[Jellymint]

In "learning his language" though ....

When I got my Monty when he was 8 months he would growl and snap if he had a toy and I went to touch him. Right away I broke him of that by doing a very firm "no" while holding him down until he stopped growling. Eventually began petting and whenever he growled would push down again with a "no." He learned that I wasn't going to take his toy or his bone or his food. Now I can take food out of his mouth.

My friend had an 8 month malti-poo and Monty would growl and snap if Loki came near when Monty had a toy. Ummm... no. So I sat on the couch with Monty beside me with his toy. I called Loki up and when Monty growled and snapped, I kinda snapped my finger close to his skin with a bit of fur in the snap. Kinda like a little bite and then immediately pressed down with the same "no" and then a rub. I called Loki back up and this continued for about 10 snaps and Monty learned that it was okay for Loki to be near him when he had a toy. He learned that it was okay to play Monty would bring toys to Loki to play tug. He didn't know how to be a puppy and Loki and I made it safe for him to learn.

That's the firmest I have ever had to be with him and it was firm because biting is a serious business isn't it. I hope you find a way to help Charley know that you are not his enemy and that biting is unacceptable for any reason.

Unfortunately with some dogs that switch can't be unswitched which is why they wind up being a single pet in a loving home. Yep. I love one of my other friend's dog to bits and he is sooooo loving and happy and sweet .... but he is single and always will be. And Monty will never be his friend and we are all okay with that. Nod nod.