Playing?

[MastiffMillie]

Millie is 13.5 weeks old now. She is incredibly energetic, which I'm hoping will calm down a bit now she can go out (first outing tomorrow). The other day, I was trying to get her in her crate and she was running away from me. It was late, I was tired. I tried grabbing her from behind, not managing to quite get her a couple of times. She turned around and kind of snapped at me. 2 days on now, and nothing else like that until just now. I put a blanket on the couch for her next to me as she will not stop and nap unless it's on me; I have things to do in the evenings so have decided to give in and let her sleep next to me. Anyway, I was in the phone and she was on the blanket, being playful rather than sleepy. She was on her back and snapping like a crocodile, trying to bite anything (not aggressively, just in a puppy way). I was on the phone, tickling her tummy. She then all of a sudden made a strange growling noise (not quite a growl though) and snapped towards my face. I pushed her away, told her off and crated her for a couple of minutes.

Is this a puppy testing her limits, should I be concerned?

 

[Iulicris88]

The only time my pup snapped at me (he was probably around the same age) was when he was eating the other dog's food and I tried to take it away. I usually am a pretty laid back person and I tend to dote on my pups, but snapping at me is not something I would allow. So I shook him a little bit and pushed him away, after giving him a speech on how our relationship is going to work. I have not had any issues with it (knock on wood) ever since, no mater how much I've pissed him off. Now, I'm not saying that my way was the right way, I know there are people who disagree with any form of punishment, but it's what worked for me. I'm sure that there are people who can come up with other solutions.
About the crate situation, if there's a thing I've learn with the stubborn ass of dog I now own is that you have to be consistent with the rules you want to establish (which I'm rubish at), or they will completely ignore them/you.

 

[Yamizuma]

Our girl sounds like an evil dragon if we touch her tummy. That's her no-no place, apparently. Important to figure out how to be the boss most effectively. Snappy snappy is not allowed. Only napping ON you, while seeming sweet, is also kind of controlling. Can't honestly say what will work best. My method of dealing with our girl, and my hubby's method had to be different as what worked for me didn't work for him.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Elana P]

Millie is 13.5 weeks old now. She is incredibly energetic, which I'm hoping will calm down a bit now she can go out (first outing tomorrow). The other day, I was trying to get her in her crate and she was running away from me. It was late, I was tired. I tried grabbing her from behind, not managing to quite get her a couple of times. She turned around and kind of snapped at me. 2 days on now, and nothing else like that until just now. I put a blanket on the couch for her next to me as she will not stop and nap unless it's on me; I have things to do in the evenings so have decided to give in and let her sleep next to me. Anyway, I was in the phone and she was on the blanket, being playful rather than sleepy. She was on her back and snapping like a crocodile, trying to bite anything (not aggressively, just in a puppy way). I was on the phone, tickling her tummy. She then all of a sudden made a strange growling noise (not quite a growl though) and snapped towards my face. I pushed her away, told her off and crated her for a couple of minutes.

Is this a puppy testing her limits, should I be concerned?

 

[Elana P]

Hi Sarah,

Charlie, has never snapped at me. I laid the law down from day one, as to who is who in the relationship.

He will occasionally throw his head around with his mouth open, and mouth a hand, at times with a little nibble, but never in an agressive or angry manner.

If ever there is any pressure whatsoever, our boy gets pinned to the floor without further ado, and gets told in no uncertain terms that his behavior is unacceptable.

If you use the crate as punishment, you will end up having problems with that. Now she runs away, when she's bigger she will simply refuse to go in there, and then what? if you try to force the issue, she will challange you.

My son, and especially my daughter in law, are struggling at this point with mouthing issues from Chuckie. I told them to deal with it from the very begining, but it was: oh he's just a little baby.... Now at 16 weeks and 50 lbs. he's not a little baby anymore, and it's somewhat more difficult.

If I were you, I would get on top of this now, and the sooner the better.
She has to understand, that you are the boss, and that your relationship is not a democracy.

If you want her to go lay down, she has to do it, or she will be made to do it, no if's or maybe's. And no, she doesn't get to sit with you on the couch to pacify her. She only gets to sit on the couch, if you chose to allow it as a very special treat, and when you want her there, and has to get down the minute you say so.

Good luck, and I hope things work out for the best.

