Nipping
Now it is time to positively reinforce alternative behaviors. This can be done in
several ways. Try to only pet your dog when he is calm or preoccupied with a chew
toy. The more exercise you give your dog the calmer he will be and the more
opportunities you will have to pet him. You should also practice the following exercise
with your dog in order to teach him not to bite the hand which is petting him. To do
this sit in a chair and put some treats in one hand. Pet the dog once while distracting
him with the baited hand. It is important to present the dog with the baited hand
before he begins to nip. After repeating this a few times you can gradually increase
the length of time the dog is pet before giving him the treats. This can be done by
closing the baited hand into a fist. The dog will most likely sniff the hand and lick it
while you are petting him. After a few moments open the hand and allow him to eat the
treats. If the dog puts his teeth on your baited hand stand up quickly and hold the
baited hand over your hand wait two seconds and then sit down and try again. If he
jumps for the hand wait until he stops jumping for two seconds and then sit down and
try again. Eventually the dog will learn that if he puts his mouth on your skin he will not
receive a treat and you will not pet him.
You should do your best to set your dog up to succeed by being able to distract him
whenever petting or playing with him. If a situation occurs and you were not prepared
to distract your dog you should freeze if he starts nipping. It is very important not to
move at all. This includes not pulling your hand away since this may instigate more
play and/or nipping. Once the biting stops wait two seconds and begin to pet or play
again. If your puppy begins to nip again freeze once more. If after freezing twice the
behavior does not noticeably decrease abruptly walk away and even leave the room.
By being consistent and setting your dog up for success, puppy nipping should no
longer be a problem. It is also important to give him appropriate chew toys in order to
provide him a release for his nipping desires. If none of these methods work for your
puppy please contact us so we can discuss more options specific to your dog and your
needs.
several ways. Try to only pet your dog when he is calm or preoccupied with a chew
toy. The more exercise you give your dog the calmer he will be and the more
opportunities you will have to pet him. You should also practice the following exercise
with your dog in order to teach him not to bite the hand which is petting him. To do
this sit in a chair and put some treats in one hand. Pet the dog once while distracting
him with the baited hand. It is important to present the dog with the baited hand
before he begins to nip. After repeating this a few times you can gradually increase
the length of time the dog is pet before giving him the treats. This can be done by
closing the baited hand into a fist. The dog will most likely sniff the hand and lick it
while you are petting him. After a few moments open the hand and allow him to eat the
treats. If the dog puts his teeth on your baited hand stand up quickly and hold the
baited hand over your hand wait two seconds and then sit down and try again. If he
jumps for the hand wait until he stops jumping for two seconds and then sit down and
try again. Eventually the dog will learn that if he puts his mouth on your skin he will not
receive a treat and you will not pet him.
You should do your best to set your dog up to succeed by being able to distract him
whenever petting or playing with him. If a situation occurs and you were not prepared
to distract your dog you should freeze if he starts nipping. It is very important not to
move at all. This includes not pulling your hand away since this may instigate more
play and/or nipping. Once the biting stops wait two seconds and begin to pet or play
again. If your puppy begins to nip again freeze once more. If after freezing twice the
behavior does not noticeably decrease abruptly walk away and even leave the room.
By being consistent and setting your dog up for success, puppy nipping should no
longer be a problem. It is also important to give him appropriate chew toys in order to
provide him a release for his nipping desires. If none of these methods work for your
puppy please contact us so we can discuss more options specific to your dog and your
needs.
There are two types of nipping, friendly and serious.
Friendly nipping occurs during play and stages of
excitement. Serious nipping, on the other hand, is when
a puppy nips in order to say "No I don't think so!" If you
know or think your puppy is a serious nipper you should
contact a trainer immediately so proper actions can be
taken. If your puppy is engaging in friendly nipping there
are several actions you can take to manage it.
Friendly nipping occurs during play and stages of
excitement. Serious nipping, on the other hand, is when
a puppy nips in order to say "No I don't think so!" If you
know or think your puppy is a serious nipper you should
contact a trainer immediately so proper actions can be
taken. If your puppy is engaging in friendly nipping there
are several actions you can take to manage it.
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