Finding My Inner Alpha

Don't be fooled by the innocent look in these eyes: this dog can be a monster. He's a puppy. He is learning how to behave in the world. I have been trying to get him as much exposure to other dogs as possible without yet being able to take him to a dog park or big play group since he still needs his last canine influenza shot. After all, well-behaved dogs are the best teachers for a mischievous puppy.

What I am noticing is that he's real slow to pick up what other dogs (and what I for that matter) are putting down when it comes to play. He's so excited and enthusiastic that he doesn't get that bared teeth and growl from a dog means "stop jumping on my face," or that me walking away means, "I really like these jeans - stop eating them while they are still on my body."

My hands and forearms are covered in scratches from his razor-sharp puppy teeth. Several items of clothing have small holes from his repeated and insistent biting. And, there are nights that dealing with him nearly brings me to tears. I try to remember this is just a phase, and then I try to find a way to make it stop - or at least keep it from escalating to the point where I start bleeding.

All the advice I have read about physically removing myself or yelping does not work. For Reese, he just assume this is how I play. I walk away, and he thinks, "YAY we're playing chase!!!" I yelp, and he thinks, "OOOOH. I am so winning the game." I give him a toy, and he thinks, "Okay, lemme hone my chewing and chasing skills, so that we can get back to the really fun game where I bite her hands, feet, and legs." I sometimes worry our dog will develop a taste for human flesh if I don't put a stop to this and soon! So, I am working on a new strategy: showing him I am the alpha. When he starts getting really bite-y, I don't walk away. I walk toward him. I make him back away. I am calm, but I am firm - as Cesar Milan used to say on Dog Whisperer, I project "calm, assertive energy." I need to show him that I am pack leader, and I am not going to tolerate that kind of crap in my den.

While it doesn't necessarily stop play time, so far it seems to keep it from escalating. And, and this point, I will take it. He's going to be a big boy, and we need to nip all the nipping in the bud. Reese really is a sweet, good natured boy. And the sooner we exorcise (and exercise) away the demon dog, the happier we will all be! Until then, I just need to continue to show him that I am the bad bitch in the house, and he needs to respect my authoritay.