Grannick’s Bitter Apple

Chocolate Lab · 08-01-2005, 10:16 AM

I have quick question about Grannick’s bitter apple. Our trainer said that we could spray our dog in the mouth once in a while when he is trying to bite or chew on something he is not supposed to, also he said to spray the things we don't want him bitting. One of my friends was telling me that I should not spray him in the mouth is this true?
Any input you might have will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

flyndog · 08-01-2005, 11:59 AM

I like your friend!
It's best to first try and teach a dog using reinforcement intead of punishment (I think bitter apple sprayed in the mouth is a yucky thing to do to a dog). Spraying things with bitter apple rarely works and it does nothing to teach the dog what you want him to do. Chewing is natural for dogs. They don't understand what the problem is with chewing something. If your dog doesn't understand the problem, it's really not fair to punish him before trying to teach him what you want him to do instead. It's best to interupt the behavior, give him something appropriate to chew and/or teach an alternate behavior. Can you tell us a little bit more? How old is the dog? How long has he been chewing? What does he chew or bite? Maybe your trainer has a very good reason for recommending you spray it in your dog's mouth. If so, I'd like to hear it.
Kit

chazzysmybaby · 08-01-2005, 05:23 PM

Chazzy bites on his leash when it's on him sometimes and I've considered using Bitter Apple these past couple of days, but today, I've seen improvement. He hasn't bitten his leash at all today. I think that all your dog needs is some proper training and reinforcement, but i guess you could use bitter apple if absolutely necessary.

rescuechihuahuaowner · 08-03-2005, 12:07 PM

I don't mean to sound rude, but when i was like 5 we had a mix, Abby RIP, and she would bite and chew EVERYTHING! We would spray lemon juice, not much, but she NEVER bit anyone again. Except a robber! Anyway, your decision. Hope I helped!

Chocolate Lab · 08-03-2005, 04:20 PM

My dog has his toys that he chews on, but sometimes when we are outside playing with him he tries to bite us. That is when we get the bitter apple out most of the time we spray a little bit on our selfs (of course we wash it off) and he stops bitting, sometimes we need to spray him to remind him of the taste. Most of the time it works. Our puppy is 4 1/2 months.

Thank you all for your input and advice.

Sheltiemama · 08-03-2005, 04:23 PM

Yea, you can spray him in the mouth with the stuff, but look at the ingredients. I simply use straight white vinegar for a deterrent. Dogs hate the smell and the taste.

flyndog · 08-03-2005, 07:12 PM

But why do it if there is a less aversive and more effective way?

Sheltiemama · 08-03-2005, 08:16 PM

Oh I agree I don't use the vinegar unless all other methods have failed. In the case of the trash can, Magic wouldn't leave it alone no mater what I did, she even learned to open the cupboard door to get into it so I simply sprayed the top of the can with vinegar and she doesn't bother it anymore.

08-01-2005, 10:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chocolate Lab Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 110 Rep Power: 0	Grannick’s Bitter Apple I have quick question about Grannick’s bitter apple. Our trainer said that we could spray our dog in the mouth once in a while when he is trying to bite or chew on something he is not supposed to, also he said to spray the things we don't want him bitting. One of my friends was telling me that I should not spray him in the mouth is this true? Any input you might have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

08-01-2005, 11:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
flyndog Unleash The Possibilities Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Marfa, TX Posts: 3,969 Rep Power: 183	I like your friend! It's best to first try and teach a dog using reinforcement intead of punishment (I think bitter apple sprayed in the mouth is a yucky thing to do to a dog). Spraying things with bitter apple rarely works and it does nothing to teach the dog what you want him to do. Chewing is natural for dogs. They don't understand what the problem is with chewing something. If your dog doesn't understand the problem, it's really not fair to punish him before trying to teach him what you want him to do instead. It's best to interupt the behavior, give him something appropriate to chew and/or teach an alternate behavior. Can you tell us a little bit more? How old is the dog? How long has he been chewing? What does he chew or bite? Maybe your trainer has a very good reason for recommending you spray it in your dog's mouth. If so, I'd like to hear it. Kit
	__________________ mARFa Dog Training and Behavior

08-01-2005, 05:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
chazzysmybaby Chazzy- GSB/Terrier baby Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 83 Rep Power: 0	Chazzy bites on his leash when it's on him sometimes and I've considered using Bitter Apple these past couple of days, but today, I've seen improvement. He hasn't bitten his leash at all today. I think that all your dog needs is some proper training and reinforcement, but i guess you could use bitter apple if absolutely necessary.
	__________________ My 3 month old GSD/American Staffordshire Terrier, Chazzy!! MWAH my baby!!

08-03-2005, 04:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
Sheltiemama Shelties forever! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 695 Rep Power: 81	Yea, you can spray him in the mouth with the stuff, but look at the ingredients. I simply use straight white vinegar for a deterrent. Dogs hate the smell and the taste.
	__________________ THE RESCUE SQUAD!!

08-03-2005, 07:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
flyndog Unleash The Possibilities Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Marfa, TX Posts: 3,969 Rep Power: 183	But why do it if there is a less aversive and more effective way?
	__________________ mARFa Dog Training and Behavior

08-03-2005, 12:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
rescuechihuahuaowner Tito and Zoe's Owner! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Twin Cities USA Posts: 55 Rep Power: 0	I don't mean to sound rude, but when i was like 5 we had a mix, Abby RIP, and she would bite and chew EVERYTHING! We would spray lemon juice, not much, but she NEVER bit anyone again. Except a robber! Anyway, your decision. Hope I helped!

08-03-2005, 04:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chocolate Lab Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 110 Rep Power: 0	My dog has his toys that he chews on, but sometimes when we are outside playing with him he tries to bite us. That is when we get the bitter apple out most of the time we spray a little bit on our selfs (of course we wash it off) and he stops bitting, sometimes we need to spray him to remind him of the taste. Most of the time it works. Our puppy is 4 1/2 months. Thank you all for your input and advice.

08-03-2005, 08:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sheltiemama Shelties forever! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 695 Rep Power: 81	Oh I agree I don't use the vinegar unless all other methods have failed. In the case of the trash can, Magic wouldn't leave it alone no mater what I did, she even learned to open the cupboard door to get into it so I simply sprayed the top of the can with vinegar and she doesn't bother it anymore.
	__________________ THE RESCUE SQUAD!!

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