Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > German Shepherds > Puppy biting of humans

Puppy biting of humans

19 17:37:13

Question
We have a GS puppy that keeps wanting to bite.  We have young children and she keeps going after there ankles and just bit by two year old in the neck.  Help!  We love her, but how do you break this habit now.

Answer
How old is she? Get her moving! Walk her twice daily, always at heel, and briskly. NOT far because she is a baby but a fifteen or twenty minute walk. If she's old enough get her involved in obedience classes NOW. Make sure she has plenty of toys to occupy  her., play fetch with her until she's tired, often. Get her toys with treats inside, and hang toys for her in the backyard. A tether ball and pole is a wonderful toy that will keep her moving,. toys hanging from low hanging bendable limbs are also great. Soccer balls etc. Leash her and work with her at sit while the kids are running all around. if she LOOKS in an intent way at them correct her with a sharp sideways tug on the lead. Do not allow her to ever sleep or sit higher than the children. NO allowing her on furniture or beds. Have the children walk her as well and work with her on sit as often as they can, age appropriately of course. GSD's are working dogs with a prey instinct that must be focused and dealt with or they will find things to focus on themselves. Puppy classes are a must. Type alpha boot camp into your webbowser and do what it tells you to do to construct pack order in your home. Remember not to over do exercise, nothing strenuous on bones and joints until they are eighteen months or so. Do not leave her un attended with your children and restrain her from chasing them. Don't get all excited and yell at her, she will not understand that. Keep her calm, and sitting when they are running around. If you HAVE to crate her while they are being loud and playing as children will. Do understand she is not trying to be mean, only following her instincts because she hasn't been taught what is appropriate and what is not. Have her sit before feeding, grooming or petting her at ALL times. Do NOT allow the children to roughhouse with her and do NOT allow her to ever put her teeth on anyone even in play. If she does so respond with a VERY high pitched squeal and an OUCH and NO. Immediately turn your back on her until she sits and behaves.
She sounds like a very intelligent pup, train her and work with her she will be a joy
Cindi