Excessive biting behavior. :( Help.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

So, Orwell goes through times when all he wants to do is bite our legs or feet. Even when we sternly discipline him, he continues to do it and will bark and growl at us. I need help to improve this behavior… everyone is getting fed up with it. 

That's all I really have to say about it… if anyone has specific questions about the behavior, feel free to ask. I just can't think of anything specific right now.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Kaitee, Can you take a video of him when he's at his worst with the biting? Just use your phone and then upload it here, so that we can see exactly what you're talking about.  Also, I'd be careful with that lime juice. If even a little bit gets in Orwell's eyes, instead of his mouth, you could cause real damage.  

When my two were puppies, we would all yelp loudly when their mouths hit our skin. Also, as Joanne has recommended, always have something appropriate for him to chew on and make sure that his mouth is occupied. Bravo makes bully sticks that are odor free; we used them A LOT when Charlotte and Wally were young. Also, don't be afraid to use the crate when you (and Orwell) need a break.  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Laurie had a great idea.  Let's see a video.   Dog's body language speaks more than sounds.  We need to see your dog.

Here is my dog at play. He is an adult dog playing with his toy. His body language is fine so is his growling and demeanor. 

He is playing :)

Turn up the sound

[Kaitee and Orwell]

This is about what he sounds like, but his growl is louder I would say.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Hopefully I can get a video today. If not, tomorrow. He probably won't have another "witching hour" spell as we call it until tomorrow.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

YES!   Remember, this is my 5 year old adult dog. He was a noisy monster at Orwell's age

Poodles are a noisy dog.  I hate to say noisy but many are chatty in nature.  They are smart and love communication.   

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Definitely learning that. At first I figured he would be more lab like because I thought he had the body of a lab, but he is turning out more and more poodley (even his body… without that fur, he is pathetic, lol).

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Ah Kaitee, I think I understand some of this now.  You mentioned in another post you have Aspergers. I totally get it now.

My son, also has a mild form of Aspergers. His voice is very monotonous without much variation in tone of fluctuations. . 

The first year of Spud's life he lived with us and was also in college. He had trouble changing his voice fluctuations to interact with Spud.  Yelping, firm 'no' voices, etc. I know you get it now  :)   

No worries. With time and training your dog will learn new commands. Not everyone uses fluctuations to train their dogs.  My trainer insisted I use a firm voice, but I just wanted to use a soft voice with commands.

Hey, this biting thing will pass and you and your dog will get past this. Do sign up for a puppy class!  Then around 6 -7 months go  on to take obedience.  

For now, just put him in a crate and walk away. Take a breath and go back when things are calm. It passes

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Here they are a few years ago when my son was very very ill.  This will be you two some day but ... it's going to take some growth and maturity with you and your crazy puppy 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

This reminds me of a picture I have with my old Bonny who was a yellow lab when I was sick as a child:

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

:)   Sweet

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Thank you… there always seems to be some kind of challenge with Asperger's. I know I have to change my voice, but it is difficult even though I'm improving. I envy my brother. He can imitate anything and everything. 

With commands like sit, I just use my normal voice. I don't try at all, and he has responded. 

I wanted to get another dog. I've always loved dogs, and I love Orwell. They are the best companions ever (especially for someone who as Asperger's). We are going to puppy class October 21st, and I plan on continuing with obedience as far as I can. I would eventually like to get a service title for him so I can take him with me on my commute to school. I wouldn't say that I absolutely NEED him with me, but I just think it'd be fun for me and him. (: He can be mentally and physically stimulated while I'm at school… except for physics and philosophy lectures that I only find interesting. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

There always is some challenge. My son got an awesome job this year after graduation. Today, he called to say his boss thinks he is so unenthusiastic and gives an " I don't care" attitude.  Really, his voice just sounds like he doesn't care and his eye contact can be poor, also so he comes across sometimes as almost like he is rude. People dont understand this communication.  Poor kid.  It certainly is a challenge that I hope, with recent publicity more people come to understand. 

Stay with us on DK.  We are a great group and have wonderful times--good and bad