hey guys me again. I got 6 month old Rottweiler and I'm having trouble with his mouthing. I notice everyday at certain in the evening he will without a doubt come over to me go under the table and start mouthing my knees and making all his noise he don't do it to my dad who's sitting opposite to me but only me dunno if it's cos I'm the one who trains, feed and walk and if he's trying his luck with alpha or just attention seeking????

But if tried everything like putting him in another room for a minute when he mouths,pet corrector spray, clove oil and he doesn't seem to sink in. In the end he just stays in the kitchen when he does it and he just mons a little bit throws himself to the floor in a tantrum and goes to sleep

He gets a lot of exercise when I'm home he's out for a long run up a massive field with other dogs for at least 2 hrs and then out with me for another couple hrs walking doing bits and bobs.

So any ideas from you lot be much appreciated

You need to be switching with him being you with a toy. Or ignore him and walk away.
Also at 6 months you should not be walking him this much, way way way too much for a young dog. He needs 30 mins max and I mean max as the amount you are putting on his poor joints.
He needs to be get mentally stimulated at this age not physically. Brain games and sound alike maybe his body is overtired. He still needs lots of rest as well.
Did you not get an info pack from the breeder advising all this. I have in mine and it covers mouthing. Do not let him do it. Transfer him onto something else he can. If he's tired let him sleep, pen or crate and give him a chew/filled kong as well.
Are you going to training classes with him too, this does help and when you implement that at home a number of times a day and reward good behaviour. I wouldn't be using clove oil, pet correctors etc.
He needs to be directed and trained and praised for when he's doing well and pointed in the right direction. They are a stubborn breed so keep at it and stop with the punishment training which is what you're doing at the moment when he mouths.

I'm not over exercises get him I obviously didn't explain it to well. It's general walk not putting strain on him he goes at his own pace and when I mean he's out with me doing errands it's usually in the car and hopping out the car for 10mins. Yes he's been going pup classes and he learns quickly but it's the mouthing he's not picking up. It's always at the same time everyday in the evening always an hour or 2 before he goes bed. It's not punishment I'm just trying to deter him from mouthing which obviously hasn't worked and putting him In the kitchen ain't punishment it's time out he can see us through the gate and he just plonks himself on the floor and goes sleep. And the toy don't work he just drops it and goes back to mouthing knees or lays there with his mouth around my foot making his talking noises.

> It's not punishment

But it IS!  Both the corrector spray and clove oil is just being cruel, and it's not the way to train a dog.

Is not being cruel. There are many ways to train a dog and what I was doing was NOT being cruel or I wouldn't of done it!!

There are many ways to train a dog and what I was doing was NOT being cruel or I wouldn't of done it!!

Well it seems you know what your talking about already so why ask advice if you know better than the long time members of this forum?!!!!!

I have a Rottweiler boy the same age as yours this mouthing is normal he is wanting attention it will stop as he gets older all you need is no say NO in a firm voice. You will ruin your boy if you are not careful by trying everything, keep it simple and be patient.
And as for walks my boy gets 15 to 20 minutes each day I am very concious of his growing bones but he gets lots of play and mental stimulation, yes he can be naughty and cheeky but I am enjoying him, he is a pup and he can't be perfect yet. In eight years time when your dog is old and slow you will wish you had this time again so enjoy him now you wont get this lovely puupyhood time back.

> In eight years time when your dog is old and slow you will wish you had this time again so enjoy him now you wont get this lovely puupyhood time back.

>

Hear hear to that part. It's gone in a flash never to return. Back to basics and being slow and patient I would think.

If its at meal times have you tried to feed him his meal at the same time? If say studying then possibly a play session before then reward him with a Kong stuffed with treats? We used to use either a bit of pate or peanut butter with a few favourite dog biscuits stuffed in! Could just be a habit his got used to using to gain attention from you.
It will take a while so a firm no, ignoring mouthing will pay off in time.

