Mouthy puppy - Page 2

Sue-Ann: Yes, he was purchased from a "reputable, experienced" breeder. Only problem is the breeder is a 7 hour drive away, so taking a drive to the breeder isn't an option. However, my breeder has been EXTREMELY supportive, taking calls, e-mails and watching videos of the biting behavoir and offering suggestions.

Two-Moons: you are funny. I actually have bit him back, and it didn't work LOL.

We have a trainer (20 years experience with GSD's, titled 4 of his own dogs) and he also doesn't want to take the bite completely out of him, as he has told us he believes that Gunther has schutzhund potential, and that is what we want to do with him.

As I mentioned previously, I just wanted (hoped) to get some opinions from some of the experienced GSD owner/breeder/handler/trainers who frequent this message board.

Thanks again to all who didn't treat my question as being "not message board worthy".

Regards,

Vinegarjoe

One of our club members swears that the best way to curb Schutzhund puppies from biting their owners is to make a lot of noise as if the puppy is really hurting you.  OUCH OUCH and fake cries, holding your arm away from the puppy like it really hurts.

He swears this works time and time again. 

I prefer a tug toy and redirect the bite to the tug, but never tried the "you are hurting me" techinique!

There are so many ways to deal with puppy play biting and so many can make the problem worse.  My advice, consult a trainer who can see 1st hand what the reaction is.