7 month old GSDs

Question
My german shepherd puppy is 7 months old. He is currently in an obedience class and not doing well there because he just wants to play and he ignores all commands. My biggest concern is his constant biting or nipping with my husband and me. I have probably made too many mistakes by popping him on the nose or mouth with a rolled up newspaper or magazine. I could say "no" till I was blue in the face and he won't stop!!! He hurts when he play bites!!I also have taken to yelling at him which I know does absolutely no good at all. Please help ! Give me some pointers on what to do to "nip" this problem!
Thanks
Robin Murray

Answer
Hi Robin,  You need to have private obedience classes with him.  Most group classes don't work for dogs because they are too distracted.  As far as the biting,  When he bites your hand or arm, reach over with your free hand, put it over the top of his nose, pull his upper lip down over his teeth and push it back up against his teeth and hold it there. It will pinch, but what he will realize is that when he bites it hurts.  He learns by association. You can also carry a squirt bottle with water in it, and when he starts to bite, squirt him in the face and tell him "no".  Hope this helps,

Dawn