Hi, My baby is almost house trained...touchwood on that And his croco phase also seems to lessen a bit now but his pawssss his paw nails are so hard they always leave a scratch on my body and now he keeps using his paws on my hands to either get something from me or to just get my attention. I cut his nails just 15 days back but now they are so hard that it becomes unbearable when he scratches me even out of love....what can i do to make his nails hurt us less ???
Hi, If it were me then rather than focusing on the nails themselves (cutting them) I would be focusing on the behaviours. You say that he uses his paws to get something from you or to get your attention - simply ignore these 'requests'. Otherwise, from the dog's perspective, what he is doing works so he will keep doing it. Attention is given for good behaviour and objects are allowed to be taken when you say 'Take it'. Be quick to reward the good behaviours so that these become more attractive (and the pawing becomes less attractive).
I do agree with that - worst thing I ever taught Charlie was to offer a paw. I'd never do this with a puppy again. It took absolutely ages to get him to stop using his paws to ask for things. UncleBob is right - just ignore it, or move away slightly, and it will wear off in time.
I agree 'give a paw' is not needed or necessary. The tendency to jump up can follow from paw up too. We taught Tatze 'give a paw' and 'high five' but have dropped it now. My Guide Dog pups are never allowed to put paws up for safety reasons (their owners won't see them doing it and hot drinks could be knocked out of hands) and - since I have had them - I have realised what a good idea it is not to teach 'give a paw'!
Glad I've read this now, I won't teach the give a paw. We do a daily teeth and paw check just to keep Dexter use to having them looked at to help with vet appointments etc. I'd never have thought of it aiding pawing for treats etc. Thank you, this forum is just brilliant.
I agree with UncleBob concentrate on the behaviours. I've never taught Mabel to offer paw as one of my brother's dogs was taught this and she is an absolute pain. He doesn't mind it, so the behaviour will never become extinct. Have you thought of clicker training, it's such fun.
Myles is awful for this. His paws are the most dangerous things on him. He uses them a lot, mostly my fault for not discouraging it. I've noticed it getting worse lately so I'm going to have work on it. I use to think it was cute (I kinda still do ), but I can see where it's causing a behavior problem. So I agree with the others to work on discouraging it and rewarding good behaviors.
Same as mylestogo i too thought of it as cute but slowly and gradually his paws are getting stronger and all m getting is a new scratch everytime he tries it....though im telling him to get off but not every time thats what my mistake is i got it now. All he wants is to put his front paws first on bed and then on my hands and want my hands in his mouth though I discourage it mostly but now need to be more strict I guess. When will he stop this chew thing on hands clothes etc???
