Encourage your pup to develop a bite inhibition

The moment your pup bites too hard (during playful interactions) immediately tell him "No, bad dog," etc., and then (a) shake gently by the scruff-of-the-neck, and/or (b) push over on his side and place in a "prone" position for a few seconds, and/or (c) tap your puppy on the nose and terminate the interaction (i.e. simply walk away and ignore the next ten minutes). Try to trach your puppy to play on your terms and not his. You can accomplish thisby training him to begin play sessions using specific cues: I suggest getting in the play soliciting posture (on hands and knees) and saying "hey-hey-hey" several times. This may entice your puppy into a playful mood.

Handling and postural exercises

All of these exercises have to be immediately followed by lavish social praise for compliance (Do not use food reward unless otherwise instructed).

a. Insertion of a chewable into your pup's mouth followed by removal. You have to get your pup used to having objects removed from his mouth.

b. Encourage your pup to lick your hand/face. Associate the phrase "Give me a kiss" with this behavior. You can initially get things started by dabbing some butter on your hand or face.

c. Encourage your puppy to roll over for tummy rubs.

d. Encourage your puppy to "shake hands."

e. Get your puppy used to being handled over all parts of his body. Get him used to being handled and or groomed in those areas where grooming or handling will take when your pup gets older. Specifically, the mouth, ears, paws, tail, etc. Work hard around the paw region. Pretend to actually clean out ears, cut nails, etc.

f. Postural manipulation exercises should be conducted on a daily basis. These include: (a) Straddling; (b) Prone posturing; (c) Whirles; (d) Pull by scruff-of-neck; (e) Direct stare until your pup looks away; (f) Lifting up into air; (g) Path displacement associated with the word "move."

 

3. Exercise around the food bowl

On a daily basis work your puppy around his food dish. Handle your puppy when he is eating. Concentrate handling around the mouth/head region. When your pup is in the middle of eating command him to sit. If he sits, reward lavishly and let him continue eating. You may also reward with a bit of cheese. If he does not sit, or exhibits any sign of aggression whatsoever, reprimand the pup and immediately remove the food. Ignore the pup for the next 20 minutes and then try again.

The above procedues will be review and you will be given specific instructions to meet your individual needs during the class sessions.