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Our pup, Lady is just nine weeks old. She's a Cocker Spaniel merle. She is very sweet, but loves to bite. Everything. We got her potty trained in about ten days, so I'm working on other behaviors with her. My attitude is: She's an animal. If trained properly, given love and feels secure with her pack, she will probably never misbehave to a great extent. But.... she's an animal. Just like our cats, who occasionally injure us if they are extremely startled or afraid.
Dennis' point about the nature and temperament of various breeds is well taken. Even so, Lady is an animal. We will make allowances for that, but if she should at some point become injuriously aggressive, we would not want her hurting anybody. That said, there are many dangerous animals out there of the species homo sapiens sapiens who are less human than Lady will likely grow up to be. IMO, the same standards should apply.
When she tries to bite on you, make an “anck” sound and point at her.
There’s a blue heeler at work that likes to nip your heels (duh) but if you turn and point at him, he stops.
Y’all remember the vid of the little girl who went to the mailbox and a yote came after her? Well EVERY-TIME she looked at the yote it would run off. When she turned her back it would come back to stalk mode.
That’s apples and oranges, but it might work on your pup. Whatever “noise” you make with the point, just make it consistent. My dog knows certain commands and when you deviate she has noooo idea what the heck you want. One guy I know uses a point and “shoop” type of noise that works. And it’s not as loud as my “anck” noise. It’s probably more acceptable if you’re dealing with a high strung dog.
I don’t often yell at my dog - only if danger - and you can tell a big difference when you use the commands she’s learned in a matter of fact manner and when you yell whatever to her. I just have to say her name to grab attention, say my command and 9/10 she does whatever you ask. But you just have to make sure to get their attention first. In fact, in dog training we worked on “look at me” and used treats to reinforce. Now. That said, I have not done much of that with this particular pup. She’s a good listener. If she obeys me, I always tell her good girl. I usually get an immediate response every time.
Meanwhile, as much as I hate it, I would put down the pits that are in the shelters. Ours is full of them also. Perhaps it would cut down on some of the lunatic fringe of the breed. But alas, there is always some ass breeding more. Makes me so sad for these dogs.
