Dog Community

Puppy nipping....

Posted : 9/28/2006 6:03:37 PM

I posted a couple of weeks ago about our puppy biting ankles and feet - OUCH! I felt I was handling it well by commanding him to "sit" during this inappropriate play. It only worked for a while.

He's gotten more frisky (I don't want to say "aggressive", but that is what it feels like to the one getting bitten!), and the "sit" command just isn't cutting it anymore.

I don't like holding his snout or hitting him on the nose, as has been suggested to me by SO many people.

So I need HELP.

Thanks!

Xeph

Posted : 9/28/2006 9:56:40 PM

Well, telling him "Sit" wasn't teaching him biting is inappropriate. What I suggest is playing the exchange game. Always have something that is "better" than your hand. A rope tug, a chew bone, a kong, something.

"Ah ah! No bite! Take this instead!" If that doesn't work and the puppy persists in his nipping, it's time to put him on ignore. You don't give him the time of day. You walk away and do something else, don't even speak to him. Ignoring is the most powerful form of punishment to a puppy. If they got to rough with a littermate, the littermate would yelp and leave. "I'm not playing if you won't play fair."

Very effective.

spiritdogs

Posted : 9/29/2006 7:07:13 AM

The best solution for puppy nipping is exercise. It's really hard to bite when your tongue is hanging out.
If the pup does nip, you say "ouch" and withdraw all attention (I use the bathroom a lot when I'm raising a puppy LOL).
The "trade" game is good - allowing the pup to chew on appropriate items is great.
Don't push at him (he thinks you want to play more), or grab his muzzle (he thinks you are an aggressor, and may someday tell you he's had enough).
HTH

Kiera Carlson

Posted : 9/29/2006 4:14:42 PM

Thanks to both of you - - all good ideas. I have been ignoring him when he gets too rough, and it has helped a bit. I think he may need more exercise. We've gotten very busy since school started, and when we all come from school, it's all about homework and music lessons. We need to build in more Puppy Time.