Please: Is this the beginning of aggression?

Tammy · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject:

The spray bottle, I had forgotten about that one. Because Dakar is leery about water, I figured using it wouldn't help (in terms of reinforcing his fear), but maybe I should try it out.

The timing of the discipline is key, so I guess I will strap that bottle to my hip!

I do think I am firm with him, but I just find myself disciplining him, over and over, and I just get mad after awhile. I do everything (including from time to time a serious alpha roll). He DOES jump less, biting remains about the same. And yeah, it's a play /attention thing, but you're right: it is a dangerous precedent and it does not feel good, even for adults.

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DukesMom · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject:

That's why I don't mind using the water bottle. It is harmless and Duke LOVES the water so obviously it hasn't had any psychological affects that way.
Drastic means call for drastic measures in my opinion and I had/have great fears of Duke knocking over an old lady or little child and being sued for it. The nipping is totally for attention and is just not "ok" in my opinion and you need to let him know that. The sooner the better. Same with jumping. I was getting EXTREMELY frustrated with Duke way back when he was a big time nipper. I mean VERY VERY frustrated and my husband didn't even want to come home from work it was so bad. Well needless to say he was completely cured in just a few days with the water bottle. The jumping he has improved I would say 80%. There are still some visitors that he gets overly excited to see. Gracie's nipping is mostly directed at me and purely for attention. All I have to do is have the squirt bottle in hand and she won't even get close enough to nip. And that's ok.....

MayaNewJersey · Young Weim Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 117 Fur Kids: Maya

Sounds like where i was a month ago. My husband almost said "me or the dog". If we ignored her she would come flying and leap over the side of the couch onto our backs!! then bite our ears. When i took her off she would too (and still does) snap at the air! I thought "oh god she is gonna bite me" that is all an act!
As soon as we feel teeth on our skin, or she jumps on the couch like a mad man we take her very firmly by the collar and say NO and chuck her in her crate. Not to hurt her of course but to let her know who is boss and that i am not happy. I leave her in there the first time just 5 seconds (they hate being away from you). No looking at her talking or anything, and then let her out. If she cries and barks i leave her there till she stops.
If she does the same behavior i repeat and leave her for 10 seconds. She usually stopped after the 3rd time.
I would say to her "you will spend all night going in that crate" i didn't care. She has responded well to that.
They will, like a child test their limits! HOLD FIRM!

shouseholder · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

I just wanted to chime in that I believe the post about slamming a door was originally directed at me and my Mischa when she was about 6 months old. She is now a year and nearly a half old and much, much better.

I just wanted you to know that there is hope. It gets better, with a lot of patience,practice and good advice, my girl is to the point where everyday I find myself saying what a good girl we have. I have gone from very bruised arms from jumping and nipping to a well-behaved, cuddle bug who listens and responds to commands. Keep at it, it will get better.[/quote]