need advice

[Chrisanne]

Linda...... some breeders say a good pup won't squeal if you pick it up by the scruff of the neck...... i don't do that though. I stick to holding them upside down

also try holding them just behind their front legs kinda dangling.....

[sonic9103]

Does it hurt them if you hold them by the back of there neck?

[Mallory]

In reply to your question Sonic, no it doesn't hurt them. If you do it right.

They're mothers pick them up and carry them from place to place by grasping their scruff, or the back of their neck.

But if you become abusive it can hurt I'm sure.

[sonic9103]

Thanks for the info. Its much appericated

[axl]

One thing I learned while attending a retired racers seminar is to "juice" a mouthy dog - you can carry a small sports bopttle with a water diluted content of grapefruit juice.

Dogs hate acidic tyastes and a shot in the mouth teaches them quickly.

It has definantly worked when I try it.

[Linda Lee]

Such great replies!
Jmb- your dog sounds just like Ebby, always tries to get the last word or last "bite at".But like you say about your dog too, Ebby can just cuddle up and be so sweet, her owner was telling me that too.

I'm going to remember to do those checks when I get my pup, I don't think I'll pick up by the scruff into the air though- ether.

The squirt bottle juice sounds like a great idea- but I think it would be an outside training device. Alot of my problem with Ebby is when we're inside the ladies house. I don't think she would appreciate me squirting juice around,lol.

[Linda Lee]

Looks like I won't be getting a pup.
Tooo many problems here with our teenage son.
Plus Beau has been limping real bad again on operated leg so I have to have a talk with orthopedic doctor again.

[Mallory]

Linda I'm sorry to hear this! I was so excited for you and waiting to see your post that you got a puppy!

Well, I hope everything works out with your son and you and I'm sorry to hear about Beau, I hope he'll be okay!

*hug*
-Mallory

[Becki]

Oh Linda, I'm sorry to hear that, I know how much you were looking forward to the puppy I hope everything gets figured out with your son and Beau soon

[BrendaLynn]

Oh Linda I am so sorry that this is so difficult! I agree that Jade's method with spraying bitter apple on your hands and ankles before you have contact will really alleviate a lot of this behavior without having to physically reprimand her. This worked great with my sister's golden puppy that she got in May. He doesn't mouth anything anymore.

I also think that establishing alpha role will help. I did this with my puppy's and they accept it from me. I don't know if it works with other people's dogs or not though so I'd really concider the spray.

[Linda Lee]

I still may be getting a puppy, maybe later. Why should my life get ruined because my son has to be such a pain in the ***

I tried the squeeze bottom jaw thing as soon as Ebony started her biting on me. Then she thought twice before doing it again! I saw her actually stop and look and then decide she better bite something else instead.
I also grabbed her by the scruff and looked in her eyes(said NO) when she was being bad- as soon as I let go she snapped at my hand that held her neck! Than I grabbed her scruff and tried again. After that she was OK. I noticed she didn't give me much trouble the rest of time I was there. I purposely left my shoes by door and as soon as she went over to play with them I yelled out NO! - and much to my surprise she actually walked away and left them alone- I called her over and gave her lots of praise and we had a good time. I really felt success right away from doing those 2 ideas you gave me here. So thank you very much!
I think I desperatly needed to let her know I was boss- she is extremly dominent and I'm sure she'll try her aggressive behavior with me again. I told her owner about scruffing her neck, and I just mentioned the shoe thing because I just feel the house dosen't need to be puppy proofed, she needs to be trained and to obey commands. I sort of hinted that to the owner. Another thing Ebby will do is growl and bark at you when you try and dicipline her. What a handful!
When my dog Beau was a puppy he was so sensitive(still is really). I had to be so delecate telling him something was not allowed or he would just feel so bad. Like I said before I only had to tell him once in a soft voice.
Now I can see how some dogs end up in shelters, because you know a lot of people don't try and educate themselves on how to train a dog, sometimes it takes a lot of work and patience. Not everything works on all dogs, like the old OWWWW it hurts- Ebony just thinks that's great and bites again!
I think shes about 4 months old or almost 4 months now(have to check)- if she was younger I would do the bitter apple, infact I have some. But I think I needed to send a more clear message to this dog.

[Mallory]

Glad to hear things worked! Don't be discouraged when she forgets what happened last time she layed teeth on your shoes though, and she goes at them. Our OB trainer said that you gotta practically re-train it all again the next day and the next until it becomes branded into their thinking. ... Buuut, you already knew that with two dogs. ;c)

-Mal

[Chrisanne]

That is great Linda..... a definate step in the right direction.

And I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you getting that puppy.