Play biting

 Steph, I saw that you are in Maryland.  I am also.  I am in Southern Maryland.  What part of Maryland are you in?

tkb1127

What is NILIF? 

It stands for Nothing In Life is Free.  It just means, the dog doesn;t get anything he/she wants for nothing.  Has to do something for YOU first.  It's a bit like you working for your paycheck or a child learning to say "please".  It just helps to build a really good relationship with your dog.

tkb1127

Sophie will not wear a jacket.  I have bought her all manner of jackets and sweaters, but she acts like they are driving her crazy. 

I would perservere, but I would start off just showing one to her, then giving her a special treat.  Or put it in plain sight while you are playing your fun games indoors and put it out of sight when the game is over.  Just to make her think it is a WONDERFUL object that causes great things to happen!  You can progress to holding it against her for a moment, rubbing it against her back and sides so she gets used ot the feel of it, lots of praise and tidbits for her co-operation.  Build up slowly to actually putting it on her for short periods during playtime or walks in pleasant weather so that by the time the really cold weather comes, you are prepared and there is no battle!

I'm in Hagerstown....maybe 10-15 minutes from the PA line

tkb1127

 Hi DPU,

You just say "cut it out" and he stops?  Maybe I am not being forceful enough, because I say "stop it Sophie" and she doesn't.  And I hide under the covers, just to get away from her and she keeps trying to scratch at the covers trying to get to me like it is a game!  Then I grab her and hold her real tight so she can't get away, and I say, "stop biting me Soph" and as soon as I let her go, she starts right back up.  

I am going to try yelping like a puppy and telling her "No!" in a serious voice.

Tammy 

Your current behavior is interpreted by your dog as "playing back."  Saying "No" or "Stop biting" is not understood as "end of playtime" which is what is necessary to teach Sophie.  When she bites, yelp and walk away, turning your back on her.  Dogs like to play and don't like for play to end so she'll get the message. 

Xerxes is absolutely right.

This dog is over a year old, and she's STILL out of control? I'd definitely sign her up for a basic obedience class. You need to learn how to train her, and obviously whatever you're doing right now isn't working, so it's time for some help. A beginning group class shouldn't be very expensive, and you should be able to find one with evening or weekend times available. There's no reason you can't get her under control if you are willing to take the time to learn how. Getting advice on the internet and reading books is fine, I've gotten plenty of good info that way, but it's no substitute for the eye of a good trainer. Dog training isn't rocket science, but it's also not necessarily intuitive either, so do yourself and Sophie a favor and take a class! If you have the time and money to go to the gym, you have the time and money to train your dog.

 I wanted to add a couple of things...

First:  Sophie is a cutie!

Second:  Maltese are smart, smart, smart dogs.  (Both dogs from Malta are!)  You need to teach her to perform behaviors on cue...her zest for learning is only as large or small as your zest for teaching.