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Biting

20 9:07:58

Question
I have a 13 week old Husky/Great Pyrenees mix who likes to bite a lot.  He seems to do it when he is being corrected, ie. if we are trying to get him off the couch or get him from jumping on the cat.  He is sweet any other time.  He doesn't like to be cornered our caught for any reason.  I am not sure what to do other than put him in puppy classes.  I am afraid he is going to be aggressive when he gets older.  Please help!

Answer
The reason he is nipping is because he is dominate, this doesn't mean he will get aggressive but it does mean he has the potential to bite someone for trying to tell him what to do. He doesn't like being told what to do and doesn't respect your authority. If he was a pure bred he would probably just protest by making noise, but he has a herding breed mixed in and they have a tendency to nip and bite to get their point across, they are bred to do this to animals to heard them and control them.

 Getting him in puppy classes is a GREAT idea and I would also continue on to basic obeidiance. These courses are designed to let you learn how to understand your dog, what you need to do to have your dog understand you. It helps you bridge the dog/human commutnication gap and this helps you build a strong bond Which is important for you dog to listen.

 You have picked a hard mix though because both the Siberian and the Pyr are vers strong willed and need a reason to listen to you (i.e. a bond) so stick with it! I am sure a loving laid back dog is what he will be when he is older. Here is a link to the Pyr temperment
http://www.lgd.org/library/temperament.htm

Siberian Tempererment
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/siberianhuskies.html

In the mean time. Quietly and calmly give your dog commands and remove them from the couch with slow purposeful movements, nothing fast, no jerking away and definably no yelling or talking excitedly as these behaviors will make them continue to bite. Also never back down just because you are being nipped, if it makes you do what the dog wants you to, they will continue to do it.  

Any more questions please ask!
-Michelle B