OK, so the little guy (now known as "Redneck") is growing like a weed and incredibly smart. 2 weeks and most of the "normal' training is done...

EXCEPT.

He is a biter (mouth-player really, but doesn't realize his own size). None of the normal training methods seem to work. In fact he will double-down. Settle for a second then take a retaliatory snap. Anybody got any "novel" ideas to break the habbit ? I cant really douse Kims ShihTzu's and cats, plus us, in the sour stuff and consider a shock collar a last resort. I dont want to break him, just teach him teeth are a no-no, and he juuuusssssttttt cant seem to grasp that. He is only 10 weeks though, so might grow out of it too, but might not and decide to "play" with a human in the future. BAD idea at the size he is going to be.

He isnt going after shoes or furniture or anything (butcher bones cured that quick ) , just playing rough with living things.

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 06-18-2023).]

quote Originally posted by Patrick: There's that gas meter again!

That yard is small and the dog is big. ROFL.
I will be out at the "farm" Saturday and will trying and get one with him and the Muscovy ducks without a meter in the photo.

To parrot what CVX said yes it is all about dominance. Another show of submission amongst dogs is teeth licking.

Labradors were my first solo breeding experience. I was maybe 12? They have soft mouths and that is what makes them great for retrieving ducks.

A super high energy dog like a shepherd needs a lot of stimulation. They also use their teeth to nip things to make them mind. I don't care if this is frowned upon, but a quick slap and stern command are my solution. It took me less than 2 for my Dane to learn. His papers specifically said he couldn't be around chickens. The slap was to catch his attention. He loves and trust me (that is key) and the stern "NO" and disappointment is what set it over the edge. He isn't a food driven animal. He loves his treats like all dogs, but if it isn't on his agenda it isn't his interest. He needs a goal or task. I don't feed my dog people food to speak of, but he gets my plate when I finish. If he isn't hungry or doesn't want to get up (they are extremely lazy animals) it will sit until the cat eats it or it dries and I have to clean the plate anyway.


The cat on the other hand is altogether different. He is treat driven. He is also not to be trifled. He knows basic commands like come and up. He does not appreciate company. Every once in a while he wants a shot at the title and I beat him like a red headed step child. We come to an agreement and things go back to how they should be. I don't know what has happened to make him only love me, but he is just a very mean cat. I give him 0 treats or wet food. I save those for company and he still lights them up every time they try to touch him. Sweet and loving to me and the dog. I know he is going to outlive me, so I hope he makes peace with someone.


Here's people food on the ground. I have dozens of photos of him just looking at it. He even lets the cat get to it. He loves treats, but when he is tired of learning commands not even they will motivate.

NO METER

I would walk the dog. Walk him a lot. Walk him until you are tired. Do it multiple times daily. This will build the bond, trust, and respect. Don't allow any behavior you think is cute now, but would be a problem at full size. I got mine at 10 months and had to unlearn a lot of stupidity from a neglectful or ignorant family. Not all dogs are for all people. I wish my Dane was more high energy, but I am high energy so it works well this way. I've read Danes need 5-10 miles exercise daily and I know better. He may get that in a full day of being free and roaming, but anything more than 3 miles isn't his jam. We went shooting last week and after about an hour he was tired of checking things out and was laying under the trucks in the shade. You can tire out a 10 week old puppy, but a dog like that is going to need a lot of attention. Walks are my favorite way to teach discipline. They are learning to walk at your speed. Stop when you stop. Use the potty outside. Check out new smells. All under the supervision of a leash, which after a few walks they won't even realize is a way of you dominating them, but they will accept it just the same. It is worth it to them for the adventure. I also do solid walks before I start training lessons. Get them out of the fresh energy before you take it slow and teach the basics.


Oh, I forgot, I had a mouth issue for a brief bit. I just rammed my fingers farther in to make him gag. 5/7 he was not a fan. You have to make sure they know it isn't a game. In my dogs case it is life and death. We are within 20lbs of each other now and he could easily kill most things. Chickens were the least of my concern.

Why are there no photos of your pup in this thread?

[This message has been edited by ls3mach (edited 06-19-2023).]