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Old 03-06-2009, 04:44 PM
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SchnauzerWowzer SchnauzerWowzer is offline
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Re: At breaking point!

Hi, I think you have already been given a lot of good advice, but I just wanted to say that I have a 5 month old Giant Schnauzer who has been extremely hard work at times because of her 'play biting'. I also have 4 kids so it was really important to get on top of it as soon as possible. In the early days it was hard to spend any time at all with her when I wasn't feeding, letting her out or walking her because she constantly bit. In the evenings when the kids were in bed I would try and let her come in and let her settle at my feet but I couldn't take more than 10 minutes at a time. In the garden she would almost go into a frenzy going for my hands, feet and ankle(which were black and blue!).

I posted on another forum with a very similar post to your OP and got loads of different advice including the excellent article(The Bite Stops here) as already sited. I tried yelping - no effect, I tried ignoring -very difficult with a Giant Schnauzer jaw clamped around your ankle kind of makes it hard to get away, I tried saying no like I really really meant it but still it went on! I must also confess that I 'Alfa Rolled' her twice in desperation, her frenzied could be rather scary, but this turned a play frenzy into aggression so I personally would not recommend it!

Now she is 5 months and still play bites though much much less towards the kids and definitely not the toddler(she seems to realise thats a big 'no-no'). She will settle down for a cuddle and after a few minutes start to bit my hand as if she wants comfort and to ease tooth pain from teething, and she still grabs my clothes and jumps up an tries to nip, but she is getting better all the time!

In the end I think it is just consistency and saying 'No' in your bestest biggest scary voice then making it clear the game is finished and you don't want to be in their company thank you very much(you can come back when you are prepared to behave yourself!!).

Anyway, best of luck, I'm sure in time both our dogs will get there in the end!
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