Help, my 4 month old rottie plays rough

[roxyandhermama]

My female 4 month old loves to play rough...Likes to bite my ankles, and when I tell her "no bite" she just barks at me and does it again. I have grabbed her snout.. doesn't like it, i tell her "no bite" and she starts up again after 2 minutes. She does not do this with my husband or my 9 year old daughter..just me... what I am I doing wrong..please help!

[bliss7373]

Your dog sees this as a game. While you mean the verbal correction and "snout grabbing" as a deterrant - she interprets it as part of the game. While this is normal play behavior, it is certainly something that you can and should work on.

To address this behavior, I think you need to break it down and think in terms of logical ways to communicate this behavior isn't acceptable.

First, we know that when the dog instigates this behavior, she is seeking playful interaction with you. She needs to learn that the play biting does not get her what she wants. In other words, your interaction with her should be removed as soon as the behavior starts.

How to do this? The second she starts biting at you, give her a firm "no bite!" and immediately turn and walk away. If you have to, put up a baby gate in your house so you can step across it and prevent her from following you, biting at your feet all the while. Ignore her completely for a few minutes. Return to her. Be prepared to repeat the process several times - but when she is quiet and mannerly upon your return, lavish her with praise and petting.

Also, make sure you're spending enough time playing with her. She needs to learn positive, acceptable ways to engage her play drive and spend time with you. Fetch, tug, hide and seek....there are all kinds of games you can play with your pup!

Good luck!

[jelly8bean]

Also redirect the behavior with toys.. something more appropriate to bite on/chew on. I think all breeds of puppies go thru this stage.. that's why we call them ankle bitters :)