Puppy nipping

[Ann]

I firmly believe that all behavior can be taught without ever resorting to what I consider borderline abusive behavior. I know the Monks are held up by many as the "authority" on raising a good puppy...but whenever you read a book on dog training I think you have to let your own gut feelings dictate what you take from that book and what you discard. I would never want a dog of mine to view my hands as tools that deliberately deliver any level of discomfort and fingers down a throat until gagging is discomfort.

Trini

I couldn't agree more with Trini's comment, and those who are appalled by this approach. I also share their opinion of the "Monks" book, which was originally written to train German Shepherds -- a whole different animal than a sensitive Sheltie. Put your fingers down the throat of a Sheltie once and he will never forget it. You're setting yourself up for a dog who's hand shy and maybe worse.

People who know how to train breeds such as Shelties recommend the "yelp" or "ouch" method that's been suggested. A puppy understands the sound his littermates make when he pushes them too far. A littermate will then stop playing. It's the most effective way to teach your puppy how much nipping is too much.

 

[trini]

Just now getting caught up on reading...

For the record, I just repeated what I read & said it was interesting - not that I agreed with it. I appreciate that I didn't get tarred & feathered. I honestly don't think I could bring myself to do what they suggested...

I had actually never heard of that book before joining this group and after reading it there were some things I liked, some I didn't. I think I did pretty good with Trace, am just trying to gather knowledge from many different sources, so I can give Baker the best upbringing possible.

Kristie, I think it is important to read all kinds of books on puppy/dog training. Each book may offer something of value and some things that you totally disagree with. But the more you read, the better. I don't think anyone thought that you were actually advocating the fingers down the throat.

Trini

 

[BarbV]

I think the more you read and educate yourself to various options, you can start to find the best methods for your individual dog. There is no one size fits all approach. Every dog responds differently.

I experimented with an ultrasonic remote trainer with Indy. That worked really well for awhile. But because I became inconsistent with it, the best approach is always loud "eh", snapping fingers and putting him into a down. It doesn't prevent him but it dies control him. I haven't found a way to prevent him yet.

 

[Caro]

Just now getting caught up on reading...

For the record, I just repeated what I read & said it was interesting - not that I agreed with it. I appreciate that I didn't get tarred & feathered. I honestly don't think I could bring myself to do what they suggested...

I hope I didn't upset you, I could tell it wasn't something you were necessarily advocating, just something interesting that you'd read.

 

[bkzoo]

I hope I didn't upset you, I could tell it wasn't something you were necessarily advocating, just something interesting that you'd read.

Not at all - takes more than that to upset me. I suppose I should have added to my original post - something like "I don't think I could do this", to make myself more clear.