Nipping... training a puppy, redirect this dog behaviorA nipping dog or puppy can hurt you. Learn how to redirect this behavior into something positive, and stop it altogether.
Both dogs and puppies are prone to a behavior known as “nipping.” This is especially prominent in herding dogs, it is an instinctual dog behavior designed to keep “herds” in place. It's also common in puppies as a way to deal with teething. Regardless of the reason, it's a behavior that can be at minimum annoying and at maximum a little bit painful.Training your dog out of this behavior depends on the age of your puppy or dog. As mentioned, puppies often nip due to teething, so reducing these behaviors is easier than a dog that nips as an adult. Nipping in PuppiesJust like infants, a teething dog feels an overwhelming urge to chomp down on something. Often times the thing that looks the most chewable is your toes, fingers or sock. Training a puppy to stop requires two different steps:* First, when your puppy tries to nibble at your foot, ankle or fingers, make a loud, whiney “yelp” sound and look your puppy in the eyes. This will teach your puppy that they just hurt you, and they will be less tempted to do so. * Second, after you have made the yelp sound, take your feet/socks/fingers away from your puppy and replace them with something they are allowed to chew, such as a rope. Your puppy needs to chew on something, so giving them an alternate item once they try to chew on your toes is usually enough to move the behavior to something more appropriate. Grown DogsIf you have an older dog, chances are very slim that your dog is trying act out. Rather, the likelihood is that your dog is simply used to communicating with its teeth. It may be hungry or trying to get you to play. Dealing with your adult dog requires firm, consistent training: * Any confusion about when this behavior is “okay” is going to make it hard to get your dog to stop. When you say “No,” you must say no to every little nibble and pinch, even if it does not bother you. Be firm - Be Consistent – if you let this happen at all, your dog is not going to understand when you want it to stop later. * Play less aggressive games – Take a break from tug of war, teasing, and other games that are generally acceptable but teach your dog that biting something aggressively is okay. Fetch should still be acceptable. * Remove the things that are "targets" for teeth and replace them with a toy that your dog is allowed to chew. Be sure not to hold on to the rope, because you do not your dog to think you are about to play tug of war. This is a common but easy to manage dog behavior. When you remain firm, consistent and give your puppy or dog a new toy to play with, it is easy to reduce the nipping and help yourself live pain free. To learn more about dealing with dog behaviors, read about our newsletter. Return from Nipping to Dog Training Assistant Home |
Dog Training AssistantGet free training tips for your puppy or dog from your dog training assistant. From basic to advanced obedience, and tips on barking, biting, jumping, digging and a whole lot more. Visit us at Dog-Training-Assistant.com