Have a question/problem

It's been about three weeks since I adopted Indy, he is the more adorable and loveable dog you will ever meet but he does have his little dark side. About a week after adopting him, we were finally able to take him outside after his surgery and he was having fun running around. He soon started to act out, kind of chasing me or my parents when we'd walk outside...jump and start to bite our clothes. I'd point my finger at him and tell him in a firm voice "No", that only angers him more and he barks back at me. He will continue to do it until we go inside and leave him to cool off.

He is still doing it, he gets more angry when you tell him no, I have tried turning him on his side and patting his nose telling him "No biting" and "Bad dog" but it doesn't seem to work. He gets even more upset and I have found myself holding onto his collar while he's having one of his fits and still trying to bite me. I was just wondering if anyone one of you have had simliar experiences or maybe know better techniques to discipline a puppy.

When he's inside the house he is completely different, he only seems to act out when he's outside.

How old is he?I only ask because Blue is now just over 4 months and he's starting to do some of the same things your talking about.I think it's his toddler stage and he's starting to act out a bit not sure though.

The shelter said he was about 4 or 5 months old but he looks older...so I'm going to say maybe 6 or 7 months (positive he's less then a year old though).

I think its common for younger dogs to act out and test the limits a bit.At least I'm hoping it is .

I hope so too because I don't really want to have problems with him in the furture, mush less get to the point where I might have to take him back to a shelter because he's getting to rough.

How is Indy on the leash does he behave?He may just need a bit more exercise they do seem to act up more when restless.I have been increasing Blue's exercise schedule to try and tire him out a bit more.If he doesn't get better through this method I might just put a spring pole up in the yard.I have been told to wait until a year old but this little bugger never tires and sometimes I'm flat worn out before he is.

Well right now I am not taking him out, he is on antibotics for "kenne cough" and I don't want to risk it getting worse.

As far as him on the leash, he does have the habit of biting the leash.

I'm betting that him not getting out and also not feeling well has a lot to do with his behavior.You could try putting the leash on him in the yard and let him walk around with it.You will be able to correct him a bit better and not have to put your hands so close to his mouth.You can pickup the leash if he acts up and correct him maybe get him to sit.Give him a treat when he takes the command and lots of praise.Did the vet tell you when he could get out to walk/run?A Tired dog is much easier to discipline and it may be a bit more difficult with not getting proper exercise right now.

I went through this exact same thing with my girl. I can't tell you how many holes she made in my shirts and trousers (while still on me...OUCH) and how frustrated I would get, sometimes close to tears.

The best thing to do is ignore him, and if needed to come inside. A firm NO is good, but if you keep giving him attention (even though you are trying to tell him off) he most probably will think it's all a game. If I pointed a finger at Roxy she would think I was playing too.


All dogs react differently. Some are quicker learners, some are more stubborn. You have to find what woirks best for you, but I honestly believe if you ignore the bad behaviour and remove yourself if you have to , that is a great start.
I also had a wire tie-out line in the yard for when my girl was too "energetic" to put it nicely. I would chain her to it for a couple of minutes while I was still in the yard, but completely ignore her. When she settled I would let her off and if she misbehaved again, she would get put on there again. She soon learnt if she misbehaved she would get no attention and when she was good we would play and have heaps of fun. Remember to praise him up "Big time" when he does the right things. ( I am in NO way suggesting you chain him for long periods or to leave him alone while chained.....only for a couple of minutes while still out there where he can see you and you can be sure he is ok )
Now, generally a stern "Uhhh, get down" is enough to get my point across


I'm sure others will have different suggestions, and probably a different opinion to mine but this is what worked for me.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how you're doing.

Milly doing the same sometimes she is 11 months now I just give a firm no and go away from her she hates that. Funny thing is tho she only seems to do it to me.

I agree with loopy

I think that ignoring them works best. They crave attention and hate to be ignored.

