We just adopted a mutt from the humane society. She looks part retriever and part lab. They said she is 4 years old but she looks and acts much younger. She's a sweet dog that loves to play. She is very friendly and loves attention. She has a couple of behavior problems that need to be modified and we're not sure how to go about it. She bites hands. We can sometimes get her to calm down and let us pet her where she doesn't see our hands but as soon as she spots them they're in her mouth. They are playful bites, not aggressive ones, but it is constant. They other problem we need to address is her jumping up on us and others. She also jumps up to the counter in the kitchen and the table. She doesn't get all the way up on them, just her fron paws so she can see and possible snatch what ever may be within reach. I'd appreciate any advice you could give on these issues.
problems with biting and jumping
- Thread starter juliejg1
- Start date
Try giving her the 'social isolation' whenever she bites.
When she bites, give a sharp shriek (Ouch!), enough to startle her a little, but not to much. THen, ignore her completely - and this means no contact, even eye contact. Image that she's not there. Do that for about 5 minutes. If you can't ignore her because she'll continue biting you/your legs etc, put her in her crate/puppy-safe room for 5 minutes (suspension of play) instead.
You may also want to try, within her view, have fun among yourselves, so that she knows that you guys can have fun even without her.
Note: You have to be very consistent about this. The moment she bites, say 'Ouch!', once only, and give her the social isolation.
Regarding the jumping problem, everytime she jumps on you, take a step back and do not reward that behaviour (either by petting or talking etc). Take a step back and ignore her. When she's sitting (or standing, depending on your preference), bend down and try to pet her or hug her. If she tries to jump up as you're going down, stand up straight immediately. Get everyone in the hosue to do this.
Lastly, for the jumping on coutner problem, you might want to teach her a "off" command. First, get everything out of her reach. Next, hold a treat in your hand. When she jumps onto the counter, immediately go over and lure her down onto the floor (let her follow the treat). As you're doing this, say "off", or whatever you wish to call it. Once she's on the floor, reward her.
Be very consistent. She sounds a lot like my pup. Have fun training!
When she bites, give a sharp shriek (Ouch!), enough to startle her a little, but not to much. THen, ignore her completely - and this means no contact, even eye contact. Image that she's not there. Do that for about 5 minutes. If you can't ignore her because she'll continue biting you/your legs etc, put her in her crate/puppy-safe room for 5 minutes (suspension of play) instead.
You may also want to try, within her view, have fun among yourselves, so that she knows that you guys can have fun even without her.
Note: You have to be very consistent about this. The moment she bites, say 'Ouch!', once only, and give her the social isolation.
Regarding the jumping problem, everytime she jumps on you, take a step back and do not reward that behaviour (either by petting or talking etc). Take a step back and ignore her. When she's sitting (or standing, depending on your preference), bend down and try to pet her or hug her. If she tries to jump up as you're going down, stand up straight immediately. Get everyone in the hosue to do this.
Lastly, for the jumping on coutner problem, you might want to teach her a "off" command. First, get everything out of her reach. Next, hold a treat in your hand. When she jumps onto the counter, immediately go over and lure her down onto the floor (let her follow the treat). As you're doing this, say "off", or whatever you wish to call it. Once she's on the floor, reward her.
Be very consistent. She sounds a lot like my pup. Have fun training!