Thank you. I had a traine and he told me something similar but it's just not working. I will continue and get the book.Everything that's been described here would have made Peggy bite more at that age.
I follow Ian Dunbar's methods.
Have you read "Before And After Getting Your Puppy"? I'd have been lost without it with all my puppies.
After reading that book cover to cover, I'd ensure you have LOTS of chew-safe toys around. Every texture you can find. Always have one within reaching distance. And when your puppy puts his mouth on you, you pop a toy in his mouth and PRAISE.
If he bites you again, you remove the fun (i.e. you). Get suddenly very boring and turn your back. Or walk away if turning your back invites more nipping.
I find this method works best with an indoor exercise pen. If you play with your puppy in the pen, it's very easy to walk out and separate yourself.
Count to 30 or so and then return. If the puppy plays nice, yay! Otherwise, repeat as necessary, giving the puppy a little more time to cool down. But always return so he has a chance to do the right thing. Otherwise he'll never know what the right thing is!
One of the greatest pieces of puppy wisdom I've heard is that there are INFINITE reasons to say no to a puppy. You could say no allllllll day, every day. So it's much easier to teach him what you do want him to do—to teach YES—and it's much less frustrating for both you and the puppy.
Setting boundaries with things like exercise pens is a great first step.
That's great that you're seeking help from a trainer! We have a great one, too. I still like having a book to refer to, though, to really understand what I'm doing and why. That deeper understanding can help you problem solve and adapt to each new challenge.Thank you. I had a traine and he told me something similar but it's just not working. I will continue and get the book.
That's great that you're seeking help from a trainer! We have a great one, too. I still like having a book to refer to, though, to really understand what I'm doing and why. That deeper understanding can help you problem solve and adapt to each new challenge.
And I get it - it can feel like a slowwww process. You're at a very fun but very challenging age. Especially with a smart, mouthy poodle. I've just recently come through it myself. Peggy will be 8 months old on Sunday.
But if you're being consistent, it will click. I promise.
Of course, that's not to say consistency is easy. It's definitely not. But dogs are pretty simple in that they don't like doing stuff that doesn't get them results. So if your dog keeps doing something you don't like, ask yourself: What's he getting out of that? What need is being satisfied?
Some examples.....
If he wants attention, "No!" is attention.
If he wants physical contact, holding his muzzle closed is physical contact.
If he needs to chew because his mouth hurts and puppies NEED to chew, you are a great chew toy.
If he's bored and restless and wants to play, you shoving him away or reacting with a shriek or waving your hands or yanking away your clothes....well that's just a puppy JACKPOT. Wheeee!! Playtime!!
If you consistently make sure your puppy's needs are being met, and also consistently and consciously reward only the behaviours you like, you'll see progress. Maybe not every day. And maybe there will be steps back. But overall you'll be moving forward together.
What's your puppy's name? I believe dogs always come into our lives at the perfect time.Thank you. I should have paid you lol..thats just about everything the trainer told us but it makes sense from you. I do get frustrated I'm a perfectionist lol.. I'm 48 and this is the first time I have ever owned a dog and I'm afraid of making a mistake and having bad behavior down the road.
Absolutely. I should be more careful with how I toss the word around.I am sure different trainers and facilities have different age limits, but since I know you are familiar with Ian Dunbar You should know he (and actually lots of other people) consider(s) 12 weeks to be window that closes true puppy socialization opportunities in the way I think most people think about socialization.
Congratulations on your new addition! Which method are you referring to?I will be getting a fell terrier pup in a few weeks I certainly won't ignore it biting hands. I know it also won't be doing within a few days. I've never had a problem in any dogs I've had. It's also widely used method here and top trainers use this method
Congratulations on your new addition! Which method are you referring to?
Thank you. I didn't really go in to much depth either. I praise when the good behaviour occurs. I failed to mention the most important part, ?♀ maybe because it's just something I do naturally. And also encourage to use the chew.Oh I see now. The shout/NO/chew toy combo. I think the key there is you're simultaneously teaching an appropriate behaviour. Some people miss that part.