New Dog chatters teeth - Page 1

As all of you have read I rescued a new GSD.  He is a sweet 4-5 YO boy but it seems someone has pretty much broken his spirit.  He always comes up to me for pets but when he gets to me he always lowers his head.  I don't know if he is wary that I am going to hit him or what.  I give him a couple of good pets then I lift his chin up so he is looking at me and sometimes he will chatter his teeth when I do that.  He doesn't flinch just chatters his teeth.  Is this something to worry about or just a Shepherd thing?

I would say it is either from Stress or over stimulation. I used to have a female who did that before her Agility Runs. Was from being Stimulated and excited but sounds like your guy may do it from stress.

Tina

I'm not sure what chatter really mean's.     Like shivering chatter?  or snapping chatter?? 

You have no idea what this dog may have endured before you got him.   Be very patient and calm, make no demand's of him just yet.   It may take a great deal of time and even then he still may have shyness.    Do not fear the dog but do not take anything for granted, be alert and aware of everything.   Let him come to you as opposed to you pushing yourself on him.

Watch for thing's that might trigger a reaction like sudden noise's or a quick movement.

It make's me sad, I have a dog that I more or less rescued, I have had her almost two years now.   She is gun shy and any metalic sound can scare her, a softdrink can, a cigarette lighter, even a camera.  She too puts her head down and I will raise her head and encourage her to lick my neck or ear.  She wouldn't play until just this year, she's slowly coming out of it now but like I said it's been nearly two years since I got her.   If she's in trouble for something, usually running off the property and I use an angry tone she run's to her kennel still.   If she know's she's in trouble she wont come to me.

She's a problem child but getting better.   She's becoming a bit spoiled and has become protective of our home and the family, altho she still love's to run off.  She was running free uncared for when I got her and its a habit I haven't broken her of yet.  She may never get over some thing's from her past but she is turning out to be a good dog for me and my family.

Time, patience, and unconditional love, is a good start, but also rule's and some obedience, structure.

Chattering to me mean's nerve's.   Not so much to worry about but something to try to understand and overcome.

I figured you knew what you were getting into, I'm sure many here will help with whatever advice they can.

Be patient. 

I wouldn't make the dog look me in the face.  he has obviously had a hard life, and in a dogs language, looking in the face, especially the eyes is a challenge.  he does not want to challenge you.  chattering is a submissive, stressed reaction.  I had a rescue GSP female who would always do that when she approached me.

The only time I've seen a Shepherd chatter his teeth, is after he got a broken
pelvis from being hit by a car............

That's the only time I've seen that......

My female always chatters her teeth when she is excited about something.  Sounds and looks like one of those wind-up sets of teeth that chatters across the table.  She is very dominant and high drive.  Her mother does the same thing and is a Sch III with all top scores, just chatters before trials.  Mine will sometimes do the teeth thing if she is unsure of something but only until she figures it out, so it could be nerves, drive, who knows, she is a sweetie and an awesome working female.

Don't get worried,   I think he is a little nervous, he just does not know what is going on.  The lowered head is saying he does not want to challenge you, just wants to be loved. Tell him he is a good boy, lots of pets and love.

Our cross breed male (castrated) is a normal adjusted dog with no issues but he chatters his teeth when he sniffs some things especially other dogs pee pee.

Good luck with your boy. He sounds like he has landed on all 4 paws with your family.

Patients, patients, patients. Give the dog some time.

I did know what I was getting into (well, as much as you can know with a rescue).  I don't know if I explained it right.  I just lift his head so I can give him decent pets and scratches.  I'm 6'4" and just can't reach that low without raising his head a little.  I also don't stare him down just want him to know that I'm not going to hit or hurt him+ I just don't really want to bend down and go face to face with him yet. 

   It's been 4 days now and I have a permanate shadow (2 actually, my female GSD rescue and him).  The first 3 days he pretty much stayed in our bed in the back room and just slept.  Today he is out and about.  He still sleeps allot but right at my feet or my side while I'm in "my chair".  He hasn't growled or barked 1 time.  It took 3 weeks for my female to bark so we are just waiting him out and letting him get used to being here.

Thanks for all the good words of wisdom, I am still fairly new to the breed and wanted to know if this was a "breed behavior" or something to worry about.  I think he is just doing it because he is still trying to figure everything out.  He has been thru allot in the last month and he deserves to just chill for a little while.