Dog Community

pawing, scratching, clawing

Posted : 5/16/2011 1:37:15 PM

I have a five month old Shar-Pei/GSD mix. He is a very intelligent, obedient, good natured puppy. My problem with him is not so much behavorial as instinctual, I'm afraid. I know some breeds are very "handy with their paws". I have had dobermans that would use thier paws almost like a cat. This pup is very much like this. He grabs with his front legs, wrapping them around your arm or leg when playing with you or even when you are just walking. He is not being aggressive, and it is not dominance behavior. He uses them the same way with his toys. He just grabs and holds things with his front legs and paws.

The problem is that I am 68 years old, and my skin is more fragile than when I was younger. He just rips me, especially with his dew claws. I keep them trimmed, but I swear those dew claws are self sharpening! They just slice me. He is always very apologetic when he hurts me, and I know he is not trying to hurt me, but he just uses those feet for everything.

I ordered some "soft claws" to use to protect my skin while I try to train him to be more aware of where his feet are. I am a fairly experienced trainer, having obedience trained my dogs for almost 50 years, also trained horses for almost that long. I have used clicker training with great success, as well. My problem is that he is almost totally unaware of what he is doing. It is so instinctive for him to grab with those paws.

I have taught him not to use his sharp little puppy teeth on me. It didn't take long to teach him not to mouth me when playing, but the feet are a totally different matter.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Sharon in Phoenix, AZ

glenmar

Posted : 5/16/2011 2:04:26 PM

Maybe put a recognizable word to the behavior? Like "hug"? And simply do what you did with the "no bite" behavior, only "no hug" and give him something that he CAN hug, like one of his own toys. That's about all I've got, but welcome to idog.

calliecritturs

Posted : 5/16/2011 2:27:28 PM

Welcome from me as well --

My problem is similar but different. I'm a bit diabled and at times it takes next to nothing to sweep me off my feet.

I have one dog in particular who wants to start out in front of me and then weave back (always at the smallest part of the house/aisle/corner whatever) to get behind me and she nearly trips me every single time.

The only thing I've found that works is to literally have them "sit" until I get where I'm going.and then release them.

Our other really handy command is "4 on the Floor" -- which works for everything from no jumping up to stuff like you're speakng of.

And yeah -- Luna is convinced every time she hears the Beach Boy's "Little Deuce Coupe" play on the stereo ("She's got a competition clutch, she's got four on the floor ...";) it's for HER.

JackieG

Posted : 5/17/2011 9:36:56 AM

sbwertz
My problem is that he is almost totally unaware of what he is doing. It is so instinctive for him to grab with those paws.

I don't agree that he's unaware of what he's doing. I think dogs are pretty much always aware of what they're doing with their bodies. Either way, it's not something I would want to put up with either, as my skin is getting more fragile too. :(

I consider this puppy behavior and would treat it accordingly. Since you're familiar with clicker training and have had success with the puppy biting behavior, I'd use the clicker for this too, along with prevention, as you work on the training. It's all about teaching an alternate behavior while preventing him from grabbing you while he learns. I'd use a toy as a substitute for your arms and legs. Have a toy or if he's not toy oriented, use his favorite treats. As he goes for you, toss the toy or treat away from you. As he moves away from you, click/treat. During walks, I'd have that toy or treat handy at all times and be super vigilant and aware of what he's getting ready to do, so you can be proactive and distract him before he grabs your leg but as he's thinking about it. Always rewarding and praising when he redirects attention from your leg. You know from your years of dog and horse training experience, that every time he's allowed to grab you, you take a step back in the training process. If that means suspending walks while you train him, that's what I'd do. I'd train on this several times a day just like you would sit or any other behavior you wanted to teach.

sbwertz
wrapping them around your arm or leg when playing with you

I would stop the play session immediately if he does this and walk away from him (keeping a lookout with the eyes in the back of your head to avoid a sneak attack, lol) to emphasize that this behavior is not allowed during play. Keep a leash on him so you can physically move him away from you. A long rope tug toy might help as it would keep him farther away from your body.

I'm sorry if this post is all jumbled up and I hope it's not too confusing and offers a few ideas. Welcome to the forum and we'd love to see pic's of your guy. :)

ETA another thought is to put this behavior on cue, using the clicker. Once he's learned the word you associate with the action, don't give him the cue unless you have the grabber toy handy for him to clutch.