Elana

 

[DennasMom]

I'd say the 'snaps' are NOT playing. Those are her communicating that she is NOT happy with what you're doing. I would respect her communication (stop rubbing tummy), and/or approach the problem from another angle (i.e. getting in the crate).

She's only 13.5 weeks, so you need to make sure you are always fair and consistent with the rules.

She's going to throw tantrums on occasion (because she's still a baby)... respond with calm, firm patience. Don't back down, don't give in, let the tantrum run i'ts course and take your time (as much as is available), but make sure you "win" in the end, and she'll learn to respect that you are MORE stubborn than she is.

It does take time, but it's well worth the effort.

 

[tynman]

I know what your talking about with her on her belly and nipping in the air. I would put mine on his back 2 or 3 times a day until he stopped trying to nip and look into his eyes until he looked away. And when they bit (playful or not) I put a stop to it right away. Him putting his mouth on me my wife or kids for any reason was not and will not be tolerated. If I were you I would never let the dog be equal or higher then me in height ever, I sit on the couch he can sit on the floor. Im the boss not him. You have to take control from the beginning cause if you dont she will and then she will be the boss. (nipping at the face is nothing to play with even this young)

Hope it all works out for you.

Oh and with the create if you make it a punishment then she will never want to go in there. You have to make it a fun and happy place and a safe place and the punishment place all in one.
Good luck

 

[Iulicris88]

I know what your talking about with her on her belly and nipping in the air. I would put mine on his back 2 or 3 times a day until he stopped trying to nip and look into his eyes until he looked away. And when they bit (playful or not) I put a stop to it right away. Him putting his mouth on me my wife or kids for any reason was not and will not be tolerated. If I were you I would never let the dog be equal or higher then me in height ever, I sit on the couch he can sit on the floor. Im the boss not him. You have to take control from the beginning cause if you dont she will and then she will be the boss. (nipping at the face is nothing to play with even this young)

Hope it all works out for you.

Oh and with the create if you make it a punishment then she will never want to go in there. You have to make it a fun and happy place and a safe place and the punishment place all in one.
Good luck

Regarding the "I'm the boss, not him", the idea is very relative. During the day, my pup stays at my parent's house. My father has the same mentality as you, I'm the boss, do as I say or else. My mother, on the other hand, is completely different, treats him like a baby and spoils him to no end. Who do you think he listens better too? Well, the answer is my mother. He responds better to commands, is more gentle with her and acts overal better around her. Their relation is based on mutual love and respect, not on fear of the consequences.

 

[Elana P]

Regarding the "I'm the boss, not him", the idea is very relative. During the day, my pup stays at my parent's house. My father has the same mentality as you, I'm the boss, do as I say or else. My mother, on the other hand, is completely different, treats him like a baby and spoils him to no end. Who do you think he listens better too? Well, the answer is my mother. He responds better to commands, is more gentle with her and acts overal better around her. Their relation is based on mutual love and respect, not on fear of the consequences.

 

[Elana P]

One has to learn to balance things out....

It's not the old "carrot or the stick" issue.

You can spoil your dog as much as you want, but when it comes to issues like biting, jumping up, etc. you absolutely have to be firm, and there is no room for nagotiations.

If your pup, is snapping at you at 13 weeks, god help you when this puppy goes into the rebellious teenage stage, and you want him to do something that he doesn't want to do.

 

[Elana P]

I'd say the 'snaps' are NOT playing. Those are her communicating that she is NOT happy with what you're doing. I would respect her communication (stop rubbing tummy), and/or approach the problem from another angle (i.e. getting in the crate).

She's only 13.5 weeks, so you need to make sure you are always fair and consistent with the rules.

She's going to throw tantrums on occasion (because she's still a baby)... respond with calm, firm patience. Don't back down, don't give in, let the tantrum run i'ts course and take your time (as much as is available), but make sure you "win" in the end, and she'll learn to respect that you are MORE stubborn than she is.

It does take time, but it's well worth the effort.

 

[Elana P]

Regarding the belly rubs....

With all due respect, your dog has to get used to you handling him and touching him anywhere and everywhere on his body.

You have to be able to rub his belly, look at his teeth, touch his gums and tongue, handle his paws and run your fingers between his toes. You have to be able to touch and handle his tail, his ears, his eyes, his throat, his legs, his private parts and any other part of him.

