My large German Shepherd "puppy" (11 months) has been mouthing the heads of his two smaller older siblings since he was 6 months old. Taking it into context, the puppy really loves his older smaller siblings and it appears this is being done in a spirit of playfulness. However, the siblings hate it. I'm not sure how to stop it.
I would recommend three things: (1) Follow the steps in this video in order to teach a solid recall, and Place. This will not only give you the ability to manage them when the puppy is excited, but it builds impulse control in the puppy, as well as teaches him how to be around the other dogs in a calm manner. (2) I wouldn't let them play unsupervised for a while, until the puppy builds that impulse control and the ability to respond to you even when in the midst of play (that's why we practice step 1 first). Until that point, any interaction is supervised. When trying to build new habits, you want to prevent the possibility of them practicing the old habits as much as possible. (3) When they're playing, and he does it, immediately clap your hands or something loud to get their attention, then have the puppy go to Place until he calms down. Then let them play. If he won't go to Place with just your voice (which is why step 1 is so important), that's okay. Either grab his collar, or put him on a leash. Depending on the play style of the other dogs, you could just leave a leash on the puppy while he's in the house and let him drag it around (or get a "traffic lead," because it's shorter). While you're still practicing Place, you may have to stand there next to the puppy to ensure they stay, and so you can give treats as the puppy displays that impulse control. If you're consistent with that, the puppy will start to learn that the action of playing like that ends the game. So he learns to control his own excitement and play style. Does all that make sense?
@@kevinguthmiller8510 sounds like you're on the right track. The key will be when you start working them together. So you want to build that solid obedience separately, and then, as in the video, start working together. That will get them used to having impulse control around each other. And we also want to be consistent with those interruptions. Don't let him get away with it sometimes but then other times try to get him to stop. It'll be too confusing for the dog and the training won't work. Good luck, and please come back and let me know how things progress. ❤️💕
Thanks for watching! How many dogs do you have? Did you find this video helpful?
Great information!
Thanks for watching and commenting! Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it helpful. ❤️💕
My large German Shepherd "puppy" (11 months) has been mouthing the heads of his two smaller older siblings since he was 6 months old.
Taking it into context, the puppy really loves his older smaller siblings and it appears this is being done in a spirit of playfulness. However, the siblings hate it. I'm not sure how to stop it.
I would recommend three things:
(1) Follow the steps in this video in order to teach a solid recall, and Place. This will not only give you the ability to manage them when the puppy is excited, but it builds impulse control in the puppy, as well as teaches him how to be around the other dogs in a calm manner.
(2) I wouldn't let them play unsupervised for a while, until the puppy builds that impulse control and the ability to respond to you even when in the midst of play (that's why we practice step 1 first). Until that point, any interaction is supervised. When trying to build new habits, you want to prevent the possibility of them practicing the old habits as much as possible.
(3) When they're playing, and he does it, immediately clap your hands or something loud to get their attention, then have the puppy go to Place until he calms down. Then let them play.
If he won't go to Place with just your voice (which is why step 1 is so important), that's okay. Either grab his collar, or put him on a leash. Depending on the play style of the other dogs, you could just leave a leash on the puppy while he's in the house and let him drag it around (or get a "traffic lead," because it's shorter). While you're still practicing Place, you may have to stand there next to the puppy to ensure they stay, and so you can give treats as the puppy displays that impulse control.
If you're consistent with that, the puppy will start to learn that the action of playing like that ends the game. So he learns to control his own excitement and play style. Does all that make sense?
@@SomeMinorDogTraining Thanks! I do some but not all of those things. I have a feeling that with repetition that what you've suggested will work.
@@kevinguthmiller8510 sounds like you're on the right track. The key will be when you start working them together. So you want to build that solid obedience separately, and then, as in the video, start working together. That will get them used to having impulse control around each other. And we also want to be consistent with those interruptions. Don't let him get away with it sometimes but then other times try to get him to stop. It'll be too confusing for the dog and the training won't work. Good luck, and please come back and let me know how things progress. ❤️💕