Mouthing and other behaviors

[Judi W]

If you act like a littermate, then I guess you will be treated as one. Has nothing to do with asserting yourself in some sort of conscious pattern, but rather with who you are. It doesn't mean you don't play with your dog either. If your puppy came from a poor breeder and with limited exposure and/or proper education whilst with the breeder, perhaps they won't be able to tell the difference but I think even a dumb pup would notice. The difference is not that they don't know the difference, but whether they are taught that the relationship is not that of a littermate.

Sporty,
I wouldn't want to live with a dog that felt free to boss me around. My personal preference. Perhaps you need to step back and look at your body posture, you voice tones, whether you use eye contact and so forth. As I said, it is not so much what you do as who you are. If your personality type is to be deferential, then don't expect a lot of respect from the dog. Something to keep in mind.

[ElsasFamily]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Actually, get this pup off laps completely and permanently. Sitting on people gives the wrong message to a dog and with a nippy puppy way too much access to the face while pinning the person down. Certainly not something you want a strong-minded dog to be able to do and what you establish as a pup becomes the foundation for future life.

Judi-
I started the habit of allowing Elsa to sit on my lap. She is now 17months old and 70lbs. Do you have any tips on how to remedy this problem? Do I understand you that she is dominating me? She doesn’t do this to my husband, only to me. I thought it might have been because the kids are always in my lap, and she is following them?

Thanks for any tips you have to share.

[rhylmarova]

Hi guys,

Does any of you as well have the 'wild running puppy'? It happened now three times - always in the evening before bed time. He suddenly goes flying around the house, his ears back...a bit of 'excited' barking...but than he jumps on any one of us and tries to nip on toes, legs, hands ..anything. We see improvements in the general biting and nipping..much better during the day and night, but the hour in the evening is a nightmare. Not sure what to do as the standard no bite, holding him down, stopping all play etc has no effect. Any advise? He is 12 wks and we had him since 9wks.

thanks

[Judi W]

Originally Posted by ElsasFamily

Judi-
I started the habit of allowing Elsa to sit on my lap. She is now 17months old and 70lbs. Do you have any tips on how to remedy this problem? Do I understand you that she is dominating me? She doesn’t do this to my husband, only to me. I thought it might have been because the kids are always in my lap, and she is following them?

I guess I don't understand the first question. Toss her cute little butt off and onto the floor where it belongs. No special trick to that. Yes, she is dominating you. And no, it has nothing to do with letting your children sit on your lap and everything to do with your allowing her to sit on you.

[masonette]

My guy does that to, especially after a bath. He doesn't jump on me. When my danes did it, I used to call it the zoomies. I don't mind it though. I just get out of the way. Most times he does this outside.

Mary

[Judi W]

As far as the zooms are concerned, enjoy the show! Why not appreciate the pure joy and happiness that a puppy can exhibit with such a lack of inhibition. I wish I could show such complete abandonment but since I can't I can certainly enjoy the show.