Unlike others, I *will* correct a 10 week old for play biting if it hurts! If we could make a comparison to humans, they're not an "infant", more like a 2-3 year old human child. Most bitches start correcting their puppies for biting and inappropriate behavior around 6 weeks, give or take (which is why I like puppies to have access to their mom, so she can start teaching them bite inhibition!!). My correction, depending on the puppy and its temperament, is to either simply say ouch and withdraw from play, up to firm "OUCH" (never shrieked and never shrill, low and growly if necessary) and yes, even physical correction (muzzle squeeze, scruffing, perhaps some lemon juice or Binaca if they're REALLY bad about it and I'm prepared). As soon as the puppy has stopped biting (which they WILL do), I follow it up with praise and engaging in appropriate play...tug of war being one of my favorites. If the puppy's mouth is full of toy, it's not full of my hand. This said, some dogs (retrievers in particular), like to "hold" things like hands and arms. If they're gentle, I will not get on them for it, although I usually continue to replace and encourage a toy instead. Correcting a puppy for doing that kind of "holding", is not fair. They think of it as a loving gesture. It does NOT sound like this puppy is doing that, though. I've only known a few GSDs that do that anyway. In short, if it hurts, I correct appropriately and redirect play. Julie Degen In a message dated 2/19/2013 1:09:07 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Msg: #4 in digest Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:19:57 -0800 (PST) From: Samuel Israel <israelfriedberg@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: question-puppy play biting. One of the buyer's of my puppy has asked what they should do to stop their puppy from "play biting". The puppy is just 10 weeks old and they have had it for only 5 days. I suspect that the puppy does this because it is use to play biting with her siblings-- they play wrestled with each other a lot. Any suggestions? Sam ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2012. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================