Nipping and Biting
A: Nipping and biting is how a puppy explores it's world
and learns it's boundaries. When you allow a puppy to nip or bite at you, or your clothes,
without an appropriate correction or consequences, you are actually teaching this
youngster that it is acceptable behavior. Not a good idea in the long run!
Time outs are great, they really teach the puppy that if they can't play nicely, they
can't play at all! When I have puppies that bite I have found two types of corrections
that work well for me. I don't recommend hitting a puppy or holding a puppy's mouth closed
for biting, rather, putting your hand OVER their muzzle and just pushing her lips into the
teeth, if they exert pressure downward, they only end up biting themselves. This does two
things: it gives them a correction, and simulates another dog putting it's mouth over
their muzzle. This mimics a common sign of dominance among canines, allowing you to
reemphasize your dominance over them! I also will use a little pinch on the lip as a
correction. With both corrections, I give a verbal correction "No bite" and when
they stop, I praise them. With perseverance and patience, you will eventually be able to
give only a verbal correction and have them stop. With puppies, it is often a good idea to
quickly distract them with an appropriate chew toy so they don't go right back to
"finger attack" mode!
If the corrections don't seem to work, then give time out, because they are either too
wound up or too tired and need a nap! It might seem endless, but keep up the corrections
you need to win this battle! Be persistent and they'll soon learn that nipping isn't such
a fun game after all!
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