Quote:
Originally Posted by Nancy1999  His biting concerns me, did you get him from a breeder at an age under 12 weeks? The YTCA says that if they stay with the mother and littermates until 12 weeks they are less likely to bite and more importantly less likely to bite hard, the mother teaches inhibition of the biting reflex.
I agree with lots of your training methods, but I’m not fond of the holding them down for 18 minutes method. Just because he didn’t act afraid 5 minutes later, it doesn’t mean this had no negative effect on him. Punishment is tricky, it sometimes gets fast results, but it usually always has a bad side effect, but that isn't always apparent. I’m not talking about opinions here, the science definitely shows aversive punishment doesn’t work long term. How long ago has it been since he bit you? Puppies do nibble the hands, they are teething, and fingers are irresistible, so next time he bites, you could say, “no bite” in a firm voice set him down, and give him a chewing type of toy. If he bites you aggressively again, I hope you seek out a trainer, if he does this to the vet or a groomer, they may have the legal right to have him put down, this is very serious. Anyway, it sounds like things are going good, I just don't agree with the holding down, and while some trainers do this as a last resort, they always say the layman shouldn't do it without proper training. I know everbody is looking for easy answers, but there is no "One time do this and everything will be good" answer. |
He was separated from mom at 8 1/2 weeks, she was injured, he was with his litter mate for another 2 weeks, his brother didn't have any teeth, Bubba had a mouthful. I got him at at 10 weeks, and yes I agree, so much is taught by the mother, unfortunately, this wasn't the case. I got to see Bubba with his mom and she wouldn't let them near, pain, discomfort from stitches I suppose. Bubba bit me from the day I brought him home.
I have had puppies in the past, and clearly know the difference between exploratory bites/teething and aggressive behavior. I don't recommend anyone try this unless they have been properly shown how and are familiar with the technique. There is such a fine line, he struggles I hold, he relaxes I relax, he cannot try to engage me with eye contact and he has to surrender, mind you all the while I remain calm and collected. The instant that he does surrender/submit, he is released and avoided. You are correct in that, it is a last resort. When he attacked on 12/24, that was it. I was being gentle, calm and he growled and bit, and he needed to be put in his place. I understand that not everyone will agree with my methods and that is fine. I will always get my dogs to submit and obey, I have a son, young nieces and nephews over all the time, I would never risk not having absolute control over my animals no matter how small they may be. As stated before, he has not bitten since.
Your reply, I'm certain is appreciated as a variant position for members of the yorkie talk forum.