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Discussion in 'Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)' started by David82, Jul 21, 2017.

  1. David82

    David82 New Member

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    Kinder

    New to the Forum

    Hello all. New member here to the forum and a new owner of our first Shepherd / Malinois pup. She will be 8 weeks old on Monday and already the handful I knew she would be. Her name is Kinder and weighs in at just under 12 pounds right now. We've had her for 1 week exactly and she is doing very good in house breaking and recall.

    Mainly we're trying to work on her biting (puppy I know) and digging before they become habits. We have daughters, aged 6 and 3 so the bitting / nipping has to go sooner than later. I've only tried 2 methods over the last week and have seen little success with either. We've been taking the things out of her mouth we don't want her to have in there and replacing with chew toys and I've tried the thumb in the bottom of her mouth. I think the positive chew toy replacement has probably shown more progress then the thumb in mouth. I can't say I haven't seen any improvement though because I've been coupling 'kisses' every time she is good and licks and it seems that is starting to stand out, but she still has her nippiness about her.

    As far as the digging goes, the only thing I've been able to find about that is to distract her and entertain her more so she just doesn't do it. Suggestions?

    She's starting to do better on leash. I've only taken her for an on leash walk 3 times this week. First time she did as good as to be expected considering my 3 and 6 year old wanted to walk her. Second time by myself, not so much but I blame my timing l. She does not, I repeat DOES NOT like the heat. We live in Florida and it's a little on the warmer side right now. She absolutely refused and was nothing I could do about it. I tried holding the leash still until she calmed down and for her to realize she wasn't going anywhere I didn't want her to go, but like I said jist didn't work - and my fault for sure.

    This morning I took her for a walk when she woke up a 630 shortly afyer having her breakfast and she did absolutely amazing. Staying by my side almost the entire time with zero leash pulling with the exception of the ocassional wanting to go sniff some grass (thought I would knock potty time out with the walk but she prefers our back yard).

    But she's in play mode right now and doesn't want me to be on my phone. Any ideas and suggestions on ANYTHUNG but be appreciated! Thanks all.

    Dave

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  3. GsdSlave

    GsdSlave Member

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    Malka and CaroleC like this.
    Its normal puppy behaviour and yes, it can be very trying but persistence and patience do pay off, It doesn't happen overnight, it can take months depending on the puppy but I can assure you it ‘does get better.
    I think the goal is not so much to stop them from biting, but to teach them inhibition/having a soft mouth.
    I guess it is just trying different things until you find something that works for you and your pup as what works for one may not work for another one.


    He’s too young to go walking and to much can cause joint injuries in young dogs
    Free run around in garden, mental activities are all he needs at this age.
    For socialising, drive/carry him to places where he can see people get used to noises ect: like parks, outside schools/supermarkets Ect just sit on a bench and let him soak it all in.

    Stuffed kongs are good for keeping them occupied or a large bone.
  4. David82

    David82 New Member

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    Kinder
    Thanks for the quick response. I agree, walking her too far is too much for her. I probably didn't explain my version of 'walking her' thoroughly. I only walk her about a half a block down the road and then back which is probably no more than her typical back yard excursion play time.

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