How to discipline biting from 12wk old?

[spiralpuddles]

after reading the following...

Seniority Classification Period - 12 to 16 Weeks:

Otherwise known as the “age of the cutting’ teeth and apron strings during this period, the pup is trying to figure out who is boss. If still together, there is intense competition between littermates. All tests of strength between person and pup (such as tug of war) should be discontinued. All biting of human hands, clothing, or leash should be discouraged. By 16 weeks, the puppy’s emotional makeup is fully developed and cemented for life, barring desensitization.


my pup is almost 12wks!! how is the most effective way of stopping hand,clothing biting!! I am @ my wits end!!

Also she challanges mty 2 daughters (15 +10) and will not stop jumoing on them and biting hands or feet!! if told no or ignored she snaps or barks!!

I need A FOOLPROOF METHD THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN USE TO KEEP this bundle of mischief in check!!

[LunaBell]

I have noticed that most new puppy owners mention that their pup "snaps" and barks. My pup, 11 weeks tomorrow, does no such thing. She can get mouthy when someone has a toy of hers and she trys to pull it from our hands, but she really doesn't bite our hands at all. If she does catch our fingers while playing, I redirect Luna with an alternative toy or treat. She has found that it is so much more fun to chew on toys and treats, rather than us.

[TR Young]

A good correction for "no teeth on human skin" is a good, hard squeeze of the muzzle, being sure to get a lip to press against teeth, thus getting a yelp from the pup. Once or twice of this, and the pup will know that it is not acceptable. My vet, who raises Rotties, suggested this to me. After watching our 17 year old Cocker-Springer mix grab Tara by the muzzle and making her yelp when he was tired of her biting him, I realized that this is a natural correction that dogs use and understand. It's not cruel; it simply establishes who is alpha and who is not!
It is working with Tara, although there will still be the occasional puppy mistake. Also, add a stern "No bite! Where's your toy?" and giving the pup a toy to chew.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by spiralpuddles

after reading the following...

Seniority Classification Period - 12 to 16 Weeks:

Otherwise known as the “age of the cutting’ teeth and apron strings during this period, the pup is trying to figure out who is boss. If still together, there is intense competition between littermates. All tests of strength between person and pup (such as tug of war) should be discontinued. All biting of human hands, clothing, or leash should be discouraged. By 16 weeks, the puppy’s emotional makeup is fully developed and cemented for life, barring desensitization.


My pup is almost 12wks!! how is the most effective way of stopping hand,clothing biting!! I am @ my wits end!!

Also she challanges mty 2 daughters (15 +10) and will not stop jumoing on them and biting hands or feet!! if told no or ignored she snaps or barks!!

I need A FOOLPROOF METHD THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN USE TO KEEP this bundle of mischief in check!!

Leash the pup when she is not crated - a leash allows you control (cut the handle so it doesn't get caught in her feet). Never ever ask your pup for a behavior that you cannot reinforce.

Puppy and children need to be supervised at all times - it is your job to correct your pup, not your 10 year old's.

You can cup your hand over the pup's muzzle, and squeeze her lips against her teeth to remove her from you/your pants/your shirt/her leash. Tell her "no" as you are doing this. Do not yell, as that is likely to amp her up more - use a calm voice, and calm but firm actions, because what you really want is to give her a chance to listen and understand what it is you want her to do.

Once the pup is removed from you, redirect her onto an appropriate chew toy - like a rope toy, nylabone, rag, ball, whatever it's OK for her to chew.

In addition, institute rules for your kids - no rough housing, no running, no screaming like banshees, etc.... (not saying that they do - saying this for the benefit of all) .... if you want your pup to be calm... the children need to be calm around the pup, and the pup needs to be put up when the kids are being kids.

Use play to help the pup understand what's acceptable and what's not. By teaching her games, you are establishing rules in a fun way.

Get her into a puppyK class ASAP if you have not already. That will help more if you have an experienced instructor up close and personal, because timing is a very important aspect of correction/reward.

Additionally, it sounds like you have a nice spirited girlie. Pups with a lot of drive tend to be able to walk/trot with all four paws on the ground if they have something in their mouths (tug, rag, ball, etc...) - strange, but true.