Hmmm I dunno he's been doing it since he was little before was just running about nipping jumping and got less and now it's just coming over to me and sitting there mouthing my knees or shoes making random noises it's always hour or 2 before bed I dunno if it's attention thing or comfty thing I play with him then stop after 15 mins then he comes over and does exact same thing. Then when it's around 9 round his bed time he just leaves me alone and then goes to sleep

> Is not being cruel. There are many ways to train a dog and what I was doing was NOT being cruel or I wouldn't of done it!!

No-one meant you were being intentionally cruel - please don't take it that way.

There are a huge amount of books of advice and methods of training. More by the minute. One minute you have Victoria Stillwell on the telly with positive reinforcement training. Then its Cesar Milan poking, light-kicking etc his dog. And years and years ago it was the strict Barbara Woodhouse and her methods. Each year there are more devices marketed to help with training and books to go with them. It's a mind confusion array of contradicting advice in many ways.

However - breeders on this forum including Rottweiler breeders manage to raise numerous dogs without fight or bite issues. They manage to have them in show rings and agility rings, flyball competitions and obedience, their dogs on each occasion stood calmly  amongst many many other dogs right from the age of 6 months onwards without issue.

These are the people who can REALLY help.  They know what works and what doesn't.  They watch various training system come into fashion and the invention of spray collars, pet correct sprays etc saturating the market. They do know what will help, what will work, and what you and I may not realise can be perceived as cruel to a dog or unnecessary. 

You sound like you love your dog and are doing far more than many dog owners in giving him a great life. Sometimes though there are times where we can inadvertently kill with kindness by overdoing the love, the walks, the training etc etc, not in any way wanting to harm, scare or be cruel but in fact the opposite, we want to be good owners giving our dogs good training, ensuring they don't have issues with biting etc in later life and have plenty of exercise. Unfortunately sometimes we can do too much not knowing in any way that it could be too much.

Don't get offended. Just take in some tips and advice from the above posters. They have helped me LOADS in the same way over the years.

My pup's the same age and he's started nipping more again.  I think we've cracked it then he gets worse again.  He's a lot smaller than yours (7kg) and has learned to 'bite' softly. A lot of the time I think it's like a comforter for him.  I don't stop his holding me when he's having a snuggle, though perhaps I should?  

What I discourage is his jumping up to grab at my clothes, he also runs behind me wrapping his front legs round my leg - these last 2 usually when I'm either in a hurry to go out or when I've just got back in.  These are excited, attention seeking behaviours and remind me to keep calm and be patient.  I stand still, say 'ah-ah' and give him a bit of attention when he stops - this might just be a good boy, a pat or chucked toy - again I'd be interested to know whether other people think this is the right approach.

I understand it's more difficult with a large Pup - harder to realise what babies they are too.  I wonder if I do the opposite and see mine as more of a baby than he is (small dogs mature sooner than large breeds) I've not had such a small dog before. 

I know I'm behind with his training, though he sits for his meals and for a toy to be thrown. I'm currently working on'watch me' he has to look in my eyes before I throw or play tug - quite hard as he loves games - fetch, tug.  I'm hoping this will help with 'self-control' amongst other things.

The only 'punishment' I use is my voice 'ah-ah'  though I do also get hold of hold of him to retrieve things from his mouth.  I've not mastered the'drop it' yet though he will'leave' when not overly excited and I see what he's up to before he gets it.

Please take note of the advice on here, I've found it invaluable (& it's freely given by very experienced, knowledgeable and sometimes professional people)  and I've had 1 - 3 dogs at any one time for the last 40 years.  I think I may be more like his granny than his mum as I'm in no rush for him to grow up and just want to enjoy his puppy enthusiasm.

If it's at the same time and the toys he have aren't cutting it then do some training to work that brain of his. Change that part of his routine because something isn't working for him.
I'd be inclined to do 5-10 mins of teaining, basic stuff and then either have him in the kitchen with a kong or a pen and go and do what you need to.
AH AH does work but it appears that you've allowed him to keep doing this since having him. Teach him the leave it command, when he mouths or chews something he shouldn't you should be able to say that and he backs away. Get some high value treats and toys which only come out when he does this as well.
Have you spoken to his breeder? Are they local? Maybe they or another breeder can come and see what's happening and give some advice once they can actually see what's going on.
We can only go on what you are typing on here.

