My little Titan is now 5 1/2 months old. He used to bite a lot as a younger pup, but now his full size teeth are coming out. It's no joke anymore. I think the root of the problem is that he doesn't respect me anymore. He doesn't see me as a pack leader, He's always tried to take that role from me. I thought I was doing a good job, but I guess I wasn't. By the time he was 8 weeks I had him taught how to sit, paw, come, stay, down, jump, and bark on command, etc., but now he only does it when I have a treat in my hand. If I give him any command he doesn't want to do he'll bark at me almost as saying "I'm not going to do it, try and make me." I've tried to tell him "no" with a strong tone, I've tried putting deodorant on my hands to see if he dislikes the taste, I've tried biting him, growling at him, I've tried leaving him alone when he starts that, crating him when he refuses to obey, etc. I'm out of suggestions. I play with him a lot and I think he doesn't see me as a master, but as a play partner. I'm out of ideas and I can't take it anymore. I can hardly pet him because he immediately tries to bite and play. I even tried sticking my finger under his tongue and making it uncomfortable. Please help! I need ideas.
Biting is Out of Control
- Thread starter goldeniz
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Christian C.
Boxer Booster
I would schedule a session with a private trainer ASAP, as it sounds like you're at your wit's end. It's no joke if your dog does not see you in the alpha position. I don't know where you're located, but you can call your local PetSmart or PetCo for a list of trainers. Please do this soon as you don't want things to deteriorate further, and it sounds like you could use some outside assistance getting things back on track.
One thing my trainer always stresses is that as soon as boxer teeth hit human skin, the play session is over. If he is just biting to be a pain (literally) stand up and ignore him for a few minutes. Turn your back if you have to. Ignoring a misbehaving animal is one way that dogs show each other their behaviour is unacceptable.
Good luck and please let us know how it goes.
One thing my trainer always stresses is that as soon as boxer teeth hit human skin, the play session is over. If he is just biting to be a pain (literally) stand up and ignore him for a few minutes. Turn your back if you have to. Ignoring a misbehaving animal is one way that dogs show each other their behaviour is unacceptable.
Good luck and please let us know how it goes.
You poor thing! Can you come and teach my 9 week old all those commands?? Just playing. Can't help you on the biting thing. Sounds like you've had it up past your head through. He just being stubborn it sounds like. Seeing how far he can push you. Just one of those many lovely stages of a boxer pup! Good Luck!
Tulsa-Dan
Your Friendly Moderator
PLEASE go and buy a copy of "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson available at most major bookstores. This will help you get through this stage of the pup's life and keep your sanity as well.
You can also avail yourself to the search function and do a search on the keyword "biting" here at Boxerworld (gray button above) and you'll find literally hundreds of threads on this subject and as many suggestion on how to get through it.
Good luck.
You can also avail yourself to the search function and do a search on the keyword "biting" here at Boxerworld (gray button above) and you'll find literally hundreds of threads on this subject and as many suggestion on how to get through it.
Good luck.
T
Tina-SCBR-NY
Guest
I suggest you go out and buy a bottle of Bitter Apples. It is a spray that you spray in his mouth when he bites at you. They hate the taste and it works. You would need to hang it by the handle on your pants pocket so you always have it with you. AS SOON AS HE STARTS...squirt him in the mouth. You however MUST be consistant with this. This play biting when they are young should be stopped right away. it is cute when they are young but this is what you end up with. They must learn all the rules and be stuck to.
Obedience traing in a group setting is a definate help also. Your trainer could give you more tips.
Good Luck
Obedience traing in a group setting is a definate help also. Your trainer could give you more tips.
Good Luck
Something I've done with my babies when they do something I don't like (like barking at me when I tell him to do something) is to grab his cheeks and give a very firm NO! It calms them right down and they start listening and behaving. It's almost like mom just got serious. I don't know if this would work on all dogs but it works great on my 2.
Peggy G
Boxer Insane
Have you tried "the can"? Scarlet used to like to show us who she thought was boss (biting us, jumping at us, barking at us) when she was younger. We had tried everything to stop the behavior. I was actually at a point were I was scared and questioned her temperment.
Then I got an empty coke can put about 8 pennies in it, taped it closed and the next time she went into one of her dominate modes I said, "do you want the can?" then shook it. She ran like hell and was an angel for the rest of the night. The next time she acted like that, I once again asked, "do you want the can?" and shook it. Again, she bolted and settled down. The third time, I said, "do you want the can?" and guess what? I didnt even need to shake it. She settled down immediatly. It was like a miracle.
Once in a while we still have to ask her if she wants the can and the answer is always no.
Then I got an empty coke can put about 8 pennies in it, taped it closed and the next time she went into one of her dominate modes I said, "do you want the can?" then shook it. She ran like hell and was an angel for the rest of the night. The next time she acted like that, I once again asked, "do you want the can?" and shook it. Again, she bolted and settled down. The third time, I said, "do you want the can?" and guess what? I didnt even need to shake it. She settled down immediatly. It was like a miracle.
Once in a while we still have to ask her if she wants the can and the answer is always no.
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