The Dog Chick
Posted : 7/6/2010 12:06:17 AM
Hi, just happened to pop on and saw your posting. I am a NYS Certified Dog Behaviorist & Trainer. At 9 weeks old he is still very much a puppy. Puppies play with litter mates using their mouths - obviously. He is basically just continuing this form of play with you, however unacceptable it is to us as humans. Please know one thing, positive training does not mean without reprimand or letting the puppy/dog know that his behavior is unacceptable. You cannot reward an unwanted behavior but this does not mean to ever, ever yell, scream or hit the puppy. They can receive a negative reinforcement for a negative behavior. Your puppy may be displaying signs of dominance where he is saying "you are not the pack leader, I am." Unacceptable. You need to teach the puppy the come command to redirect his "snappiness" when it's time him to go into the house. This is to be done in a very happy, jovial way in order to motivate him to want to come in the house. It is a safety command as well. Start by calling him "luger come!!" in a very happy excited tone. The second he gets to you praise him, praise him, saying "good come, Luger" and give him a wonderful treat. If he is having problems finding his way to you, do this on leash so you can guide him to you. Once he reaches you again give him a big praise and a treat. Once he is on his way to understanding this, when he reaches you and you've done the praise thing, place him in a sit and of course praise the sit but not as excitedly as this may cause him to get up. This stops them from coming to you and then running away.
As far as the snapping near your face, try doing this silly thing that sometimes works, make an "OUCH" sound and turn your attention away from him. Please realize that changing a behavior takes some time so please take your time and be patient. Don't be afraid to use a firm "No biting" not a yell, just a firm tone and remove him from the couch. when he is calm you can praise him and put him back on the couch. You will have to repeat this process over and over.
And the last piece of advice is you can teach him to "do nice" or "easy" where they are still using their mouths but in a gentle way. Start by using a treat or piece of food. Say "do nice" or whatever word you like to state the request. If he takes it gently, of course praise this behavior. If he jumps at it or grabs it, slowly take the treat away and say "do nice" again. He will shortly understand your request. I just did this process today with a puppy I am training and it worked within a few minutes. You can also use this "do nice" when he is near your face.
I hope you will try these methods, I have had much success.
Good luck to you and Luger!