6 Months old and Still biting, need more advice.

[Judi W]

Keep the pup in a sit, and put your hand (not finger, but all the way to your palm) through the collar, palm facing up, at the back of the neck. Your forarm controls the shoulders and whithers. You don't allow the pup to lie down so it can flip around. You simply hold it there in a static position, quietly and with no thrashing or verbals on your part.

I'd suggest since you've been fighting with this pup so much however, that you simply stay away from fighting with it completely for a while and you might find it unnecessary altogether. I don't like the relationship that is set up by this always looking for some way to defeat the pup and the pup always in a fight against you. Put on your thinking cap and start engaging the pup in some learning experiences and good times together. .

[unxchange]

I know, I don't want to "fight" with the pup either.

Its just that you cant even walk past him without him biting your feet or pant leg (most of the time). Sometimes when I try to open my door to get in or try to get something he is just there biting and it's not biting I can just ignore, it does hurt.

I tried substituting toys for him to bite when he bites, but after about two bites, he comes back to our feet/ankle/pant leg.

[wagondog]

The method I have used to control adolescent biting, and I have had several, is to step in front of the dog, get to his level, and bring out the most dominant voice I can muster. I find that Rotties respond well to eye contact, don't be afraid to make and hold eye contact.
If you did well in drama class in school, you have what it takes to deal with it. That may sound off the wall but I feel that your ability to convey your anger to the dog is key.
Don't hit the dog, it will compound the problem, not eliminate the biting, and may cause you to suffer a bite.
It may also help to not deal with this problem when you are stressed out, dogs pick up on that stress.
Redirection of his attention may also help in your situation, just don't ignore it, it will escalate.

[Judi W]

It is humans that seem for reasons I do not understand, reluctant to let their young dogs know that certain actions on their part have results and when those actions are beyond the pale, retribution. Wagondog is entirely correct. It is not physical punishment so much as it is mental and emotional. An older dog would show absolute insult and rage with a young dog that pushes beyond what is polite. They don't need to bite and don't bite, but they put on their "how dare you" hat and leave an impression. There are few rules at all for baby pups, but when they get around 4-6 months of age, they are taught manners. To be afraid to let your dog know when it is wrong, is to lie to the dog and leave the dog with an impression that it can do anything it wants. A sure way to raise a dog that no one likes to be around and usually a bully.

[wagondog]

I dislike making comparisons from the canine world to the human world but sometimes the correlation does exist. The family with the dog that is rude, obnoxious and unpleasnant to be around is usually the same family with the rude, obnoxious, and unpleasant child who is unpleasant to be around. The family member responsible for setting parameters for behavior just chooses not to do it.

[Judi W]

Well, we do urge that the Rottweiler is not a good breed selection for the timid or insecure person and I stand by that. The Rottweiler fares best with a leader that it can respect and does not do well with someone who is hesitant or lacking in confidence. Keep in mind there is a vast difference between being a bully and being a good leader. Mutual respect and fairness in all. Being fair means don't lie to your dog.

[wagondog]

Couldn't agree more Judi, unfortunately there are too many prospective owners that either don't research that info or choose not to pay attention to it.
All of a sudden the little black and tan furball turns in the the huge dominant dog that is just begging for firm, understanding, and knowledgeble ownership.

[unxchange]

When you said "is to step in front of the dog, get to his level, and bring out the most dominant voice I can muster. I find that Rotties respond well to eye contact, don't be afraid to make and hold eye contact. " should I be holding the puppy in any way or should I just get in front of him, get down, then muster and stare?

Also, I've read alot of replies about puppy biting saying this is normal behavior and not to worry too much.

[wagondog]

If you have a flat collar on him/her, slip you hands under it, or take hold of the scruff of the neck (gently). Make and maintain eye contact with the dog even if he avoids it, move your head around if necessary to keep the eye contact working. Get in his face and become the most frightening thing he has ever seen, transmit that with your voice. Praise and love always follow any correction.
Works for me hope it helps
Jerry

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by wagondog

If you have a flat collar on him/her, slip you hands under it, or take hold of the scruff of the neck (gently). Make and maintain eye contact with the dog even if he avoids it, move your head around if necessary to keep the eye contact working. Get in his face and become the most frightening thing he has ever seen, transmit that with your voice. Praise and love always follow any correction.
Works for me hope it helps
Jerry

I'd also like to add (so you are prepared) that the pup will likely put up a fuss with more growling before he realizes he is not going to win. Don't feel sorry for him, and unlike wagondog, I would not follow this correction up with any praise or love. Too confusing for a young pup. He needs to know the behavior is unacceptable...period.

I would allow the pup to slink off and rethink his behavior. No apologizing or pampering on your part. You should feel insulted (and rightfully so).

[unxchange]

Originally Posted by SonnyRott

I'd also like to add (so you are prepared) that the pup will likely put up a fuss with more growling before he realizes he is not going to win.

That is so true. I just tried that and as I was giving him eye contact he tried to avoid eye contact, bite my face/hand/arm and wiggle around.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by unxchange

That is so true. I just tried that and as I was giving him eye contact he tried to avoid eye contact, bite my face/hand/arm and wiggle around.

Yup....the little squirt!

It's all normal, it's just not acceptable. Just hang in there and don't feel sorry for him and get the point across that you run the show. After our run-ins, my pup would go slink off and take a nap. After he woke up, all was forgotten and we would move onward to bigger and better things.

They're so sweet when they first wake up, aren't they?!

P.S. No need to walk up to him and try a technique just to see if it works (I'm sure you didn't do that and he was actually growling at you). I say that because it reminds me of the advice my mom got to roll her dog three times a day whether he needed it or not!

[unxchange]

HAhah, when they first wake up is my favorite time to spend with him. 5-10 minutes from that, hes at it again. I have realized that he does not bite with the intention to hurt though, he usually wags his tail (that little tail of his) and is very hyper when he is nipping/biting our leg/arm and pant leg. nipping and biting is so much fun for him he ignores the ball when we try to play fetch.

[SonnyRott]

I just went back and reread the thread. You are not the original poster. I may have missed it. How old is your dog? There is a huge difference in a baby play biting and learning than a 6 month old.

[unxchange]

Yeah, im not the original poster. I have a puppy, hes 9 weeks old. Sorry for any confusion i've caused.