Asked on the Dog Forum by Zeke on 8/12/03, 8:19 pm
Q: Progress with Zeke
Finally.... I am seeing some progress with Zeke!! Thank you so much to TrainYourDog!!! I went to the website you gave me and contaced one of the trainers who lives about 50 miles from me. We talked for almost an hour and I described Zeke and his behavior to her. She doesn't think he is inherently mean, and gave me a new method to use to curb his biting, and it is working! He isn't totally broken of it, but he has made such progress in just one evening of work!
Here is what she said to do... When the dog nips, no matter how hard or soft, gently grasp the muzzle with one hand and put your other hand at the back of his head, or use your body... what ever it takes so the dog can't back away (with Zeke's size, I have to use my body). Hold the dog there until he gives a 'sigh of submission' and gives up. I am amazed at how little pressure is needed on Zeke's muzzle to keep him under control. I sit there with him saying 'no bite' and once he gives in I let him go and praise him. Tonight we have not had a single 'drive by bite' from him. I have had to get down on the floor and hold him half a dozen times, and sometimes he cries and whiles but since I know he is not in any pain I don't give in to his antics. Finally... something that works :)
Answered by TrainYourDog on 8/12/03, 9:42 pm
A: Progress with Zeke
Hello!
I'm sooo glad you found someone to talk to that could help :) I'm very familiar with that playbiting correction, and would have recommended that save for the fact that I typically use that with puppies younger than four months. It's very nearly a guaranteed solution to playbiting, and I'm glad it's worked for you!
Congratulations, and I wish you continued luck with your puppy. Hopefully you and the trainer can work together and get Zeke on the right track, now that you're pointing him in the right direction :)
Take care, and lots of sweet non-bite petting for Zeke!
