5 month old behaviors.... are they normal?

[Puppy Love <3]

Biting is an attention-seeking behaviour. The only thing that will reinforce the NO biting is to teach her that all the fun stops when she mouths. Say "too bad" and walk out of the room, and close the door. Plain and simple. Be consistent with this, and you'll have a puppy who refuses to bite so that you will keep playing with her.

This is what I've done from day one. Waylon turned 5 months last week. He does not bite or even mouth anyone, ever. I'm no trainer but I would definitely hire a professional if Waylon was baring teeth at me or anyone else.

All of the others have given great advice. Good luck.

[tlambertsen]

Thank you everyone!

[Tylerthegiant]

4. She isn't aggressive but she looks aggressive, if I ignore/correct/scold/dominate - she bares her teeth at me. not good. She doesn't really do this with my wife or kids but for them she will roll over onto her back and throw punches with her paws (funny to watch but enraging when experiencing).

I sincerely hope you don't take offense to this, because I know you are simply using advise from a source you trust (your vet), but this dominating, such as holding the puppy down (gently or not) may actually be the cause of the teeth baring at you in the situations you are describing.

Teeth baring is usually a warning, I can't think of many situations where a dog will do this that does not mean, back off, I'm warning you, I'm scared.

Dogs are very sensitive to people getting into their space in an assertive way. All I have to do is lean over Lucas (who is extremely sensitive to body language), shoulders back, strong posture, facing him directly and he stops what he is doing and will sit as if to say, "okay, I submit, whatever your intentions are with that posture, you don't have to act on them."

Now imagine, you are leaning over your puppy, a big, huge person in their minds, forcing her on the ground. Even if not done in anger, even if you feel like it's a hug (dogs don't always like hugs either-contrary to popular belief) in "dog speak", a dog's natural, biological way of interpreting actions, this is an act of aggression. Hate to use the word aggression, because most people get offended that I think they are aggressive towards their dog, but I don't think that because I understand the rational behind it, but the dog does.

In the natural pack, the dominate dog never forces another dog on the ground, the submissive dog offers that gesture and the dominate dog backs off. So PLEASE believe me, and not your vet, you've gotten some very bad advise there and I would stop doing that immediately. And anyone else who reads this and does alpha rolls or neck scruffs, please know I mean this with respect, we are not dogs, we cannot deliver a correction like another dog would and our dogs know it, and all we are doing is appearing confusing as a sometimes loving human who is suddenly showing aggression.

The less correction and more redirection and positive reinforcement the better, in general.

[thisiscyndi]

I sincerely hope you don't take offense to this, because I know you are simply using advise from a source you trust (your vet), but this dominating, such as holding the puppy down (gently or not) may actually be the cause of the teeth baring at you in the situations you are describing.

Teeth baring is usually a warning, I can't think of many situations where a dog will do this that does not mean, back off, I'm warning you, I'm scared.

Dogs are very sensitive to people getting into their space in an assertive way. All I have to do is lean over Lucas (who is extremely sensitive to body language), shoulders back, strong posture, facing him directly and he stops what he is doing and will sit as if to say, "okay, I submit, whatever your intentions are with that posture, you don't have to act on them."

Now imagine, you are leaning over your puppy, a big, huge person in their minds, forcing her on the ground. Even if not done in anger, even if you feel like it's a hug (dogs don't always like hugs either-contrary to popular belief) in "dog speak", a dog's natural, biological way of interpreting actions, this is an act of aggression. Hate to use the word aggression, because most people get offended that I think they are aggressive towards their dog, but I don't think that because I understand the rational behind it, but the dog does.

In the natural pack, the dominate dog never forces another dog on the ground, the submissive dog offers that gesture and the dominate dog backs off. So PLEASE believe me, and not your vet, you've gotten some very bad advise there and I would stop doing that immediately. And anyone else who reads this and does alpha rolls or neck scruffs, please know I mean this with respect, we are not dogs, we cannot deliver a correction like another dog would and our dogs know it, and all we are doing is appearing confusing as a sometimes loving human who is suddenly showing aggression.

The less correction and more redirection and positive reinforcement the better, in general.

Agree 100%. The dominating technique you are using is a very outdated concept. It is very likely contributing to the poor behaviors you are concerned about. This could turn very ugly soon and not end well at all. A dog that is baring it's teeth is very near threshold - it is a warning, and when the warning isnt heeded the next step is a bite. A dog that is punished (this technique is punishment no matter how gently it is done) for growling or baring it's teeth will eventually stop giving the warning and just go straight to the bite. Please rethink this technique carefully.

