I don't know how to train this dog

[darkoshi]

This video showcases the main problem I have with Zorro. She "jumps with her teeth" - she jumps up and bites my clothing. That is why I mostly wear this ratty old jacket when I go in the yard, to keep her from ruining my good clothes (I don't know what I'll do when the weather gets too hot for wearing a jacket). She also play-bites my ankles and pulls on my pants legs. As can be seen in the video, I've tried ignoring her when she does that (sometimes that makes her stop, but today it didn't), I've tried shouting "OUCH!", I've tried sternly telling her to stop, I've tried hitting her when she jumps... that makes her growl angrily and get more aggressive. I've tried praising her when she doesn't do it. Nothing seems to help. I don't know what to do.

"" (Watch on YouTube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df9CEfwXLpA

Comments

[andrewducker]

If you haven't seen The Dog Whisperer TV series, with Ceasar Milan then I highly recommend that you watch a few episodes. I don't even have a dog, and I'm fascinated by it.

[darkoshi]

I've seen it a few times. I don't get it on TV as I don't have cable. I was considering getting it from Netflix, but after reading some other peoples comments about the show, I am uncertain. There appears to be much controversy over the techniques used on it (I have to take the time to read that 2nd link). For now, I've got several other dog training videos in my queue.

[syrtia.livejournal.com]

A few things I'm noticing from the video...

1) Consistency. You act differently each time the dog does it. You've got to decide on ONE strategy and stick with it. It can take a week or two for a dog to catch on.

2) You have a soft, high pitched voice. The word "Stop!" accentuates this. When you say it, you tend to back away from the dog as well.

Use the word NO! and concentrate on making it as deep and growly as possible. Draw the word out. Roll the "o" in the back of your throat. Step in towards the dog and loom over it a bit.

Your body language/voice message needs to change from "Please don't hurt me" to "I'm gonna fuck you up".

3) Work on establishing dominance through other activities. Get a choke chain and a leash and start doing some obedience work. Force extended stays and downs. Make the dog roll over, roll it over physically and hold it there if you have to. Right now it doesn't believe that it HAS to listen to you.

4) You could get some Bitter Apple spray and coat your jacket and a designated pair of pants in it. Wear them outside during a daily training session for a few weeks. I don't think it will fix the problem on its own, but the bad taste combined with proper negative reinforcement would help.

5) If you can't manage the right body language/voice, consider a remote control shock collar. Its a consistent negative reinforcer that won't be ignored.