| Q6: My GSP puppy won't stop biting at us--he thinks we're his chew toys! HELP! At first it was cute, but now it really hurts. . . A: Try this: Encircle his muzzle with your forefinger and thumb and give the "no bite" command. If the behavior continues beyond a few repetitions, next time use your thumb to press one of his canine teeth against his lip at the same time you give the command. He is probably either envisioning you as another litter mate to assert his dominance over, or perhaps you are not making your dominance and mastery of his "pack" plain and clear enough. Handle him over the top of his head, rather than under the chin, and DO NOT allow him on the furniture or beds. Use a lot of sit/stays and down/stays until you give the release command--we use "ok". Do not allow him to go through doorways or gates before you. Make him work for every treat and reward, even petting. Make him maintain eye contact with you (try using a treat to get his attention first) until you release him (start with short periods of time--just a few seconds, and work up to longer periods). This is an annoying problem, caused by your pup not receiving the proper bite inhibition at the correct age. However, it can be resolved, if you are more committed and disciplined than your pup is. CLOSE THIS WINDOW TO RETURN TO THE FAQ's PAGE. |