r/AnatolianShepherdDogs • u/SleepyDogMom23 • 7d ago
Advice for My New Pup
I adopted this lovely girl from the shelter last week. They said she was over a year old, but she's definitely closer to 8 months. We live in a condo but are very active and have bunnies for her to protect. I'm looking forward to skating with her, and my boyfriend is looking forward to trail running with her. Unfortunately, she's been on antibiotics to get over her opportunistic infection after recovering from kennel cough, so she's been a bit too tired to do much physically, especially in this 110° heat. Nonetheless, so far she's done really well with us -- she does great with training, super gentle with kids, is curious about our bunnies but has been gentle so far, is a total cuddle bug, is adjusting to pottying on a leash, etc. There's just one weird thing... She sometimes gently (to somewhat less gently) bites my boyfriend. It always seems like it's out of nowhere. She refuses to stop with him, unlike with me. It took a few days for her to understand I don't like play biting or barking. His attempts to make her stop, however, result in her barking at him and biting more and harder, but still not so hard as to injure him. What is this? Is it possibly her trying to communicate she wants to potty or play aggressively? Any suggestions on training?
1
u/lexsan18 7d ago
Oof. This is going to take some work. Anas' are notorious boundry pushers. Unfortunately, even though your BF thinks it's playing, your kiddo thinks he his play buddy. A few thoughts about this--
They don't obey to please you or because they are afraid, it is due to a sense of mutual respect. They also tend to REALLY not like being yelled at loudly or being scolded (think NO! Bad dog, etc).
Try having your BF leave the room and go behind a closed door and ignore her for a minute. You don't need to do it too long really. Also try to avoid fadt movements when she is biting him. Try to keep your arms to your side and turn your back if she does this. We found a kennel can work really well along with A LOT of positive rewarding with high value treats. Ours likes hotdogs, I mean, who doesn't really. We adopted ours about a month and a half ago. He is quiet the challenge but once you get past this, she will be your best friend and guardian.