My partner and I recently obtained a white German Shepherd. She is 12-weeks old to-day and quite a handful. Often she may be therefore nice, but other times she's actually quite harsh.

Well, I do not know if vicious may be the right word, but when I tell her 'No'! she just gets more upset and lunges at me with her teeth bared.

I got a little pinch collar since she is a puppy but I have a question regarding how it will match. When I take 2 prongs out it's warm aga...

Hi, Adam!

My partner and I recently purchased a white German Shepherd. She's 12-weeks old to-day and a significant selection. Sometimes she may be therefore nice, but other times she is actually very vicious.

Well, I don't know if harsh could be the right word, however when I tell her 'No'! she only gets more upset and runs at me with her teeth bared.

I got a small pinch collar since she is a dog but I've a question concerning how it should fit. When I get 2 prongs out it is warm against her neck and I be worried about it being too limited. It sort of slides down her neck slightly and it circles around her neck and she continually scratches at it and does not stay-put, when I only take 1 prong out. Which will be the proper fit?

She is a truly handful and I think the touch collar is a great instrument, but I want to make certain it fits right so as not to cause her any discomfort.

You say in the book that you should be able to go fifty per cent of a hand in there, but I guess I'm just confused as to how you should judge the match.

Please help! I am afraid my time is running out to get her to begin obeying me. She doesn't see me whilst the Alpha dog quite yet and it is very frustrating to be with her for long periods of time. When I say 'Duchess, come' she only comes when she feels like it. With the touch collar, what is the easiest way to make sure she comes each time I call her? I do not want to go around yanking on her behalf neck, but in the same time she must respect me. Any methods you can give me on ensuring she sees me as the manager could be very useful!

Thanks,

Cassidy

Precious Cassidy:

When I refer to 'half of a finger space' in regards to the appropriate installation of the touch collar, what I mean is:

- If the average person's hand is inch wide, then there must be approximately inch of area between the conclusion of the prong and the skin of the dog's neck.

So, why do not I simply say, '1/4 inch of space'? Since it's easier to judge by sticking your hand under the prong than it's to break out your old high school leader.

Many of you (newsletter members) are undoubtedly wondering why I'd suggest a crunch collar for a pet. And my answer is: I'm maybe not. At least maybe not for many puppies.

But there are some puppies who'll not react to a simple diversion or verbal, 'No.' They will bite and cause puncture wounds on your legs and arms if they are not adjusted with this behavior. Therefore, if you have tried one other methods for coping with 'puppy taking' that I have discussed in the book, then you'll need to advance to a little pinch collar. (Also described in the book.)

'But are not they too young to get a pinch collar'? you're probably thinking.

The clear answer is: No.

They ARE too young for formal obedience training. (I.E., Sit, Down, Come, Heel, Stay). Once you see the adult teeth come in.. [this must begin. at approximately 4 to 5 months of age.]

But a puppy OUGHT to be fixed for biting... if you have found that directing his focus on a chew toy or another activity isn't working.

Why? Because the mother dog would not allow the dog to bite her. If the pup attacks her too much, she'll turn and bite the puppies neck.

From the puppies perspective, THIS HURTS.

But it doesn't cause harm.

And that's why the dog chooses not to bite the mother dog any longer. Since it does not feel great.

This is the same reason it is ok to correct a dog for extremely hard biting with the crunch collar. The touch collar replicates the mama dog.

Trust me on this: I have observed 11 week-old Rottweiler puppies and 10 week-old Jack Russell Terrier puppies who'd bitten through (actually) their owners hands with their needle-like teeth. The owners are nearly in tears with the idea that they could have to put their pet to sleep. They have tried each of the trash your read in the dog magazines.

Stuff like shrieking in a high-pitched voice. Or putting the dog in the crate. Or turning your straight back to the dog. But none of it works on a puppy who's intent on biting down as hard as they can on your gentle, human flesh.

Getting back o-n course... Just use good sense, when you correct the puppy. Going To here certainly provides lessons you should give to your pastor. Doesn't mean that you ought to or need to get that fast due to the fact your vehicle can accelerate around 140mph. The same goes for your crunch collar. If you are a grown-up and you may use reason and common sense, then you should be in a position to tailor the depth of your correction to correctly fit your dog's temperament.

How will you try this? You test.

Then next you must straight away offer him your hand again, if you correct the puppy for biting. If h-e immediately hits you again... then you now understand that your correction wasn't significant.

That is all for the time being, folks!

Adam.