Biting...again!!

Chrystie22 · #1 18-01-11, 10:29 AM

Hi All, I have posted before about Diva's biting and had some good advice from some of you, but I felt I had to post once again as after a respite period, Diva is back on the biting game

!!! She is ok most of the time but she sometimes lashes out, mostly at me

, and it is no fun! Let me explain: we went for a walk in the park with her on sunday and she was fine, trotting along, good recall,..when suddenly she came to me and grabbed my arm, growling and wouldnt let go, my partner had to take her off me. She was not applying any pressure and the growling was not in any way aggressive but to an outsider it may have looked as if she was actually 'attacking' me. She does it as well after I have finished feeding her, we have a set routine for feeding - she has to lie down and wait while I prepare her food, then go through a bit of training..which she responds to very well, she is even eager to do it - but as soon as the feeding routine is over, she wont play with any of her toys, she just grabs me, as if to say ''dont ignore me, play with me NOW!'. I have tried the 'ignore' technique, the firm 'NO' and turning your back, etc..but se just ignores me, it seems to make her even more exicted and get into a biting frenzy!! When my partner's around, he just take her off me and goes off with her for a while until she has calmed down but when I am alone with her, I must admit I am stuck for ideas and a bit confused sometimes, and frustration can set in, which is soemthing I want to avoid!!
Is she testing me or trying to send me a message? Some people would say she is trying to dominate me but I do not really adhere to that school of thoughts..
Desperate for any new advice, other than the usual techniques I have mentionned above please!!!!

Caryll · #2 18-01-11, 10:33 AM

She's certainly testing you.

Next time she does it (if you're in the house, of course) try taking her into another room & leaving her there for a couple of minutes to calm down. Obviously tell her "No!" or "Leave!", but say nothing else, just shut her in the other room. That way she's getting no response to her grabbing you, and it hopefully won't be as much fun!

Chrystie22 · #3 18-01-11, 10:36 AM

Thanks Caryll..any advice for the outdoors?

Stuart · #4 18-01-11, 10:41 AM

I think she is also testing you, I think the reason is because she want attention,.. namely play I would think. I think Carl is right, by putting her into a seperate room, you are doing what your o/h is doing by removing her from you.

I take it that she loves to go for her walk,..so the only think I can suggest if it happens when you are out, is turn around and head home,..she cant be removed from you if you are alone,
....but to be honest this is a guess,..something I would try if it was me,..wether it would work I really dont know

Caryll · #5 18-01-11, 03:03 PM

Yes, I'd say that was well worth a try.

gsdlover4ever · #6 18-01-11, 04:38 PM

What age is she now?

#7 18-01-11, 05:02 PM

Try a firm NO! and turn 180 from her with your arms folded - no eye contact. I do this if one of mine 'play up'. Dog stops behaviour and wonders why I'm acting like that. I'll stay like a statue for a couple of mins, until it's close or sits down near me. Then I say 'Ok let's go' and carry on with the walk at which point they're happy dogs again.

Is this arm grabbing when she's off-lead? If so, put her straight back on lead. Freedom ends I'm afraid. Worth a try...

Chrystie22 · #8 19-01-11, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsdlover4ever

What age is she now?

She's just turned 23 weeks.

Chrystie22 · #9 19-01-11, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anni

Try a firm NO! and turn 180 from her with your arms folded - no eye contact. I do this if one of mine 'play up'. Dog stops behaviour and wonders why I'm acting like that. I'll stay like a statue for a couple of mins, until it's close or sits down near me. Then I say 'Ok let's go' and carry on with the walk at which point they're happy dogs again.

Is this arm grabbing when she's off-lead? If so, put her straight back on lead. Freedom ends I'm afraid. Worth a try...

Anni - Ive tried the saying NO and turning my back to her but she just goes for my bum

or legs and it hurts! I can stand it for a few seconds but no more and have to move at some point so Im afraid the 'stay like a statue' is a big no-no..
Yes, the arm grabbing is usually when she's off leash but if I try getting hold of her to put her back on leash, well she thinks Im playing with her and starts running around me, gets very excited and bites me even more so that doesnt really work either. I must say Im most confused and at a loss at what could work with Diva!!

#10 19-01-11, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrystie22

Anni - Ive tried the saying NO and turning my back to her but she just goes for my bum

or legs and it hurts! I can stand it for a few seconds but no more and have to move at some point so Im afraid the 'stay like a statue' is a big no-no..
Yes, the arm grabbing is usually when she's off leash but if I try getting hold of her to put her back on leash, well she thinks Im playing with her and starts running around me, gets very excited and bites me even more so that doesnt really work either. I must say Im most confused and at a loss at what could work with Diva!!

Lol @ bum biting, sorry! I didn't realise she was so young. I'd work on commands then. Make her sit or lie down, revist these in a less stimulating environment so she'll do them 100%. When she does it, a quick fuss of good girl then release her and off you go again. I wouldn't give treat or toy or she might behaviour-link as she's a working lines madam!