Adopting adult dog and want to break bad behaviours.
Playful biting: He is very playful but sometimes when he's over excited he can gnaw a little hard. He left a pretty mean bruise on my wrist. This is a serious concern for me because I do not want my dog to bite people at all. What should I do to discourage this? Food: He apparently has issues with trying to get food that isnt his off the counter or off tables. Also, while I don't know if he is food aggressive yet, my sister's lab was raised in such a way that you can put your hand in her dog food or even take it away and she never growls or snaps. Is this something I can instill in my already grown up dog too? Other than these two issues, he's really a great dog and I want his life in my home to be as wonderful as possible. Any help or recommendations would be highly appreciated. |
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 Sounds just like Jack when he first came her! In fact his resource guarding was so severe, he gave me a mightly bite!! He warned me but I wanted to see how far it would go  Play bite: That stops NOW! Let out the OUCH and stop play immediately, walk away, don't scold. If he comes running back for more play, turn away, go do something else. When he has settled you can initiate play again but only on your terms. If you feel he's about to bite, difuse the brain with a quick sharp sound.....even Cesar Milan's "zzzzzzst". The back off, stop play..for a bit. You can resume again but only if he behaves. Yelling, etc only escalates. (much like puppies) Food issues: ah.......something for nothing. Feed him one kibble at a time making him sit or down for each. Also called doggie push ups. He will learn you are Master of Food and he must behave. The bowl goes down and only at your command does he eat...that will take awhile. Counter surfing: remember the "zzzzzst"? or a loud clap and "OFF" . Sound to stop the brain and a command to obey. Of course you have to play by the rules as well by pushing everything way back on the counter and keeping things put away. Your kitchen will be a bit stark for awhile. Never allow him near the table when you eat...that invisible barrier you must inforce, down and stay. Get a special mat or small rug and make that the "place" to hangout while the uprights eat. Have a good aresenal of chewies to keep them occupied. With adult newbies you have to be a bit more careful because you don't know if they have a trigger point where aggression may come to play. Generally lots of love, compansionship, play and walkies helps them unpack their "bag of mistrust" a lot faster. They love praise but avoid overt hugging/kissing and playful squeezes until you know they won't panic and bite. Very often they are so grateful for their new homes they are on their best behavior.....if he came with the tricks immediately....he might have a few more that will appear after a month or so. The are like teenagers, testing to see who is boss. You are the Fair, but Abolute Ruler. |
| Wow thank you so much! Like I said, he's a very sweet dog. And I am pretty sure he was well loved in his previous home, but I think they allowed certain behaviours to go unchecked that are at odds with what I think is appropriate or healthy for a dog. On the plus side, I never really leave food on the counter much anyway ("That's how you get ants!") but it'll be good to know that I can keep things safe. I've never been so excited/nervous about adopting a dog before. You've helped me feel a little more confident about it with that advice. |
| I love taking in adults.....they often come house trained, so not much sleep loss on my part. They may be "preprogramed" but at least their brain is working. They want to please you especially when they realize you are the God/Giver of Food and Attention. The pack leader. Since he has been allowed to "do his own thing" you have a snarky teenager on your hands, but if he wants the "car keys" he will come around quickly. |
| Hi, Welcome to the forum and as you've already seen it's a friendly place where you gets lots of very good advice or just get a chance to chat about your furkids antics. Susan, gave you excellent advice and I couldn't add to it at all and agree with everything she said. Out of 12 dogs I've shared my life with, only 3 have been pups and forget than antage about you can't teach an old dog new tricks. That's a myth. I've had dogs as old as 9 learn the rules of our household and consistency and patience is the key. Good luck to you! What's your dog's name? |
| Angus was 1 1/2 when we got him. He was well behaved, but one habit I still am having issues with. He LOVES people! When I walk with him, he wants to greet everyone. And naturally everyone falls in love with him when they see him and they want to pet him and hug him. He gets so excited, it's like everyone is his long lost friend! He is a very large OES and very strong. It's a lose/lose situation! What should I do? |
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