Siska is starting to teeth and everything including arms and legs go into the mouth, but it never goes unchecked and hasn't done from day one. Like many I get sick of some of the stupidity posted on Facebook. The "land shark" remarks are particularly annoying, with all the correct advice given to them some people still get it so badly wrong. If it's not instinctively in you to react to a situation instantly then it's too late, by the time you've thought about it the opportunity for correction has gone! The towel incident with Siska the other day is a prime example, had I let it go it would have escalated, you will be dried .. now kick and scream all you like, but it's happening!
Anyway I was over the moon to see a post about biting puppies from the admin of one of the puppy advice groups this morning, and thankfully full agreement from knowledgable breeders.
"So you have bought a puppy. Yes it is very cute but now it’s started to bite and it bloody hurts. You see photos were some poor owners look like they are doing self harm. So what do you do? Often see written on FB oh it’s only a baby they aren’t called landsharkes for nothing! They are not land sharks and they are definitely not babies they are a highly intelligent breed of dog and if you don’t treat them as such they will walk all over you. Favourite advice is oh re direct with a toy so to me what is this highly intelligent puppy learning bite them cool they play with me! Because every time I bite out comes a toy."
Thank god someone else believes in a quick shake and a few choice words, just as their mother would do! Yes, then redirect and play, but only after you have let them know you disapprove!
A reply from a friend to the same post is spot on ...
"I have never known a pup not learn very quickly that it should not be biting with this correction. In my opinion the reason there are so many problem dogs (and so many behaviourists making money), is the absence of common sense and a bit of tough love in training our dogs . Same applies to children in my view but we won't go there now.""The new modern way of training (mamby, pamby, never say NO) is part of the problem". I am all for reward based training and positive reinforcement is the only way for most training exercises. However, sometimes there has to be a firmer approach and a consequence of unacceptable behaviour, especially when the boundaries are pushed."
Wonderful - Well said ladies - it's not just me then!