If and when your dog (your big dog) goes to the Vet, and the Vet touches it's belly and gets his or her face bitten off, it will not end well for anyone.

 

[Iulicris88]

One has to learn to balance things out....

It's not the old "carrot or the stick" issue.

You can spoil your dog as much as you want, but when it comes to issues like biting, jumping up, etc. you absolutely have to be firm, and there is no room for nagotiations.

If your pup, is snapping at you at 13 weeks, god help you when this puppy goes into the rebellious teenage stage, and you want him to do something that he doesn't want to do.

It might be me, but I've not seen much balance in the post I quoted.
How would you define being firm?
Most pups snap at people around 13 weeks, it's a form of testing the limits, like a toddler stomping his foot. It's not a battle for dominance, so pinning him to the ground is pretty pointless.

 

[Elana P]

It might be me, but I've not seen much balance in the post I quoted.
How would you define being firm?
Most pups snap at people around 13 weeks, it's a form of testing the limits, like a toddler stomping his foot. It's not a battle for dominance, so pinning him to the ground is pretty pointless.

 

[Boxergirl]

Some links I think are worth a read. They're all Patricia McConnell, because she says what I'm not eloquent enough to say and they were all in one place. lol

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/confrontational-techniques-elicit-aggression

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/dominance-mythologies-suzanne-hetts

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/the-concept-formerly-described-as-dominance

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/sites/default/files/Bark 2001 Winter Alpha Schmalpha?.pdf

 

[Elana P]

With all due respect...

With a puppy, you don't have a "battle for dominance", you just lay down the law from the start by not allowing certain behaviors to become habitual. No, I do not allow biting, or snapping, and that is not negotiable.

When you mention "not seeing balance" in my post above, it's because I was referring to puppies snapping and or biting people.

For example, you are playing with puppy.....
Both person and pup are having a wonderful time, puppy chewing on a toy, playing gentle tug of war, rolling around, kicking up in the air, etc.

Puppy gets a little too excited and mouths your hand, teeth grazing skin.
A firm (and I mean firm) "NO!" follows this action.
You go to remove your hand, and puppy snaps at your hand, applying teeth pressure.

At this point, puppy will be pushed to the floor and held there, with you making frowning eye contact, with another firm growly "No!"

If puppy looks away and goes limp, he is immediately released with a "Goood boy....." and a pat, or head scratch, or a tummy rub .

If puppy struggles, kicks, scratches, or continues trying to bite, puppy will be held in that position until he calms down, at which point he is released and offered affection.

I also teach "kisses", when very young puppies attempt mouthing. A kiss on the nose, will very often get a little pink tongue kiss in return, which is praised greatly. Before you know it, when puppy mouth opens to mouth your hand, all you have to do is say "kisses" and instead of a bite, you will get "kisses".

I hope that clarifies the point I was trying to get accross.

 

[Boxergirl]

Regarding the belly rubs....

With all due respect, your dog has to get used to you handling him and touching him anywhere and everywhere on his body.

You have to be able to rub his belly, look at his teeth, touch his gums and tongue, handle his paws and run your fingers between his toes. You have to be able to touch and handle his tail, his ears, his eyes, his throat, his legs, his private parts and any other part of him.

If and when your dog (your big dog) goes to the Vet, and the Vet touches it's belly and gets his or her face bitten off, it will not end well for anyone.

My dogs are allowed to express dislike for things. They are not allowed to snap at me, but that's something that a puppy has to learn. At 13 weeks old this dog is still learning the human rules. I have one dog that does not like to be restrained. It's the only time he growls. I appreciate that growl and never correct it. It's his only way to tell me he's uncomfortable with the situation. If I corrected that growl, I'd end up with a dog that bites without warning. Believe me, vet techs appreciate a dog that growls. I'm not saying that I don't handle my dogs. I do. Constantly. I just appreciate that my dog tells me what he is uncomfortable with and I try to find another way to do what needs to be done.

With all due respect...

With a puppy, you don't have a "battle for dominance", you just lay down the law from the start by not allowing certain behaviors to become habitual. No, I do not allow biting, or snapping, and that is not negotiable.

When you mention "not seeing balance" in my post above, it's because I was referring to puppies snapping and or biting people.

For example, you are playing with puppy.....
Both person and pup are having a wonderful time, puppy chewing on a toy, playing gentle tug of war, rolling around, kicking up in the air, etc.