Your pup should quickly learn the ropes if you are consistant. One person should be in charge of the pup (you) until your pup really starts learning the ropes... again - consistancy is key, and multiple people are not going to be able to be consistant.

[spiralpuddles]

i cant get her into classes until her 12wk vaccination (on thurs)..the kids have been told if the pup wont stop biting when told no..they put her in her crate, no talking to her...for about 10 mins(time out) when shes calm she gets back out..no fuss made of her. I am so worried cause people seem to be telling me becuase of her breed shes a nasty dog! this is my first dog/pup....

[abhims]

Don't all pups bite! redirect to something that's okay to bite. That's what I've been doing.

[TR Young]

Originally Posted by spiralpuddles

I am so worried cause people seem to be telling me becuase of her breed shes a nasty dog! this is my first dog/pup....

Oh, that is infuriating! People (in general)are completely clueless about Rottweilers, and it is my belief that it is our duty, as responsible Rottie owners, to educate the general public about Rottweilers through the dog's (and our own) behaviour. They are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world, and they need training and exercise. Because of this very thing, we get the horror stories in the news about attacks. People buy a Rottie pup, but fail to train it so it ends up 'training' it's self and that adds up to maulings, bullying, and all around trouble. Bottom line is, people do not do enough research about Rotties to understand just how intelligent they are and that they do need plenty of attention, training, and exercise. When those 3 needs are met, Rottweilers are fantastic dogs. Please, please, PLEASE do not let something that ignorant people are telling you make you think that you have a nasty, viscious dog on your hands. Use the techniques that we have supplied you with, talk to your vet, talk to the trainer at the school that you are interested in attending. Get as much info about the breed as you can and PUT IT TO USE. Do not mistake proper correction for cruelty or abuse, either. Also, don't make 'crate time' feel like prison time. If you do use your crate as punishment or time out, do not approach the pup angrily. Use a normal, pleasant voice and let your pup know that it is time for some 'down time'. Give her a toy to chew on while she is in the crate. The whole point of crating as a punishment is simply to let your dog know that it is unacceptable to use humans as chewies and that if she puts teeth on skin, then she can't be around people. She will soon learn that, to have human interaction, she had better not bite. Get her into those classes as soon as possible, learn as much as you can, and you will have a gem.

[spiralpuddles]

its growliing i dont like...if I dont pay her attention she gets agressive!, since i am with the dog all day when kids/parnter arent there, I really need to feel in control! I know pups chew..i know pups need attention, but I am worried about her behaviour! I feel like I am being constantly challanged!!
Training classes are a to do, but with another 2 wks until she can...I'm frustrated and scared!
Silly I know its only a pup. We contacted a dog trainer the other day to ask for advice and when we told her what breed she replied..well that is a difficult breed! that has filled me with joy!
Today the pup would NOT do anything I asked! she even ignored clicker with treats!! she simply sat, staring at me, giving the occasional growl when i looked in her direction!...she has made her displeasure of having to go in the rain to Pee known! and also me taking my shoes off her to chew!..is this normal behaviour? Can a pup get moody?

[frontierrots]

ASAP YOU need to read the book "After you get your puppy" by Ian Dunbar and easily available through http://www.dogwise.com

Your pup may alsobe "talking" at you. Rotts often grumble and growl when they want something or are frustrated and it is not aggression. If you had researched the breed you would know this.

It really sounds like you do not have much experience with an active and intelligent breed as far as young dogs go

Get the pup some exercise, take it out in the yard and play with it: chase the toy, tug, fetch whatever. Tired pups are good pps (at least until they get fit, then they tire you out)

Bored, underexercised Rottweiler pups are trouble in a package! Start training on your own if you can't get into a class. Teach sit, down, come, walk on a leash. Training tires out the mind faster than exercise

And the rules Elisabeth mentioned above for the kids need to be followed as well

It is a VERY RARE 12 week old that is aggressive. At this age they simply are little blank slates that need direction and instruction. They have NO CLUE that they can't treat you like they do their siblings. That only comes from training in manners. They are not mind readers and don't come with manners built in

[Judi W]

I am concerned that you are frightened and feel unsure of dealing with this pup with any authority as it is not going to get any smaller or younger, only larger and stronger both in mind and body.

