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Latest post 07-25-2008 12:11 AM by Jeff Millman. 1 replies.
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  • 07-24-2008 10:12 PM

    • becky
    • Top 75 Contributor
    • Joined on 07-25-2008
    • Posts 1
    • Points 20

    Another biting question

    I work at a local no-kill animal shelter and recently adopted a puppy. She's now about 4 months old, and our training progress has been a little slow. I have watched your video and she mastered the soft mouth exercises immediately, but she still tends to bite more than we would like when she's trying to play. We're still working with her on that, saying "ouch!" and moving away when it happens. We are hoping she will catch on to that sooner rather than later. The number one thing she does that is the most bothersome is she grabs onto the legs of my shorts when I'm walking and doesn't like to let go. I have tried everything I can think of to get her to stop doing this, but nothing seems to really work. What would you suggest?  

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    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-25-2008 12:11 AM In reply to

    Re: Another biting question

    With that behavior try this: tether the end of the leash over a doorknob, under a table leg or over a fence. She should be completely comfortable and able to sit or lie down. The leash is not tight unless she moves to the end of it. 

    Start moving towards her and say, "Yes" or 'click' and toss her a treat from a few feet away. Then, take another step closer and repeat the exercise. Do this until you are right next to her. If she starts to mouth you, say, "Leave it" and quickly move away from her until she calms down. Then, continue the exercise by again moving closer and rewarding BEFORE she bites you.

    If each time she bites you "the fun ends" and you walk away, eventually she will be less motivated to do this behavior. The key is to reward before she bites you and also to have well-timed "Leave its" if she goes towards you.

    On walks you can simply put the end of the leash over a fence and walk away each time she bites. But, pay attention to situations where she normally does this behavior and reward before she does this. Fast movements often entice a puppy to bite, so try and walk slower until she gets back on track.

    It might prove useful to bring her favorite toy on walks and play tug with her or allow her to hold it. Puppies often just like something in their mouths. 

    Ask if you have further questions.  

    ---

    Jeff Millman

    Founder and Trainer

    Watch and Train, LLC

    • Post Points: 5
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