I'm a horrible trainer-please don't flame me

[Deenie]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

Someone is going to say something to me about this, I know it, but I don't care. I don't mind my dogs NIBBLING. I've taught them limits and they know better not to bite and never have.

If it works for you and your family that's what counts, however, in OUR case, this is a bit much. Nobody wants to play with him because he wont' stop the biting.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Deenie

He was taken away much too young. I will never do that again. I'm going to try the bitter apple AND the dominance stance with yelping. I hope it works. I just hope he's not too old and set in his ways by now.

Thanks SO much for your feedback, I really do appreciate it.

They are never too old to understand dog language. We skin parents just have to learn to speak it. I'm confident that if you use the yelping and if necessary the growl an showing teeth it will work. And the best part is they learn to respect you without fearing. It's a lnguage that they are comfortrable with.

Letting them go too young is a huge mistake. My puppies have been taught by the other dogs, and they will lie on my lap and nibble my fingers and never hurt me.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

Someone is going to say something to me about this, I know it, but I don't care. I don't mind my dogs NIBBLING. I've taught them limits and they know better not to bite and never have.

If yours are just nibbling and not hurting then they were taught, either by you or by their mother and siblings what is allowed. As I posted above mine nibble also but never hurt. It's more like affection than actually chewing.

[T Doll]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

I'm guessing he was taken from his mother before she had taught him proper dog etiquette.

You need to yelp and nip at him when he does this and then walk away. Dogs do not understand the word NO, they do not understand time outs. Speak to him in the same language that another dog would.

Show your teeth, growl low in your throat and if he doesn't heed the warning, then snap at him, teeth bared.

For the lunging at your face that requires an instant snap and if that doesn't scare him, then instantly on his back and in his face growling and baring teeth.

Many will disagree with me on this, but before you dismiss it give it a try.

Wow I just tried this and it worked! Mocha went from nibbling my fingers to kissing them! I think it took him by surprise lol...he immediately stopped and looked at me like "omg mommy, what did I do?". Thanks for the tip