posted 01-06-2004 06:58 PM         

Our pup is VERY mouthy as well. She is almost 8 months old now and she is much better than she was before. She used to jump up and nip at any body part or clothing she could find. It HURTS and she is bigger than your dog. Our kids (ages 9 and 11) hid from her for weeks after we got her.

While she still does it, it is much improved over how it was. We tried to be consistent and use body language to express our displeasure. I tried to use a low, quiet voice (sort of like a growl) while I held her mouth shut and said "No bite" and would hold on until she sighed and waited quietly for me to let go. I spoke calmly without yelling and I would draw my eyebrows together and lean toward her while I did this. I know it sounds stupid, but animals are very sensitive to body language and as I am not a very big person I needed her to get the idea that I am still in charge.

We also would do time outs if she really got out of hand - either in her crate or out in the backyard. We only left her alone for a few minutes, but if she came back in and started right up again, out she went for another time out.

Everyone says to withdraw attention (by ignoring the dog until it behaves), but that was very hard to do with a dog that was hanging from your clothes or had a chunk of leg in her mouth. However, once I realized that the behavior was not aggressive (she used to scare me when we first got her) and that it was normal puppy behavior coupled with her herding drive, I became more successful in handling her. Not letting her scare me anymore was the first step.

I'm not really sure if any of these techniques really helped or if she is just outgrowing it, but I tend to think it was a little of both. I have heard other people describe the same situation and say their dogs outgrew it as well. Just be consistent and ride it out, and perhaps hire a behaviorist.

Oh, and bopping her on the nose made it a TON worse. I only tried it once.

posted 01-07-2004 09:28 AM         

BUT there was no way this would have worked when she was younger, unless we wanted our clothes and skin shredded. "NO NO and being stern" does not work with every dog. When Nala gets out of control, I don't think she has the ability to listen or behave at that point. I have to physically help her to calm down by positioning her in a sit and making calm, shushing noises. Having a leash on her also helps, since it is easier to catch her and you can also step on the leash to stop the jumping.

Knowing what triggers your dog - whether it's situation or time of day - also helps. Watch for subtle signals. If you can distract the dog or tire him out BEFORE he goes berserk, it's much easier than dealing with him after he's already crazy.