How to Train a Weimaraner to Not Bite
Introduction
Defining Tasks
Getting Started
The Ouch! Method
The Time Out Method
The Startle Method
Written by Christina Gunning
Published: 04/20/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
More articles by Christina Gunning
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Astra & Luna
Hi! Im Anna. My girls, Astra & Luna are 3 1/2mo old, weimaraner sisters. They have a slight tendency to nip as they give kisses to my fiance, or in my case~its to my hands.(I really don't like being licked in the face-so afford them little opportunity. Once in a while they get me, but I don't mind as long as its only occasional & its on the cheek-just not the mouth/nose. Ive never cared for the feeling; & every dog I've ever had have not been "face lickers". Well occasionally to me but that's it, & not often. Anyway, its getting better with simple NO correction, & pulling away~& as they're growing. But our biggest issue has got to be the jumping up. On us when excited, when getting their food ready, when walking up/down the stairs(which scares me & I feel likeone of these days we'll all end up tumbling down & all get hurt!) Ive been making them sit & be calm before I'll give them their bowls. I try keeping them down & especially going down the steps try keeping them forward focused when they do get in front of/ahead of me. Its getting a little better. But its a constant, daily problem with them jumping, & more & more with them raising up on hind legs with front paws hitting the top drawers in the kitchen, just below the counter tops. Regardless of what I'm doing, they still are trying to pull up to see, &/or get to whatever they can or I have-even my coffee cup! I know that curiosity is very natural, & I'm glad they're inquisitive about things. I also know they want to know what I'm doing, because I'm "mom" & they do watch me all the time. I understand all of that. But how do I effectively correct this unwanted/unacceptable behavior? Ive been taking their paws, & setting them back down on all 4s, while trying to say no firmly, yet not sound aggressive at all. I look for the tone that says Im serious, but not threatening, or in away that puts stress into it if at all possible. But it seems like it's not working. I guess it has somewhat, because as soon as one of them raises up to the counter, table, shelves, etc.~I tell them NO,& To Get Down. Which they do. But they repeat the action multiple times before finally stopping..for that specific time, or instance. Next time we're in a situation where they can't see everything, or I'm doing something on a counter,table,my desk, a shelf-surfaces over their heads that I'm doing anything-food related or not. I stay consistent, as does my fiance. I just don't know how else I should approach things to be successful in stopping this behavior, or increasing their response to commands in general. They're so smart! I know they are, I see it 24/7! I know they're still young, but I'm unsure if they're old enough that they should be listening &/or responding by now, or at least better than they do at times. Ive never had weimaraners, & while I've been doing my homework, I'm still very much in new territory being my 1st experience with the breed. Thank you so much for reading all of that #1,lol-but also for any advice or tips you may have to offer. Thank you again!
Anna
210 Dog owners recommended
Hello! Here is information on nipping/biting. Nipping: Puppies may nip for a number of reasons. Nipping can be a means of energy release, getting attention, interacting and exploring their environment or it could be a habit that helps with teething. Whatever the cause, nipping can still be painful for the receiver, and it’s an action that pet parents want to curb. Some ways to stop biting before it becomes a real problem include: Using teething toys. Distracting with and redirecting your dog’s biting to safe and durable chew toys is one way to keep them from focusing their mouthy energies to an approved location and teach them what biting habits are acceptable. Making sure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise. Exercise is huge. Different dogs have different exercise needs based on their breed and size, so check with your veterinarian to make sure that yours is getting the exercise they need. Dogs—and especially puppies—use their playtime to get out extra energy. With too much pent-up energy, your pup may resort to play biting. Having them expel their energy in positive ways - including both physical and mental exercise - will help mitigate extra nips. Being consistent. Training your dog takes patience, practice and consistency. With the right training techniques and commitment, your dog will learn what is preferred behavior. While sometimes it may be easier to let a little nipping activity go, be sure to remain consistent in your cues and redirection. That way, boundaries are clear to your dog. Using positive reinforcement. To establish preferred behaviors, use positive reinforcement when your dog exhibits the correct behavior. For instance, praise and treat your puppy when they listen to your cue to stop unwanted biting as well as when they choose an appropriate teething toy on their own. Saying “Ouch!” The next time your puppy becomes too exuberant and nips you, say “OUCH!” in a very shocked tone and immediately stop playing with them. Your puppy should learn - just as they did with their littermates - that their form of play has become unwanted. When they stop, ensure that you follow up with positive reinforcement by offering praise, treat and/or resuming play. Letting every interaction with your puppy be a learning opportunity. While there are moments of dedicated training time, every interaction with your dog can be used as a potential teaching moment.
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