Loopy wrote:I went through this exact same thing with my girl. I can't tell you how many holes she made in my shirts and trousers (while still on me...OUCH) and how frustrated I would get, sometimes close to tears.

The best thing to do is ignore him, and if needed to come inside. A firm NO is good, but if you keep giving him attention (even though you are trying to tell him off) he most probably will think it's all a game. If I pointed a finger at Roxy she would think I was playing too.


All dogs react differently. Some are quicker learners, some are more stubborn. You have to find what woirks best for you, but I honestly believe if you ignore the bad behaviour and remove yourself if you have to , that is a great start.
I also had a wire tie-out line in the yard for when my girl was too "energetic" to put it nicely. I would chain her to it for a couple of minutes while I was still in the yard, but completely ignore her. When she settled I would let her off and if she misbehaved again, she would get put on there again. She soon learnt if she misbehaved she would get no attention and when she was good we would play and have heaps of fun. Remember to praise him up "Big time" when he does the right things. ( I am in NO way suggesting you chain him for long periods or to leave him alone while chained.....only for a couple of minutes while still out there where he can see you and you can be sure he is ok )
Now, generally a stern "Uhhh, get down" is enough to get my point across


I'm sure others will have different suggestions, and probably a different opinion to mine but this is what worked for me.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how you're doing.

I've tried to ignore Indy and it just makes him bite more, like it angers him that you aren't paying attention to him and therefore he bites more. Today was definitely difficult, he had a tantrum outside and starting biting my arm and jumping abit so I kept telling him "No biting" and tapping his nose but it only made it worse...he bite down harder. He was just impossible to work with so I went back in the house and left him on his own. My arm is actually sore from the biting he did, it was really frustrating.

I bought a muzzle from the local Petco but not sure if I should place it on him like a punishment or what.

Yes, i'm hearing you loud and clear. It takes me back to when my girl was a little pup. No amount of ignoring seemed to help us and she would keep jumping and nipping, all the while getting herslef more excited and me more uptight and frustrated ( I know people say to ignore them, but it IS VERY HARD to ignore a dog who keeps on and on) but it IS true, ignoring helps......that's why I got the tie-out line (see the links below)
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Ancol-Tie-Out-Stakes_CN15055.htm
http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/products-Rosewood-Tie-Out-Cable_CA1078.htm
This way you can move away and ignore your dog who will no longer be able to jump and nip at you. It certainly worked for me, but like I said in my earlier post.....Never leave your dog tied for long periods of time and I would never leave my dog alone while tied up. I always remained in the yard with her, but gave her the cold shoulder. Once they have calmed, walk back to them and praise for the good behaviour ( for being calm ) let them off and give them another chance. If they carry on again....on they go again...and repeat the whole ignore til calm, let off and try again. It may take some time, but like I say....It DID help us and it would be worth a try if nothing else seems to be getting the message across.

For inside the house I tied a leash to my HEAVY entertainment unit and used this in the same way as the tie-out line for outside. I could put her on the leash knowing she could not move from where she was and I could move away and ignore her till she was calm ( a crate could serve the same purpose, although it may not be good to use a crate as some form of punishment )

Good luck.

Oh,I also should mention.....a dog trainer once told me , No matter how frustrated you are, always try to keep a smile in your voice ( as in a pleasant tone ) when asking your dog to do something, for exa,ple.....sit, drop, stay, get down etc..... They will be more inclined to listen and do what you are asking if you are not angry.

Athos1022 wrote:

Loopy wrote:I went through this exact same thing with my girl. I can't tell you how many holes she made in my shirts and trousers (while still on me...OUCH) and how frustrated I would get, sometimes close to tears.

The best thing to do is ignore him, and if needed to come inside. A firm NO is good, but if you keep giving him attention (even though you are trying to tell him off) he most probably will think it's all a game. If I pointed a finger at Roxy she would think I was playing too.


