I am sure you can "train" it out of her but it really seems to be a part of them...you know. I just accept mine and and if it gets too rough the game stops. Abby K - who is the dam of your pup?

by animules on 06 June 2007 - 18:06

Abby, don't give up. start making a toy the focus. Ours were over a year before they started getting it and at times still go for the toothy kisses. It does get better. I now enjoy toothy kisses as the girls are so happy to see me.

by Abby_K on 07 June 2007 - 08:06

kmaot--dam is Germany. This is the first female I've owned and from what folks are saying on this list seems like this behavior is a girl thing? Anyway, I'm really happy with her in every other way. She's very affectionate, extremely bright and a beautiful dog. She's also at the chewing up/destructive stage, which of course we've been through years ago with our other GSDs, so it's a trying stage, but I know from experience she'll outgrow that. Just never have seen the toothy kiss thing before. I'll try the toy and will attempt to train her not to do this.

Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top

10 month old keeps nipping - Page 1

Pedigree Database