Is Puppy Nipping A Problem For You? - The Reason Why You Must Stop This Behavior Today!

Posted by Puppy Trainer on July 12th, 2010 filed in Dogs

Nipping or playful biting is common in puppies and some older dogs.  Dogs explore the world thru their mouths, so nipping is natural and not assertive.  It is how they communicate, interact, explore, and play. 

Puppies play by biting and mouthing each other and dogs that were removed from the litter too early, and whose owners inspire rough play will nip in emotional duress.  Puppies, thru sibling play learn bite inhibition.  If a young dog bites another puppy too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly and stops playing with him.  The biter learns that such bite force results in social isolation. 

Your skin is more sensitive than a pup, so teach your dog or dog to control nip pressure.  Play with him, but when he nips too hard shout “NO” and loudly experiencing discomfort. Turn your back to him, get up and stroll off face and eyes averted.  Don’t talk or touch him for 30 seconds - long enough for the lesson to sink in, but not so long that he forgot and started playing with something else. 

Also, your dog needs chew toys.  When playing with him, if he snaps your hand or face, say a sharpened, “No!” When he stops, give him the gnaw, and when his jaws close around it, praise him. 

If your dog is over excited and keeps nipping, give  ‘time out’.  Take him to his crate or a little room and leave him alone there for five minutes.  Resume play but tone it down till he can put up with play without nipping. 

High energy herd breeds are naturally overexcited and mouthy so no contact play like Frisbee or fetch works best.  Avoid rough play like slap-boxing or rough wrestling.  Keep games friendly and low key. 

I know many dog and puppy owners who are frightened to take their dogs out in public due to their fret that their animal may bit another dog or perhaps a person.  If you think you can have a dog or puppy that could be lured in doing this then you should take action now before it is too late.  When you first get your little dog it is imperative that you introduce your little puppy to as many people and other dogs as practicable this will make him more socially aware and you’ll find that you have a lot less problems in the future.  If you are not willing to try this then you really need to think about if a young dog or dog is for you.

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