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Vicious Dog.
Hey, to anyone wanting to help.
So I've had my dog for about six or seven months, now. I'm pretty sure he's eight months old, and he's about 80 lbs. He's a pure bred German Shephard.
I love having a dog to death, but he can be one of the most vicious things you'll ever see. For example, when I sleep at my dad's house, I usually sleep on the couch. I'll usually last the night, or half, but my dog always ends up jumping on the couch and biting me until I wake up. Then, I basically have to fight him off, or get up and put him outside.
He also just randomly jumps at me, and I do fall over, he dosen't weigh much less than me, so then he's good to bite and scratch and everything. I'm pretty sure he's just playing, but I've tried to teach him to stop, with the squirter thing, and with the rolled up newspaper, but I think he just thinks I'm playing back.
I'm sick of going h ome with tons of scratches and cuts, and I want this to stop before he gets any bigger, too.
Please help. I don't want any advice to just get a cage or put him in another room, we can't do that, and he barks too much to leave him outside all night.
Thanks so much!
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Every time he jumps on you, give him a HARD knee in the chest while firmly saying (not yelling) "NO." Don't hesitate at all. He's a big dog. It won't harm him. That will throw him off guard. He won't like when you do that, so every time you knee him in the chest, he'll learn that he shouldn't be jumping on people. Tell everyone who visits your home to do the same so he learns not to jump on ANYONE.
Anytime he bites you, clamp your hand around his nose, keeping his mouth shut, and put your face right in front of his and FIRMLY say "NO." Then you can release his nose. Make sure to look him right in the eye. Do this to him EVERY time he bites someone or something he shouldn't be biting.
Whenever he plays or chews on his toys, play with him, all the while telling him he's good for chewing on the toy and not people.
If you happen to walk in on him and he's chewing something he shouldn't be, get his attention with a loud clap or whistle. When he looks at you, firmly tell him "NO" and take whatever it was away from him.
See, German Shephards have A LOT of energy. Esp. puppies. You should start walking him AT LEAST twice a day for at least 15-20 minutes. This will help use up his energy. Do you guys have a big yard? Why not let him run around outside for a few hours a day and play fetch with him?
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the advice below seems pretty good. maybe, he thinks that hes got more power than you, like wild dogs have a status heirarcy, he probabaly thinks that hes the "alpha male" or something, so heres what you do if this is the reason. every day for a couple weeks, at random times, get your dog out of its bed thing, if it has one, or wherever it ususally sits/sleeps, and stand in it, this makes him know that you have more power than him. also, make sure hes always at a level below you, never at eye level, or above you, like if hes lyeing on the couch, then thats a no no, if youre on it too.
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Well, if he's 8 months old, it is likely that you are right in your assumption that he is playing, but this is something I can fully understand that you wish for him to not continue doing.
German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs. You may consider calling around and pricing obedience training for him. Be sure it is a course you are allowed to be actively involved in. He is your dog- you want him to learn to obey your commands, not some stranger's.
I know they can be costly, but I promise it would be well worth the price to have a pet that you love who also knows how to mind his manners.
Just be sure that you are consistent on whatever you teach him- even if you try to train him at home before seeking the help of pet obedience training. With a dog, consistency is the key.
For example: The newspaper. Give him a pop on the behind while giving a firm "No!" and be consistent on how you do it. Dogs can read your tone of voice, so be sure that you are always firm in your commands.
Try using hand gestures as well. With my dog, I would firmly say "No!" and hold up a finger every time I did, and say "Down!" while holding my flat palm towards him, etc. Now, I really don't have to say anything; I can just use the hand gestures he has learned to associate with each given command.
Just make sure it is a completely different gesture for each command, so he doesn't become confused in what you are trying to tell him.
Like I said, they are a very smart breed. With a little work, and a little help from a professional trainer if needed, he will make a fine dog for you.
Good luck!
ygs- 29/f
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