Thread: Biting problem!
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Old May 9th, 2011, 07:20 PM
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millitntanimist millitntanimist is offline
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Location: Kitchener, ON
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogpark007 View Post
1- Dogs: When wrestling, he uses his teeth like all dogs, but his bites are harder. No gums though, just well placed bites to win the game. Most often too hard for the other dog though. Similarly, when running after a dog, he might bite him on the back/side after a little while. If the dog stops, the game is over, he calms down. But the bite is usually too strong; it hurts the other dog.
. . .
The 3rd time was earlier today. The way I see it, he bites the thrower to control the game, to dominate, out of frustration.
I wouldn't bring "dominance" into it, he just needs to learn that his access to play is dependent on keeping his mouth in check. As a working line shepherd his drive will be very strong, he is simply getting overstimulated. You are doing well with the re-direction, all you need to do is watch for signs that he is becoming too worked up so that you can intervene and end the game BEFORE he starts biting. Even if its just for 30 seconds.
If he gets too rowdy in play with people (or dogs) that the game needs to end. Instantly. For people, the person drops the ball, turns their back and walks away. For dogs, you call him to you and ask for a sit, or have him drag a long line so you can (gently) pull him away from the dog. He will quickly learn that if he wants to play he has to be gentle with his mouth. You can also institute ball rules for other people to help him stay below his threshold. They should ask him for a sit or lie down before the ball is thrown, it will keep from building his excitement level and will establish the expectation of good behavior with all people (not just you )
He will learn fastest if you practice this in less stimulating environments (like your backyard) and with people he knows first, rather than at the dog park.

I would also nix the correction - you are probably correcting him too late for him to learn anything. In the time it takes you to walk over to the person he has bitten the context of your punishment will change. Also, correction will increase his level of arousal.

You could teach him an "off" command for use with people when he does become too excited.
This is a video on puppy biting, but he has a great "off" tutorial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKjk8...7C660271967C13

Hope this helps, honestly it already sounds like you are on the right track.
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