Puppy gets a little too excited and mouths your hand, teeth grazing skin.
A firm (and I mean firm) "NO!" follows this action.
You go to remove your hand, and puppy snaps at your hand, applying teeth pressure.

At this point, puppy will be pushed to the floor and held there, with you making frowning eye contact, with another firm growly "No!"

If puppy looks away and goes limp, he is immediately released with a "Goood boy....." and a pat, or head scratch, or a tummy rub .

If puppy struggles, kicks, scratches, or continues trying to bite, puppy will be held in that position until he calms down, at which point he is released and offered affection.

I also teach "kisses", when very young puppies attempt mouthing. A kiss on the nose, will very often get a little pink tongue kiss in return, which is praised greatly. Before you know it, when puppy mouth opens to mouth your hand, all you have to do is say "kisses" and instead of a bite, you will get "kisses".

I hope that clarifies the point I was trying to get accross.

I completely disagree with pinning dogs. I think it teaches the pup nothing except that sometimes these humans like to manhandle and scare them. I do agree that we have to decide what is acceptable in our household and what is not. Rules are important and they must be consistent. I do, however, think that there are so many better ways to teach these rules than by pinning/alpha rolling.

 

[Iulicris88]

With all due respect...

With a puppy, you don't have a "battle for dominance", you just lay down the law from the start by not allowing certain behaviors to become habitual. No, I do not allow biting, or snapping, and that is not negotiable.

When you mention "not seeing balance" in my post above, it's because I was referring to puppies snapping and or biting people.

For example, you are playing with puppy.....
Both person and pup are having a wonderful time, puppy chewing on a toy, playing gentle tug of war, rolling around, kicking up in the air, etc.

Puppy gets a little too excited and mouths your hand, teeth grazing skin.
A firm (and I mean firm) "NO!" follows this action.
You go to remove your hand, and puppy snaps at your hand, applying teeth pressure.

At this point, puppy will be pushed to the floor and held there, with you making frowning eye contact, with another firm growly "No!"

If puppy looks away and goes limp, he is immediately released with a "Goood boy....." and a pat, or head scratch, or a tummy rub .

If puppy struggles, kicks, scratches, or continues trying to bite, puppy will be held in that position until he calms down, at which point he is released and offered affection.

I also teach "kisses", when very young puppies attempt mouthing. A kiss on the nose, will very often get a little pink tongue kiss in return, which is praised greatly. Before you know it, when puppy mouth opens to mouth your hand, all you have to do is say "kisses" and instead of a bite, you will get "kisses".

I hope that clarifies the point I was trying to get accross.

With all do respect, when you pin someone down you try to assert your dominance. Plain and clear. The problem is, a young puppy does not try to dominate you, he acts the way he does because he doesn't know any better. I don't think this method is educational, you just scare them into submission. There are other way to corect a pup when he gets into a super exited state.
The post I was referring to not being balanced was the one you quoted, not yours.

 

[Iulicris88]

My dogs are allowed to express dislike for things. They are not allowed to snap at me, but that's something that a puppy has to learn. At 13 weeks old this dog is still learning the human rules. I have one dog that does not like to be restrained. It's the only time he growls. I appreciate that growl and never correct it. It's his only way to tell me he's uncomfortable with the situation. If I corrected that growl, I'd end up with a dog that bites without warning. Believe me, vet techs appreciate a dog that growls. I'm not saying that I don't handle my dogs. I do. Constantly. I just appreciate that my dog tells me what he is uncomfortable with and I try to find another way to do what needs to be done.


I completely disagree with pinning dogs. I think it teaches the pup nothing except that sometimes these humans like to manhandle and scare them. I do agree that we have to decide what is acceptable in our household and what is not. Rules are important and they must be consistent. I do, however, think that there are so many better ways to teach these rules than by pinning/alpha rolling.

I agree with respecting your dogs's boundaries. If I feel incomfortable to be touched in a certain manner, or a certain place, why would I impose this on my pup. Doesn't he deserve the same respect? But, the idea is that, by acting respectful and loving toward your fog, he will allow you, if need be, to touch him in areas he might not feel confortable to, because he trusts you. He will, probably be more likely to snap, if he only did it out of fear. Don't correct your dog because he growled, ask yourself what triggered it and work from there.

 

[Boxergirl]

Yes. Exactly.