All dogs react differently. Some are quicker learners, some are more stubborn. You have to find what woirks best for you, but I honestly believe if you ignore the bad behaviour and remove yourself if you have to , that is a great start.
I also had a wire tie-out line in the yard for when my girl was too "energetic" to put it nicely. I would chain her to it for a couple of minutes while I was still in the yard, but completely ignore her. When she settled I would let her off and if she misbehaved again, she would get put on there again. She soon learnt if she misbehaved she would get no attention and when she was good we would play and have heaps of fun. Remember to praise him up "Big time" when he does the right things. ( I am in NO way suggesting you chain him for long periods or to leave him alone while chained.....only for a couple of minutes while still out there where he can see you and you can be sure he is ok )
Now, generally a stern "Uhhh, get down" is enough to get my point across


I'm sure others will have different suggestions, and probably a different opinion to mine but this is what worked for me.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how you're doing.

I've tried to ignore Indy and it just makes him bite more, like it angers him that you aren't paying attention to him and therefore he bites more. Today was definitely difficult, he had a tantrum outside and starting biting my arm and jumping abit so I kept telling him "No biting" and tapping his nose but it only made it worse...he bite down harder. He was just impossible to work with so I went back in the house and left him on his own. My arm is actually sore from the biting he did, it was really frustrating.

I bought a muzzle from the local Petco but not sure if I should place it on him like a punishment or what.

Is he able to get proper exercise yet?If he is not getting proper exercise this can intensify the problem and will make discipline much harder.I would face the problem head on and stop giving way to his tantrums.Walking away is not the way to go in my opinion.I understand he is getting rough with his biting and that is why I suggest putting him on the lead to allow you to control his behavior without risking being chewed on.If he is unable to get out for a walk you can still do some lead work in the yard and get him to behave while on it.I would not go to the muzzle to punish him or tap him on the nose.If he acts up pickup the lead and use it to get him to behave.I have a much easier time controlling Blue on his lead than I do off.I'm sure there are many suggestions here and you will have to try them out and see what works for you and Indy.Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

When you ignore their attempts at getting attention they will go into what is called an extinction burst - they will try EVEN HARDER to get your attention. If you then end up saying "bad dog" or something like that, you reinforce the intensified behavior and you're likely to see an even more energetic extinction burst the next time you try to ignore (you are, in fact, teaching your dog to try harder). You have to ignore completely and all the time for it to work, but if you do it will work. Just remember that unlearning something always takes longer than learning something.

I agree with most of what's been said. Ignoring (totally - no eye contact, no touching etc) will work eventually. What Lisa sugests is certainly worth a try - use a lead to keep him in position while you totally ignore.

The only thing I really disagree with is pinning a dog down. Although it may work with a submissive but over excited dog, it won't work with a dominant dog, it will only frustrate and anger him. He'll end up not only resenting you, but actively avoiding you so you'll have to chase him around to get to him at all!

Lots of dogs see the garden were they do there thing as there territory, my boy is very territorial in the garden the behaviour you are stating sounds to me a little like dominance and attracting play but getting mixed up with the 2 I hope that makes sence.
I think a tyre, spring pole may help to redirect this behavior whichever way dont put up with it.
My boy knows that no-one is allowed out the gate to the front of the house and even when im putting out the bin weekly he tells me off he is doing what he knows a throw of his boomer ball takes away the behaviour for enough time and he is happy when the gate is shut

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions and stories about similar situations you all had. The tapping on the nose and telling him no doesn't work, he only bites harder. I once again tried to ignore him and walk away but he follows me, all the while jumping and biting me as I walk...so strike two. I think I am going to try Loopy's suggestion about giving him a time out and tying him up until he calms down.

I did have another moment with him this morning and I went and tied him up for a few minutes until he calmed down (he did whimper abit and finally laid down). I untied him and so far he hasn't acted out *fingers crossed*...so I'm going to see how this method works.

I will keep you all posted.

i have the same problem as all of u and my girl is 14 months old and no matter what i do she does it more so i will try the tie up method that is mentioned on here many thanks new staffy member