Checking - in, doing the right stuff?

Max, our 10 1/2 wk old GSD pup just loves running after you when you are walking and grabbinh your trouser leg.

We are stopping and distracting him with a treat and/or toy to stop him. It does work and he is starting to do it less.

Similar situation with the cats. Just wanted to check-in with you all that we're getting this right or if you have anything further to add?

Ta.

I don`t think the odd OI! and turning away does any harm.

Yes "oi" is a good one for this, but this is also a really great time to get his attention onto YOU rather than those trousers legs lol! Try distracting him when he starts with an inquisitive "hey" "look at me" "see what I've got/what I'm doing, it's much more fun" you can't start too early with that focus on yourself! You have to act the fool yes, but that's all part of the training imo!

There is a danger that positive rewards for any behaviour encourage it once the dog learns that attention comes form it.

If you see what I mean----if what you are doing works then that is great but be aware that it could have a down side.

Have fun!

rune

Thanks! Like that, seeing it as an opportunity to get the focus on us. Great stuff, ta!

Yes, wondered if he would cotton-on to it....he's very bright!

this is not advice but oi works for me. I find some dogs, once they know not to do it, will not even when unsupervised. And some look to see if any one is watching!

Id say get him onto a toy and if you can get him to stop and look for his toy instead, then you give him it. So he isnt just being given something straight after tugging your clothes, but is learning something else instead.

No expert but just what I would think...

I redirected to a toy where possible, usually BEFORE Rupert actually grabbed my arms or legs or whatever other part of me he could get hold of. If he refused to redirect I just went "uh uh" and left the room for about 30 seconds. Simply turning away didn't work with him, he'd just carry on jumping all over me, grabbing me and biting me. He wasn't a pup though.

This sounds just what I did when Flame was a pup. Yogi wasn't a biter at all.