Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My doberman is currently 12 weeks old, and so far appears to be the smartest dog I have ever owned. He has been quick to learn most anything I have tried to teach him, but there is one habit I have made no progress in...biting. Anytime there is a hand, leg, nose or anything else within reach he wants to bite. You can tell him no (which works when he chews on anything else), and he will stop momentarily but as soon as you move he is back at it. He probably has more toys to play with than I ever had...but he still wants to bite whoever tries to play with him. Any suggestions on how to break this habit?

Just wanted to add that he wasn't taken from the litter until 8-9 weeks old, so that shouldn't be the problem.

>>Just wanted to add that he wasn't taken from the litter until 8-9 weeks old, so that shouldn't be the problem.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Puppy class! A Dobe needs to start in training in puppy class and stay in until at least a year of age. You can have a terrific dog if you will do this. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations of classes in your area, and clear it with the vet as to when the puppy is properly immunized. That varies by area, by what diseases are going around at the time, by the puppy's health and vaccination status, and even somewhat by breed.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I was told with the larger breeds they need at least ten to twelve. I brought my boy home at twelve and he has never even nibbled on me. Puppy classes are great. Just ignore him when he plays rough. For my husky who we had a big problem with we grabbed the bottom of the jaw untill she quit. That was because ignoring did nothing but she was really bad wiht her mouth.

Do you have any pics of your dober boy? There is a link to my boys page at the bottom.
Byrons dogster page

-----

I have a 15 week old dobe and we are just being consistent in telling him no when he bites us. Even if it is out of play as this could be more serious once he grows up. He has gotten a whole lot better than when he was twelve weeks old. He rarly bites us at all now on purpose.

you might want to try always having a toy handy to substitute for a body part. When your puppy starts mouthing you, tell him "NO" and put the toy in his mouth instead. The other thing you can try (you can do both) is when your puppy does bite, really act hurt and turn your back on the puppy - absolutely the play stops as soon as he bites! Say "OWWWWWW" loudly! A puppy wants your attention, once he figures out that biting people gets him the opposite effect, he will hopefully stop biting.

There are some good puppy books out there that could help in many ways - I would suggest you get one ASAP. My personal favorite is "How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With" by Calrice Rutherford and David Neil. You should be able to find it on Amazon.com