TinaK
Posted : 1/17/2007 4:04:54 PM
I've never seen CM talk about puppy mouthing, but I have a feeling he wouldn't use a "claw" on a pup. I had the same problem with my pup up till he was 8 mo., and I also wondered what would CM do. (What would Jesus do?Sorry.)
Mouthing is quiet a rude behavior. Dogs that do that a lot need to learn patience and sefl control. Contacting a behaviorist would be a good idea, since your dog is quiet old to continue that.
Excessive mouthing, restlessness, irritability can also indicate some health issues-minor or not.
Did you used to drag him in the crate by his collar? What does he do when you touch his collar? What have you tried besides time outs?
Here are some other thoughts I have on that...
Have you ever read S. Clothier's book "Bones would fall from the sky"? She shed a light on one part of dog training that many professionals ignore *completely* - listen to what your dog is trying to tell you. As simple as that. Another lesson I've learned from her, is to not be afraid to try new techniques, tools, etc. on your dog. She says that people often stick to something that just doesn't work. (Why keep on screaming "Ouch" when your pup mouths you if you know it's not working in stopping it?) Actually her point is not new - we all did that as children: if thing A doesn't get you what you want, drop thing A, try B, etc. Studies have shown that children can teach a dog new tricks faster than adults can. Ever wondered why? I think it's because, as S. Clothier mentions, they listen and respond in a very simple, unbiased way... not sure how to describe this, but, my point is: if your dog is mouthing there is a reason for it. Notice the context, who he does it to, when.
Does he simply want to play? Then without pushing him away with your hands, turn your body on her blocking his attempts to bite. If he jumps on you, with your elbow calmly push him away. Redirect his playfulness to one of the toys he could chase or shake. (Redirecting to a chew doesn't work for me when my pup is 'full of beans'.)
If he is mouthing to get attention (when you are on the phone, for example), ignore him. Block him with your body if he is in your face.
Also, my dog mouths when he needs to do no.2. I know it! As soon as he starts mouthing, I acknowledge it: "You have to wait!" in a stern voice. I can tell, his eyes change- "She heard!" 90% of the time it will stop him from mouthing. He told me what he wants, I told him "I hear you. Not now." Redirecting to a chew helps...
My final suggestion is that you should not associate grabbing of his collar with any negative consequence - "Crating". Touching a dominant dog by its neck is quiet symbolic as is. No need to condition your dog to hate you doing that. You never know when a vet will need to touch him there...