some help or advice needed

megthered · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:34 am Post subject: some help or advice needed

Abby is 4 months old and she bites only me. She doesn't bite my husband or son because they smack her very hard. She doesn't bite the dog trainer, she only bites me. I have so many bruises on my arms and legs I'm surprised someone hasn't called the police. I have tried everything, saying OWWW in a loud voice and leaving the room, she bites my leg as I'm going. I say NO and turn my back, she has bitten me on the rearend. She is jumping up to bite me now and I have bites on my back. If I am sitting she jumps up next to me and grabs my arm. I tell her to get down and push her down, she jumps up and swats me with her paw. I have a 3 inch gash on the side of my head from her claws. My arms are so sore and bruised it's hard to sleep on them. I have tried the squirt gun filled with water and lemon juice and she chases the liquid to grab it in her mouth. I have tried swatting her but my husband has said it's not hard enough. Do I now have to beat her!?

It's to the point that I'm afraid of her. I have started crating her when she starts to bite me, but I hate to use it as a punishment, but it's what I have to do. Any other suggestions? She is a dream in her training classes, sits, stays, walking on a loose leash, etc. It's just when she comes around me that she tries to kill me.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

weimdawgs · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:58 am Post subject:

She knows she is intimidating you. She is obviously a fairly dominant female and it treating you like pack competition. I say this because she does not treat your husband or son this way.

Is your husband present when she is doing the behavior?? If so, have him correct her sternly and quickly for you (I don't agree with striking her). But keep an assertive attitude. She HAS to learn that you will not tolerate that behavior. Also start some NILF (Nothing in life is free) training with her. Make her earn everything.

The nipping and biting she is doing is also for attention. My Silkie does the whole jumping in my face thing when I get home and paws me when she wants my attention. She knows when I have had enough. Some dogs will always try. Silkie is one of those dogs.

I am sure you will get some good suggestions from others also.

cheekycharlie · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:33 am Post subject:

weimdawgs has given some great advice
charlie used to do this same and always to me
i found my assertive side and now he know when i say no i mean NO
be consistent. instead of creating her if your worried about her starting to dislike her crate try putting her on her leash and attaching her to the door, sofa or some where safe for time out.

shouseholder · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:41 am Post subject:

Mischa did the same thing to both my husband and I at that age. Now at one year old (minus a day), she is doing better and just does it a little when she is super excited, but stops quickly when I tell her no.

Stay firm, listen to the advice here, it will get better with hard work and patience. There are lots of other posts too, just search biting.

megthered · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:58 pm Post subject:

I went out and bought all of Cesar's books about being the pack leader. My husband and I are working on it and it seems to be helping. I am being strong and assertive and she seems to understand it. Of course it helps that Weims are very smart and learn fast. I want to make sure she gets it before she gets too old and big and I can't control her. I can't cower in the corner until my husband and son come home to rescue me.

Thanks so much for all of the information and helpful hints. I am so glad I found this sight.