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Comment by Sam on May 6, 2008 at 5:52pm

First may I say do not do an alpha roll on a dominant pup. Though this can be functional for some people it is not for folks that are not most familiar with dog behavior. The fact that he is biting you tells me that you are not a candidate to do this. You also mention you played with him until he gotso excited that he bit. This sounds like a pup that has not learned his limitations and an owner that doesnt know when to stop. Please know that all dogs possess an excitement level that can go out of control. It is up to the owners to not evoke such a behavior. Dogs communicate by using growls , baring teeth and biting. He is trying to make it clear to you that he is not comfortable with the level of excitement you are encouraging. With pups it is always best to use toys to interact instead of your hands. Pups do need the ability to chew on items but not ones body parts. It is up to the owner to provide the appropriate guidelines to the pup. When energy levels become high it is time to cease the game. May I say I think it is also time that you heavily consider finding a training facility near you and take some classes. Both you and your dog would do well to learn the basic commands that help a dog become a good household companion. I sense this is a young dog that is not yet aware of his limitations.

Comment by Ginny and Diggory on May 6, 2008 at 5:51pm

When Ginny was little she played really rough too. She's be playing ok and then go into "tasmanian devil" mode and start nipping and growling and biting HARD. It was exasperating. The trainer told me to yell "ouch" as loud and firm as I could and to stand up and completely turn away from her or ignore her so she knew that when she was aggressive play would stop. The only way puppies learn bite inhibition is to be taught. At 10 weeks, he is still developing social skills and learning his place with you. He needs to learn you are not a littermate that he can play rough with. Be firm and consistent. It is frustrating at first, but with time and a little patience he should learn. Ginny is wonderful now. She never bites anymore and once her baby teeth fell out I was so happy. Now she only nibbles on my ears when she's happy to see me!

Comment by Alicia Byrd on May 6, 2008 at 5:44pm

Hi Mike! It sounds like you have your hands full! He sounds actually like a typical Corgi. They are pretty dominant. I am going through the biting stuff with my Rotty puppy right now. I have done alot of research, and spoken to a couple of trainers, and here's what I have taken from their advice.

1. No rough house playing. If they start to get aggressive in their play, you have to stop it. If they won't stop, do an alpha roll. Typically though you want to stop it by not touching them or looking at them any longer. You don't want him to get anything from biting you. Even grabbing him by the scruff of the neck is giving him something.
2. You decide when play time is. Don't play with him when he comes to you wanting to play. Ignore him until he walks away and gives up. Then when you are ready to play, call him to you and play games like fetch. But if he doesn't drop the toy, then take it away from him, and stop playing.
3. He needs to learn that toys belong to you. I'm willing to bet that he growls at you when you try to take his toys, that is common for dominant dogs. Spend some time after a really long walk, and place it in front of him, but don't let him have it.

Those are a few things to try. Good luck and keep us posted!

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