dogslife
Posted : 5/7/2007 6:38:46 AM
You two are miscommunicating... she's probably not plotting a coup
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As Ron said:
"Huskies are mouthy and they do play hard. Just the same, this needs to be trained out away, even in play. Even though it hurts, yelp like a pup, then turn away. When the pup obeys, reward that. Learn to read the move that initiates the bite and re-direct from that action to an incompatible behavior such as sit or down and reward that. And certainly contact a trainer or training course. "
This is ever so true. When I have had a single husky, that mouthing energy was directed at my husband. When huskies are wanting to play, they are direct. They are incredibly vocal and have a sense of humor unlike other dogs.
My older guy when he was a pup used to get wild and I would pick him up cause I wouldn't ever yell at him. He would calm right away. As he became bigger he stopped. I would not allow him to bite me. My husband on the other hand, used to play by allowing husky to bite his socks. That dog would take that green light to beyond fun for husband. Husband got all angered and get up to chase and then everyone starts to laugh cause the dog is just loving the match here. So, it all feeds into that behavior, and you need to stop it/without feeding into it.
You say your dog "pinches you". That is something this dog did as well. And he knew just where the sensitive places were to get you!
Huskies love to play, but you have to work with him to teach him the way to do this with humans. Challenging a husky doesn't work. He loves the challenge. If you growl as in play at him, he will see this as another opportunity, and you won't enjoy the results.
The two I have now, Siberians, are constantly mouthing each other. They are tender about it . But as puppies it would get out of hand and I would distract them to other behaviors. The female in particular could be brutal. Occasional bloody cheeks...Teething, adolescence all plays into it. And they are learning by playing (as children do). We do not allow biting of clothing or skin.
My dogs are now just over a year, and they gently may hold my hand, but are very careful to not bite. They love to wrestle together. That is one of the beautiful things of having not just one husky. They are incredibly entertaining.
Keep talking about your husky and her growth and development with others that have huskies. They are different in training and definitely do positive not punitive training. Don't want to ruin your girl. Do you know anyone near you with Siberians? It is helpful to see others with them and learn better communication with your girl.
Huskies are seriously some of the sweetest dogs. I love them!