German shepherd puppy nipping

ad1234

Hi just wondering if anyone would have any advice regarding a German shepherd puppy (7mths) nipping when excitable. If anyone comes to the house or near him to pet when walking he gets beyond excited and tries to eat their sleeves and trousers. We know it's just excitement but he's scaring kids etc. We keep tennis balls and toys everywhere to shove in his mouth when we know he'll start but he's not stopping doing it... he's at the height of teething too and undertaken obedience training well but this we just can't seem to beat. Any tips sooo welcome!

B0jangles

I've only experience with much littler breeds of dogs, but I found that reacting quite strongly with exaggerated sounds of pain and then withdrawing from play helped my dogs learn that using their teeth in play was not ok. He sounds like a happy, friendly little guy, who just doesn't know yet that some kinds of play are too rough

tk123

B0jangles wrote: »

I've only experience with much littler breeds of dogs, but I found that reacting quite strongly with exaggerated sounds of pain

I'd actually recommend the complete opposite(!). Often any reaction you give is a reward. Turn your back and fold your arms/step away ie ignore the pup (which can be easier said than done I know!). When I was at puppy classes years ago the trainers told the kids to act like trees and call their mam and dad if the pup wasn't stopping. Assuming you've tried that then attach a house line/lead/piece of ribbon to the pup's collar, when they start nipping lead them out of the room, close the door for a few seconds and bring them in. You need to be consistent that nipping = game over and no attention at all.

If you know anyone else with a dog who'll tolerate a pup or even better another pup you can employ them to teach your pup some manners - they'll soon learn from the other dog what's acceptable :pac:

AryaStark

tk123 wrote: »

I'd actually recommend the complete opposite(!). Often any reaction you give is a reward. Turn your back and fold your arms/step away ie ignore the pup (which can be easier said than done I know!). When I was at puppy classes years ago the trainers told the kids to act like trees and call their mam and dad if the pup wasn't stopping. Assuming you've tried that then attach a house line/lead/piece of ribbon to the pup's collar, when they start nipping lead them out of the room, close the door for a few seconds and bring them in. You need to be consistent that nipping = game over and no attention at all.

If you know anyone else with a dog who'll tolerate a pup or even better another pup you can employ them to teach your pup some manners - they'll soon learn from the other dog what's acceptable :pac:

I would agree. I have a Rottweiler cross and he is a handful.. he is a rescue so it is hard to know what he is mixed with but he is very big and headstrong.

He is such a big baby and loves to get lots of attention... most of the day he is quite and laidback but when he gets excited he is so hard to handle. He will jump, nip clothes and bit (pinching leaving a bruise every time!)... I have been working on this for a while and tried giving out and shouting ouch... he doesn't care.

So now I ignore him turn my back and leave the room... he hates it and has started to realise that I will leave if he bites. He has lots of toys and I make him hold one when people come or if I know he will be excited. But stopping giving him any attention has really worked and he is coming on.

He is only 9 months and I think it takes till about 2 for them to calm a bit!

I have a Husky who is six and when she was a pup she was a nightmare--- if I am feeling frustrated or tired I just look at her all trained and well behaved and know that as she was so much worse I know Ill get there!!!

ad1234

Thanks all! We had tried the 'ouch' approach but will try the just calmly and assertively leaving. He does seek out a ball or something to chew when hes super excited so we'll still pet him, actually starts crying when he cant find a ball or toy, a bit like he knows he'll end up nipping so maybe just a straight out walking away approach might stop it altogether. He LOVES attention and hates us not giving it to him, will defo try working on you'll only have it for the right reasons. Hes just such a whirlwind of energy!! A pure saint in his classes so capable of learning... very clever but high demanding as a result. We'll keep at it though! Thanks!!

Sheepdish1

B0jangles wrote: »

I've only experience with much littler breeds of dogs, but I found that reacting quite strongly with exaggerated sounds of pain and then withdrawing from play helped my dogs learn that using their teeth in play was not ok. He sounds like a happy, friendly little guy, who just doesn't know yet that some kinds of play are too rough

Would not do this imo. You could train your dog to do an alternative behaviour. If he’s doing it at home when he does it too hard you could remove your attention by walking away but don’t say anything.

What focus and Impulse control exercise did you learn in your class? Is it only happening when walking or does he do it at home too? If he’s a German Shepard legally he should be wearing a muzzle. Just be conscious of this incase he nips someone with excitement if he’s doing it to other people.

Could he be doing if as he’s accidentally learned that nipping= ball ?