Of course it's attention seeking, as you say he only does it to you, so it ahs obviously some sort of pay off for him.

I have bought him like puzzle toys but they don't last very long and not as sturdy for his heavy handy ness I did use to stuff his toys with treats when he started mouthing and that kept him busy for a while but that's kinda seen better days now. I recently got empty egg box put couple treats in it taped it up then wrapped newspaper around it and taped up he threw that around for a bit then just came over to me with dropped it put his head on my lap start making his noise and mouth a little. Just a weird habit he's got he would actually sit under the table and do it aswel it's just odd. As I'm typing now he's asleep and alday he's just been chilled out just from 7-8 in evening he will do it

Well the reaction he gets he goes in the kitchen when he does it and ignored he has his little 2min tantrum plonks himself on the floor and falls asleep then open the gate and he either starts mouthing again or sometimes does nothing and carry a on sleeping. Just why hasn't it sunk in thou ?

it's called extinction burst, based on same principle as slot machines work, in getting people to put in more coins, they occasionally get a return for their effort. :) 

For a dog attention is attention and worth having.

What do the people he does not mouth do, or did in the past???

>AH AH does work but it appears that you've allowed him to keep doing this since having him. Teach him the leave it command, when he mouths or chews something he shouldn't you should be able to say that and he backs away. Get some high value treats and toys which only come out when he does this as well.

SUEJAW I think I've complicated this e post by giving my 'own puppy tales'.  I use ah-ah' not the OP.  I appreciate your advice though, and youre absolutely right about leave it, though its drop it i havent sorted (not OP). I will continue to work on it.

I was trying to reiterate what you said that ah ah does work but it's being consistent with the training.

> Just why hasn't it sunk in thou ?

because he's a baby and sometimes it gets him what he wants attention, any attention.

Who is the breeder of your puppy? PM me if you like. I really think it would help to have a chat to them if reputable and also if they are nearby they will want to come and help or find a local breeder who will.

Sorry SueJaw. I couldn't tell who you were talking to.
Whichever it is, your advice is still good.

To the op if this happens after u have played with him it looks to me that he iscwanting to continue the play. Try teaching him an end of play action or word.maybe teach him to go his crate or bed with a small treatvand then ignore him.if he gers up again return him calmy and quiety no voice or eye contact It will take a while he is a baby.

> Just why hasn't it sunk in thou ?

It could be as you have tried a few different methods your pup is a bit confused on what your trying to do, and as said if he gets any rate tion for it sometimes (good or bad attention) those few times will encourage him to try again.

You need to sit down and work out a plan and stick to that. If he is doing it at the same time it could be he has some left over energy by that time (either physically or mentally) so it may help greatly if you set half and hour before that time for him to work it off by having a short trick training session followed by an interactive game with you. Then let him out to the loo and once back in work on getting him to settle down. You could teach him a bed command then give him a nice chew like a cow's ear to settle down with in his bed.
If after that he comes up to mouth you, I'd say a firm no and turn and ignore him completely.  If you want to stick with the exclusion route make sure when you put him in the kitchen you don't speak to him as you do it (as that's giving him attention) and you let him out once he is calm (if he has had time to fall into a deep sleep I'd wonder if he has been in there too long) once you open the gate if he does go back to mouthing you put him straight back and if he doesn't mouth reward him.

All training needs to be consistent and repeated, he will likely try harder before giving up.

I spend most of my time on another forum stressing that mouthing isn't teething.   However, at 6 months, have you considered, looked to check, this might be teething?

Much as I suggest he's probably pushing the boundaries - attention seeking.   In which case, 'push' back.

And do be careful re the exercise.   With my main breed we stress NO organised exercise at all for the first 6 months, and then only gradually building up the amount, so the muscles are able to develop to support the big bone so by around a year, the hound is still sound, and ready to take as much, or as little as the owner can provide.

