New puppy/baring teeth and nipping constantly

concerndogowner · 11-24-2007, 12:34 PM

I rescued a mixed breed from a rescue shelter. I was told she was a dobie/lab mix, however everyone seems to think she is a pit. However, for the most part is not a bad dog but then she has this periods were she starts nipping almost to the point of biting on whomever seems to be near. Then if you try to correct her she starts baring her teeth and growling and if you get close she nipps or almost bites. Eventually I grab her collar to try and calm her but when I do she rolls on her back and totally freaks out. She will bite and nip and bare teeth the whole time. She has also pulled my daughter off the couch by her hair numerous times. What do I do? Will training help, or is it best to seak alternative placement for the safety of all involved.

Please help as I am unsure as to what to do.

Odetoadream · 11-24-2007, 05:39 PM

Cases like this are so hard to solve over the internet. Your best bet is to contact a local dog trainer/behaviourist and have them evaluate her. We can't see her body language or what your doing. You could very well be doing something that might be frightening her when you go to 'correct' her. Thus she feels she must defend herself. Until you can get a trainer in to look at her, I'd take a step back and look at what your doing, how you reach for her etc. And if she's getting mouthy with kids, keep them seperate unless you can supervise their play. Keep a leash and collar on her, and if she starts getting to rough, pick up the leash and lead her into another room and shut the door, essentially give her a time out for a minute or two. That in itself is a punishment for her. No need to physically give a correction. Also make sure your kids arn't doing anything to urge her to play rougher. Not saying your kids are, but they move fast, are loud and often that can stir a dogs drive up and they give chase and forget and nip and use their teeth like they would with their littermates. Also make sure the pup gets enough exercise so she is wore out.

Best of luck!

Shadowkins · 11-30-2007, 06:12 PM

Just curious as to how old this pup is? Have you considered obedience training and is that available where you are? There are many books to refer to as well but do not allow the pup to show any dominance or aggression.
It may be a long road but very much worth the effort...shelter dogs have often suffered many things and need a little more time and patience but in the end will be very loving pets.
Good luck to you and keep us posted.

11-24-2007, 12:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
concerndogowner Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	New puppy/baring teeth and nipping constantly I rescued a mixed breed from a rescue shelter. I was told she was a dobie/lab mix, however everyone seems to think she is a pit. However, for the most part is not a bad dog but then she has this periods were she starts nipping almost to the point of biting on whomever seems to be near. Then if you try to correct her she starts baring her teeth and growling and if you get close she nipps or almost bites. Eventually I grab her collar to try and calm her but when I do she rolls on her back and totally freaks out. She will bite and nip and bare teeth the whole time. She has also pulled my daughter off the couch by her hair numerous times. What do I do? Will training help, or is it best to seak alternative placement for the safety of all involved. Please help as I am unsure as to what to do.

11-30-2007, 06:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,726 Rep Power: 129	Just curious as to how old this pup is? Have you considered obedience training and is that available where you are? There are many books to refer to as well but do not allow the pup to show any dominance or aggression. It may be a long road but very much worth the effort...shelter dogs have often suffered many things and need a little more time and patience but in the end will be very loving pets. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
	__________________

11-24-2007, 05:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Odetoadream Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Southern, Ohio Posts: 98 Rep Power: 73	Cases like this are so hard to solve over the internet. Your best bet is to contact a local dog trainer/behaviourist and have them evaluate her. We can't see her body language or what your doing. You could very well be doing something that might be frightening her when you go to 'correct' her. Thus she feels she must defend herself. Until you can get a trainer in to look at her, I'd take a step back and look at what your doing, how you reach for her etc. And if she's getting mouthy with kids, keep them seperate unless you can supervise their play. Keep a leash and collar on her, and if she starts getting to rough, pick up the leash and lead her into another room and shut the door, essentially give her a time out for a minute or two. That in itself is a punishment for her. No need to physically give a correction. Also make sure your kids arn't doing anything to urge her to play rougher. Not saying your kids are, but they move fast, are loud and often that can stir a dogs drive up and they give chase and forget and nip and use their teeth like they would with their littermates. Also make sure the pup gets enough exercise so she is wore out. Best of luck!

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