[fets]

I sincerely hope you don't take offense to this, because I know you are simply using advise from a source you trust (your vet), but this dominating, such as holding the puppy down (gently or not) may actually be the cause of the teeth baring at you in the situations you are describing.

Teeth baring is usually a warning, I can't think of many situations where a dog will do this that does not mean, back off, I'm warning you, I'm scared.

Dogs are very sensitive to people getting into their space in an assertive way. All I have to do is lean over Lucas (who is extremely sensitive to body language), shoulders back, strong posture, facing him directly and he stops what he is doing and will sit as if to say, "okay, I submit, whatever your intentions are with that posture, you don't have to act on them."

Now imagine, you are leaning over your puppy, a big, huge person in their minds, forcing her on the ground. Even if not done in anger, even if you feel like it's a hug (dogs don't always like hugs either-contrary to popular belief) in "dog speak", a dog's natural, biological way of interpreting actions, this is an act of aggression. Hate to use the word aggression, because most people get offended that I think they are aggressive towards their dog, but I don't think that because I understand the rational behind it, but the dog does.

In the natural pack, the dominate dog never forces another dog on the ground, the submissive dog offers that gesture and the dominate dog backs off. So PLEASE believe me, and not your vet, you've gotten some very bad advise there and I would stop doing that immediately. And anyone else who reads this and does alpha rolls or neck scruffs, please know I mean this with respect, we are not dogs, we cannot deliver a correction like another dog would and our dogs know it, and all we are doing is appearing confusing as a sometimes loving human who is suddenly showing aggression.

The less correction and more redirection and positive reinforcement the better, in general.

I agree to this as well. Also please do not attempt to train your dog not to snarl, show her teeth, etc.. Those are warning signs that YOU WANT. They are saying that they do not like what is going on and are giving you a warning before a possible bite (not a play bite, a real bite). You definitely do not want to train your dog not to give warning signs before a bite.

Another example of how dominance training does not work. My dad will growl (and snarl) at Macho. He is a 60+ yo grown man! We were not allowed to have dogs growing up, and his behaviors towards Macho are reflective of that. He is much more aggressive with his commands, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Instead of listening, Macho gets defensive and barks. It then just keeps spiraling. I continue to tell my dad not to do this, that he is influencing the behavior, and that it is not a behavior I want brought out. Then I demonstrate and explain the right way to handle the situation. He does not listen. Geeez! How do you train your father? Hard headed marine! (P.S. This is extremely frustrating and I do not know what to do besides continue to remind my father and hope it eventually sticks.) However, my point in sharing that (totally embarrassing) story is to demonstrate how bad dominant people behavior can negatively influence your dog's behavior.



With play biting, I found yelping, turning my back on Macho, and then looking back at him with a sad face helped the most. They don't want to hurt us. Let her know that what she is doing is not fun. Also, play must absolutely cease if the biting resumes. Whatever you chose to do, be consistent. Consistency is key!

One thing I have noticed, if I have a friend that will allow play-biting with Macho, he will always want to play-bite with them. I have to be very firm and explain to my friends that when they meet Macho for the first time they are not to play-bite and explain why. Then I reinforce it to them. A lot of people play-bite with their dogs or other dogs. It influences the behavior and it is not acceptable.

Oh and you asked about the counter! Macho did that too. I mean, hello! They just got big enough to put their paws up and access the zone where you prepare all the delicious food! Totally gotta get up on that! It took us a few months to get this behavior kicked, but reinforce and reinforce. Always give a firm NO. There are some tricks you can try: tin foil (makes noise upon doggy impact) or an empty soda can full of coins (shake it when they get up). However, I still found the verbal commands to be the most effective. If you see or hear it, say something.

Hope that helps some. I think you are doing a lot of things right, just keep at it! You may like clicker training as well. Also, check out Turid Rugaas' books. I love her!

[efraney]

Since we are on the subject of 5 month old behavior - what about jumping on you? When I come home from work and let her out of her cage she is super excited and likes to jump on me. I have turned my back and walk away but she jumps on my back. This can happen outside after she goes potty or before we get out of the house. I would love any suggestions.
thank you!!

[tlambertsen]

Again everyone - Thank you for the help! I've learned a lot and it sounds like i'm not the only one! I have to say the best suggestion that made an immediate impact is to stop holding her down but instead, sing a calm song. She immediately stops and sit's to listen! So cute! I have to say I'm no Michael Buble but it's working!