I found last night giving him a long with peanut butter works and you stuffed with treats and work on getting them out has kept him busy and he mouthed a little bit and went in kitchen and was actually pretty good rest of the night. I have bed command which is just "bed" and only seems to actually work when itis his actual bed time works so well when he sees me going for the treat he's straight in his bed but won't do it in the middle of the day but there's someone always around so he don't need to go in

if he only goes to bed at bedtime it sounds like he isnt understanding the command in the way you want touse it yet.ie bed at any time I say/ I would suggest finding another command for the activity of going to the bed and being calm. If he is going to training ask the trainer to show you how to do a sendaway. it will take time as he is a baby and its an advance exercise  but worth being able to do. I have taught mine using mat and he will go to the area I point to usually a square of vet bed and lay down. We started that very early. You can then teach him to stay and give him the kong as a reward. all good mental exercise. bare in mind all the time it can take along time before a dog gets what you want and can do it in different places ( generalising ) and he is young so a few mins mental training is all he needs and then  break. expect him to get it wrong lots of times but ignore start again and praise

put away any form of correction sprays, clove oil etc and work on ignoring him or treating for the behaviour you want

you might find this interesting reading http://petskeepersguide.com/forums/Thread-The-Bite-Stops-Here-Teaching-Bite-Inhibition-Dr-Ian-Dunbar

All sounds good. I think with the bed thing is I taught at early to go there at bed time so I think I got him into that habit and never did it in the day only at night when he's pose to go bed. So like you said maybe bit of training doing it in the day I suppose

Think about finding out how to train a sendaway. Its a bit complicated to txt amd needs small steps for success
Then u can use at any time
Maybe if u go out with him and want him go amd lay down quietly or while u eat or when u dont want to play amd he ia demandingattention.  Dont use the same word this is a new exercise
.

I use 'in your bed' last thing at night or when we are going out. She knows that this means get into your bed, wait there and get a couple of biscuits and you will be on your own for a while. If I want her to stop pestering or whatever, I taught a 'settle down' command which means go and lie down quietly and leave everyone alone. I did start this when she was a young puppy saying 'settle down' just at the moment she was naturally lying down to have a sleep. She put two and two together quite quickly and will usually obey the settle command.
You could probably start to introduce saying settle down whenever you dog goes to have a sleep and seeing if he will catch onto the that. If nothing else, it's a new word to use.

> put away any form of correction sprays, clove oil etc and work on ignoring him or treating for the behaviour you want

The OP doesn't think those punishments are nasty.   I wonder if your post will work.  I did try to find the article on CM training being damned by all and sundry - including the KC, but can't find it.

The Kong filled with pate/peanut butter worked for us. Use say every other night so it's new still. Keep different size of kings too, it adds to the interest. We also hide two kongs downstairs when we go out, he finds one enjoys and then seeks out the other. You can get also a timed release treat feeder maybe this might help set at your mouthing time?

Facebook Replies:

Avril Young says: Mental stimulation... its just as important to tire the mind as it is the body! Play a game at this time... find treats hidden, play tug, lots of mental enrichment.... and when he mouths, don't lock him away...interact with him and redirect his mouthing to something more appropriate...

Rebecca Köhnke says: Agree with Avril on mental simulation. But also, this dog is getting waaay too much exercise! His bones are still growing, he should get a lot less exercise to help proper joint formation and prevent joint problems later on in life. Rule of thumb is five minutes per month of life until fully matured which is about 18mo for a rott. You can do this three or four times a day but he needs several hours break in between. Also too much daft running around can cause over exitement which can cause problems in the house.

> and when he mouths, don't lock him away...interact with him and redirect his mouthing to something more appropriate...

Great advice.  I used it years ago on a mouther and this has just brought it back to mind.  Put something in his mouth that he can chew until he tires of it.

and when he mouths, don't lock him away...interact with him and redirect his mouthing to something more appropriate...

Great advice.  I used it years ago on a mouther and this has just brought it back to mind.  Put something in his mouth that he can chew until he tires of it.

Zuma was a bit 'gobby & grabby' as a pup, I had various toys everywhere and as soon as he started - very indignant voice 'OY thats me !' and shoved the nearest toy into his mouth and praised.............it worked and even now (he is 8) if he goes to grab anything just an 'OY' still works and he backs straight off.