Sheepdish1

Also bite inhibition is very important for your dog to learn. You need to help him understand what is ok in terms of mouthing. Did they cover this in your class? Did your dog socialise with other pups his own age when growing ?

thomas anderson.

I used to bite my fella back. He learned very quickly not to do it.

DBB

thomas anderson. wrote: »

I used to bite my fella back. He learned very quickly not to do it.

Holy moly.
Not one I'd be recommending!

I have GSDs op. German Shepherds are affectionately known as "land sharks"... they are so notorious for being mouthy, without the slightest intention to do any harm Mine have all been from a seriously gentle, laid-back line, but STILL that mouthiness
That doesn't mean you have to put up with it, but just be aware that it's absolutely 100% a breed trait, so as such is a bit harder to entirely eliminate, and it will hopefully help you to understand that he almost can't help it!
Here's a couple of suggestions, as well as the excellent advice to turn your back when he starts doing it. I would tweak this a tiny bit by adding a verbal "non reward marker", that tells him if he continues, you're going to turn your back. So, you see the nipping is about to start... say "uh uh", or "no teeth"... something clear but different. Then turn your back, and if necessary, leave the room for 10 seconds or so. Then return and take up where you left off. If the nipping starts again, repeat as necessary.
With repetition, he'll learn that when he hears that verbal non-reward marker, he'll think again about invoking his teeth! It also means that if you meet people out on walks, you can head any nipping off at the pass verbally.
I'd also carry 2 tennis balls, so that as he drops one ball just ahead of potential nipping, you've another one immediately to hand to re-engage his gob. Pick up the one he dropped, and that now becomes your back-up should he drop the one that's currently in his mouth.
Will he catch a ball if you throw it towards him? If not, teach him to! Great way to keep his mouth engaged as you stop to talk to people... even get them to gently lob the ball towards him so he can grab it in his mouth, instead of them.
Or,always have couple of really novel toys when you're out and about, do that he's much more likely to investigate the toy, rather than nearby humans.
Enjoy him op! It does take time, but treat a GSD with gentleness and calmness, and you'll be rewarded with such a great friend as he matures and gets a bit more sense

Sheepdish1

thomas anderson. wrote: »

I used to bite my fella back. He learned very quickly not to do it.

Yikes! Not a good idea!

em_cat

DBB wrote: »

Holy moly.
Not one I'd be recommending!

I have GSDs op. German Shepherds are affectionately known as "land sharks"... they are so notorious for being mouthy, without the slightest intention to do any harm Mine have all been from a seriously gentle, laid-back line, but STILL that mouthiness
That doesn't mean you have to put up with it, but just be aware that it's absolutely 100% a breed trait, so as such is a bit harder to entirely eliminate, and it will hopefully help you to understand that he almost can't help it!
Here's a couple of suggestions, as well as the excellent advice to turn your back when he starts doing it. I would tweak this a tiny bit by adding a verbal "non reward marker", that tells him if he continues, you're going to turn your back. So, you see the nipping is about to start... say "uh uh", or "no teeth"... something clear but different. Then turn your back, and if necessary, leave the room for 10 seconds or so. Then return and take up where you left off. If the nipping starts again, repeat as necessary.
With repetition, he'll learn that when he hears that verbal non-reward marker, he'll think again about invoking his teeth! It also means that if you meet people out on walks, you can head any nipping off at the pass verbally.
I'd also carry 2 tennis balls, so that as he drops one ball just ahead of potential nipping, you've another one immediately to hand to re-engage his gob. Pick up the one he dropped, and that now becomes your back-up should he drop the one that's currently in his mouth.
Will he catch a ball if you throw it towards him? If not, teach him to! Great way to keep his mouth engaged as you stop to talk to people... even get them to gently lob the ball towards him so he can grab it in his mouth, instead of them.
Or,always have couple of really novel toys when you're out and about, do that he's much more likely to investigate the toy, rather than nearby humans.
Enjoy him op! It does take time, but treat a GSD with gentleness and calmness, and you'll be rewarded with such a great friend as he matures and gets a bit more sense

Just replace GSD with Pom cross, think chi, then you’ve Esmae. I always have 2 balls when out with her as she is mouthy, only to people she lurves but still try to curb it with a gentle uh uh and have taught her 'enough' as sometimes she gets too boisterous. When she is sleeping she likes to grab my hand and lick or gnaw it, whiles still asleep. But she also loves to wiggle dance play biting our noses & then do the same to Mr C while we are in stitches. My brain says we should teach her not to do that but it’s to funny and it’s her special hello.