Please do not take this unkindly, but give very serious consideration to returning this pup whilst it is still young and cute enough to get into a more appropriate home. It is not fair to you and especially not good for the pup to be raised with such unsureness. While you might be an excellent doggy home, your experience has not prepared you for this very strong-minded and often spicy breed. This simply causes dismay for you and confusion for the pup. A mismatch of pup to home can make for a miserable life for all.

Make no mistake, I am not only on the side of the dog, but on the side of the family that lives with a dog. The presence of a dog should be a joy and adventure and not a trial and a worry.

[spiralpuddles]

we have been told by a dog trainer with a Rott that her behaviour is normal, and could simply be frustration at being in our house, garden...in 2 wks we will be able to go walks and the trainer seems to think things should improve then. Have also enroled her in puppy class in 2 wks time. No I am not happy about being told to rehome her, surely ALL rott owners were once NEW and 1st time owners at 1 point? Surely I am not the only owner to feel a little unsure at some point? If this is the case then surely no one would own a Rott. I was hoping for advie on this forum to hekp me become more sure of my training and end up with a happy and enjoyable dog..not simply give up! I think perhaps this forum isnt what I need to help me become a confident Rott owner!!

[debbiej]

the advice given will help you become a good rottweiler owner. Rotties need confident owners, they really do. As was said, the pup is a clean slate. If you are already unsure about the puppy's behavior, and fearing her instead of confidently guiding her, maybe an easier breed would be better for you. Maybe even another pup of the same breed would be a better match for you and your family. did a breeder select the puppy for you, or did you pick her yourself?

[Judi W]

Yes, of course all owners were first timers at some point! That is not the issue and I tried carefully to indicate that one must be comfortable in the role. You are the one who said you were scared and I took you at your word. It is one thing to be learning and quite another to be frightened. You need to be fair to yourself, not just the pup and if your personality type is not suited to managing such a willful pup that is going to grow up to be a very large and willful adult, things are going to be unpleasant for all and a constant struggle. Hardly a joyful prospect for any of you.

I have a terrific little book called "The Right Dog for You" that does a quite respectable job of guiding people through process of looking at their own proclivities, activities and lifestyle with the goal of selecting the breed and individual of that breed for a successful match. Not all dogs are alike or the best choices for everyone. There is no fault in that nor is it a character flaw or insult of any kind. It is simply a fact.

[pazzo]

The point being made is this, if you are already unsure of your dog because of it's breed and you are already nervous, then you are already beaten. These are VERY smart and INTUITIVE dogs, they interpret body language like you could NOT imagine. A thought for you, I have a Gsd puppy in my home,female 11-12 wks, she acts just as you described, just like my almost 2 yr old male did, it is not breed specific behaviour, it is puppy behavior. Most people forget (myseld included) how much WORK a puppy is. As your children they will test you everyday in blatent, sometimes subtle ways. I think it wise you have a trainer, please realize rotti's need consistant traing for up to 3 yrs! It can't end after puppy, adolescent classes. good luck with your dog and understand this, it is your choice if you leave these forums, but I promise you, you will never find people anywhere who KNOW more about this breed and care about the BREED more than the people here, the collective knowledge of the people here are invaluable and especially JUDY W, understand they do not have an agenda and are straight forward and honest. Sometimes you have to be thick skinned but they are generally right and know more than most people you will come in contact with. Again, good luck with your puppy.

[Patricia Dianne]

When I first came to this forum (not very long ago) I was a little sensitive and protective of my relationship with my pup .... but I came here to get information from people who know more than I do, had to swallow a little bit of my protectiveness and stay open to what people are saying/trying to tell you ... I think that everyone on this forum is learning to deal more gently with us "first time owners" but we[u] have to also be ready to listen to the advise we are asking them to give to us ... I have never heard anyone here say something that maybe the person was not already thinking or questioning themselves. Please re-read the responses you have been given and honestly apply them to your situation before you decide to not avail yourself of the ongoing help you can get from this forum. I know I had to put on my "learning" hat before I could get the best from this web-site which I now do on a regular basis. Good luck with your pup.