Rockshelly
03-08-2006, 09:05 PM
Hi everyone,
My name is Vanessa and I just got a GSD puppy (8 wks when I picked him up) and now he is almost 11 wks old. His name is Trigger and he is so smart! He already knows basic commands like sit, down and off (still working on that one). He lets me know when he needs to go potty by standing at the door and whining and is almost completely house-trained already. I am a first-time dog owner and a lot of people think I'm crazy for getting a GSD as my first dog, but I just love the breed so much! I have read a lot of dog-training material (including most of the Monks of New Skete's books). I do need some advice though...he is VERY mouthy. He totally respects my husband (not in a fearful way---he loves him to death!) and will only lick him. However, with me and the kids...he is very mouthy...not hard, but I just don't want to nip it in the bud now. I feel like I am just as firm with him as my husband, but he doesn't seem to respect me. When he starts to mouth, I grab him by the muzzle and very firmly and deeply say NO BITE!, holding it for a moment and then releasing it. He immediately barks and/or lunges at me (playfully it seems, but still defiantly). Can anyone tell me what I could be doing wrong or what I might try doing differently. I do NOT want him to fear me but I do want his trust/respect. I have been very careful about doing everything I can to establish myself as the "Alpha" or "leader" of our little pack (well, probably under my husband that is :) ), like making him sit for treats, his food, attention, etc. Not allowing him to jump up on the furniture unless invited, etc. So, what am I doing wrong??? He has also started following me around the house and nipping at my ankles and it is extremely frustrating (though it was sorta cute at first). Any advice would be appreciated! :confused:
My name is Vanessa and I just got a GSD puppy (8 wks when I picked him up) and now he is almost 11 wks old. His name is Trigger and he is so smart! He already knows basic commands like sit, down and off (still working on that one). He lets me know when he needs to go potty by standing at the door and whining and is almost completely house-trained already. I am a first-time dog owner and a lot of people think I'm crazy for getting a GSD as my first dog, but I just love the breed so much! I have read a lot of dog-training material (including most of the Monks of New Skete's books). I do need some advice though...he is VERY mouthy. He totally respects my husband (not in a fearful way---he loves him to death!) and will only lick him. However, with me and the kids...he is very mouthy...not hard, but I just don't want to nip it in the bud now. I feel like I am just as firm with him as my husband, but he doesn't seem to respect me. When he starts to mouth, I grab him by the muzzle and very firmly and deeply say NO BITE!, holding it for a moment and then releasing it. He immediately barks and/or lunges at me (playfully it seems, but still defiantly). Can anyone tell me what I could be doing wrong or what I might try doing differently. I do NOT want him to fear me but I do want his trust/respect. I have been very careful about doing everything I can to establish myself as the "Alpha" or "leader" of our little pack (well, probably under my husband that is :) ), like making him sit for treats, his food, attention, etc. Not allowing him to jump up on the furniture unless invited, etc. So, what am I doing wrong??? He has also started following me around the house and nipping at my ankles and it is extremely frustrating (though it was sorta cute at first). Any advice would be appreciated! :confused: