biting when has something he shouldnt

[COOPERDUKE]

My Cooper (six months) has recently gotten aggressive when I go to take something out of his mouth that he should not have (dryer sheets, gross things outside etc.). He does not do this when he is playing with a toy or something he is allowed to have. He does do the puppy bite thing with our hands, toys, etc. when playing. He only gets aggressive when it's something not allowed. He will snap and bite, or try to bite...not hard but enough to know he is serious. PLEASE.....give me some advice. I have tried the yelping, putting in time out, shaking cans, a firm NO, and really want to know if this is a phase he could possible grow out of, and if anyone else has experienced this. I hope Im not alone cause he is the most loving dog all other times with people and animals, just get crazy when he is busted with a no no.

[Brookef18]

YEP Chewy has done this and once in a while still does...He is 8 months... I grab the back of his neck...sternly (Not mean or yelling but in a controlled voice ) I say no bite, and put my hand right in front of his mouth, if he tried to bite I put my hand toward his mouth to show him I am not afraid, and stare him down. He stops biting and then is very good for me... I think when you pull your hand away or show any kind of fear, they feel in charge and that's not good~! He is very sweet most of the time, but when getting his teeth brushed or nails clipped he will try to nip here and there. Be tough... It's getting better every day with Chewy~

[COOPERDUKE]

thank you so much for your reply...i feel much better knowing im not the only one going through this.....and im going to take your advice. wish me luck thanks again.

[FirstYorkie]

Hi Cooper Duke,

You are definitely not alone. What Cooper is doing is called "object guarding" and it's very common. The good news is that it is the most easily treated form of aggression.

If the only time Cooper does this is when he has an object that he shouldn't have, what you need to do is teach a "drop it" command. Basically this is done when he has a lower value object in his mouth that he isn't like to guard. Offer him a treat when he has something in his mouth. As he drops the object to reach for the treat, say "drop it" and give him the treat. Pick up what he has, look at it, and give it back. If he can't have it back, offer something better for him to chew or play with. Repeat a bazillion times, making making sure you give things back to him far more often than you take them away. If it's something he can chew on, when you pick it up, smear it with a little peanut butter or soft cheese and give it back. You want him to learn that dropping things on your command is a winning proposition for him!

Always, always, always give a treat for obeying the "drop it" command - it takes a huge amount of self-control for a dog to obey it; it goes against all natural instincts.

While he is learning "drop it", try very hard not to chase him and not to corner him. You will make him more defensive. Instead, try rolling treats (which you have nearby or on you at all times) beside him - as he turns his head to grab it, snatch the forbidden object. This is fair in the doggie world.

Alot of people feel that you have to establish dominance over the dog in these situations. I don't. What worked with Joey is training an alternate, incompatible behavior. He can't guard something if he's following a "drop it" command and getting a treat. We both win.

[COOPERDUKE]

Great advice......thanks alot!

[Brookef18]

I'm glad to read this because Chewy runs and will not drop it no matter what it is...i have tried to trade for a treat but never thought to roll it! i will try this. My fear is that if he ever gets something really bad he will never give it up!!!! He eats everything! The good news is my floors are really kept clean!!!!