Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Nakai will begin obedience classes on Monday, but can anyone help me until then, please? He is a 10 month old Basenji/Pit Bull mix, recently neutered.

My husband and I agree we must be doing something wrong, because Nakai wasn't acting like this when we first brought him home. Whenever we let him run loose, whether in the back yard or in the house, eventually he will grab a pantsleg or a shirtsleeve and play a particularly rough brand of tug-of-war. Then we can't seem to get him to stop. And the longer he plays, the rougher he gets. He's ruined many an article of clothing, and leaves bruises.

What kind of discipline would anyone recommend for this kind of behavior? Based on Nakai's body language, he clearly believes this is play. Basically what we have been doing is quickly re-attaching his leash and shortening his free space, then carefully removing the clothing from his mouth while we make him sit down.

Thanx everyone!
Patricia

When I adopted my APBT I brought her to a specialist because I wanted to make sure that I was raising her right. He told me that with a pit bull you have to constantly establish who has the power, and the dog will respect you. When he/she does something wrong you are to take the dog by the back of the neck, much like the mom does when they are pups, and say "Bad!" and make it clear that you are not happy. It has worked for me thus far and she is a wonderful addition to our family.
He also went through different techniques on how to establish a bond, ways to pick her up etc, although I am not strong enough to do that by myself!

I hope this helped... it sounds like you have a handfull!