10 week old GSD who loves to nip - Page 1

Hello,

We are the proud owners of  gorgeous 10 week old Titan.  However, his nipping really hurts.  He wouldn't dare do this to my husband - I think it's the stern voice.  But me, he bites my feet, bites my hands very often and I have tried the deep voice act, the water bottle spray, and the "ouch" yelping like I have read.  It isn't working.  The Vet suggested a gentle leader - any thoughts on what I can do to stop our pup from nipping ? 

Thanks,

Lori

Please do not spray him with a water bottle.
Redirect his biting to a toy or tug.
If a firm no doesn't work shove your finger down his throat till he gags, repeat as needed.

Unless your raising the dog for the purpose of biting, then you should encourage him to bite.
Thats a not so funny joke.

Thank you, we tried the water bottle spray once and Titan loved the water - so I knew right away that wasn't going to work. 

It's been 12 years that we have been puppy owners and we are relearning all the do's and dont's again. I do not want to raise a biting dog, our intension is to raise an amazing addition to our family and that includes our small granddaughter, so there can be no room for biting.  

Is it possible at 10 weeks, Titan knows he can rule the roost with me and think that nipping is ok ?  I dont' think he is doing it intensionally, but he does get carried away.  I always reroute him to his toys but it's been 2 weeks and still no change, he keeps coming back for more. 

Hi Titans Mom, may I ask why you got a GSD instead of another breed?

People scoff but when you shove your finger down his throat it is just uncomfortable enough and a surprise, he should give you a look like what the hell was that if done correctly which is each time he bites.  A bit slimy but it washes off.
It's natural for puppies, they learn with their mouths as well as their eyes and ears.
If he bites with mean intent I personally will bite one back across the bridge of the nose much like momma might do.
Never strike a pup by the way.
This is the age to teach these things while he's little, you must become the master.
Also a good time for crate training, but do not put him in a crate as a correction.

All GSD pups bite, that's usually a good thing.  You must redirect the bite by offering him a toy after a correction.  Always have a toy in your pocket or close by and when he bites you, correct him with your voice and offer him a toy. Show him that it's okay to bite certain things, but you are off limits.  Don't hit him, sqeeze his face, grab his jaw, etc.  Tell him "NO bite", give him a toy and tug with him.  He's looking to you for guidance and testing his limits, so set some.  No need to be harsh, but you should be firm and don't give in.  No means no.

Some puppies are worse than others, but because he's biting now doesn't mean he'll be a man-eater later, you need to control his behavior.  If it's been a long time since you've had a puppy, I'd suggest a formal basic OB class with a decent trainer.

Put a leash on him at all times when you are with him so you can gain control. Redirect his biting to appropriate toys. Give him bully sticks for some moments of peace. This is all normal for a rascally cute pup like Titan.

For indoors I like those thick soft twisted cotton ropes (for leading livestock). It is lightweight and drags without catching, but you are able to grab when needed to gain control and keep his teeth away from you. 
Anything else and my dog would chew through in record time and that got expensive, especially "halties or gentle leaders". That was a huge waste of money, but what the heck did I know then? LOL. Good luck don't give up just yet, but do wear long sleeves. 

 I've had some success with the technique of sticking the finger down the throat, but you should NEVER do it if you have long nails.  Make sure they're trimmed very short.  I've also had good success with just always keeping a toy with me and redirecting to the toy.  

No gentle leader; your vet is clueless.

Thank you everyone - great advise which I will absolutely give a try to your suggestions.