GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY NIPPING

Question
QUESTION: I have tried doing the bottom lip over the teeth to stop him nipping, to no avail, have you any other technics I can try please.

ANSWER: Nipping is not acceptable under any circumstances and can be a problem.  One of my german shepherd pups drove me crazy with it until I realized I was allowing it to happen.

Your dog needs to know this is not OK.  You don't state how old your dog is.  A young pup has razer sharp teeth and will do this because they are accustomed to biting each other in play and/or correction but they must learn that this is not acceptable with humans.

This might sound silly but every time your dog nips, scream loud.  It gets the dogs attention and tells him that human skin is sensitive and delicate and teeth should not touch human skin. It mimics the sharp sound they make when they get hurt.

I use some verbal commands with my dogs to let them know what they are doing is inappropriate.  When my pups nip I use a fast authoritative Shhh to get their attention along with placing my hand over their nose for a few moments to let them know this is not appropriate behavior.

I also use Ah Ah Ah as a No word and when they hear this they stop what they are doing and do something else.

I found that my dog liked to chew me rather than her toys, so I purchased some Bull penises an the Dog Store.  They are available everywhere. They are great for german shepherds and my dogs love to chew them.  They are clean, natural, last a long time and are inexpensive. Perfect for those German Shepherd Teeth. I never let myself run out of them.  I found that by redirecting the dog's attention by giving this to the dog when she tried to chew me and doing the above she stopped the nipping.  

Always praise your dog when doing what you want.

I am happy to report that my home is now nip free.

Consistency is the Key!

To learn more about dog behavior and becoming a pack leader I strongly recommend that you educate your self about dogs, why they do what they do and how to relate to them.  It is important for a balanced relationship.

If not checked now your dog could become aggressive and bite someone.  This can be helped by socializing your dog around other people and animals, loud noises, busy streets, machinery.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Pudz is 8 weeks, thank you so much for your info, I have had a GSH before but never had the nipping trouble, I have tried to use the web link you sent, but unfortunately its coming up error, have you any other web sites that would be good to try.  Regards

Answer
For access to my site or my bookstore where you will find books, dvds, vhs to assist you with understanding your dog, dog training and more, you my use the following link.  http://www.gallantshepherds.com  for my bookstore its http://www.gallantshepherds.com/bookstore.htm

Glad to be of assistance.  Good luck with your pup and thank you for being such a caring dog owner.