Children & possesive GSD

[gsdmags]

Originally Posted by Sassysmum

I feel a puppy being "allowed" to mouth is a very important part of a dog learning bite inhibition and how much pressure they can actually put on to human skin before it hurts. If a puppy is not allowed to mouth at all then inhibition is never learned by that said puppy and in adolescents and adulthood that dog could "play" mouth and it automatically be too hard. Dogs teach puppies this so I do not see why humans wouldn't!

I allow pups to investigate hands with their mouths but make it known if the amount of pressure they put on is too much, if during play with a toy contact is made on the skin with the pups/dogs teeth then the play ends.

If people choose to rough and tumble with their pups and allow play and mouthing to become over the top then they shouldn't be shocked when this type of play is shown when they are older and bigger.

Also, if when a pup is growing up ALL members of the household are involved with feeding, appropriate play, training, grooming and general care of the pup/dog then the dog will not see one or two members of the family as a major resource (supplier of all valuable things in life) so will not feel like it needs to protect or keep certain members to itself.

Emma,
Good post, and do agree with yourself and Linda.