Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by M. on March 8, 2010 at 11:24pm

There's a lot of different ways to train a dog not to nip. When my last corgi was a puppy we'd make a yelp when she'd nip or bite. Loud enough to startle her and let her know that she'd gone too far. When it was really too far we'd stand up and walk away. Play time was over.

Pretty quickly she learned what was and wasn't appropriate and we never had any problems with her nipping or biting.

A puppy doesn't know what does or doesn't hurt you unless they get feedback. They explore the world with their mouths. As long as you're consistent and work with her she'll grow out of it. :)

Permalink Reply by Gromit, Sparkle, and Doug on March 8, 2010 at 11:29pm

Good advice there from Michael. That's how we're handling Gromit. Nipping is never acceptable unless somehow the dog has been accidentally hurt (paw stepped on, that sort of thing) and responds instinctively. Even then I'd expect the dog to pull away quickly but not necessarily nip.

Permalink Reply by Alice on March 9, 2010 at 10:53am

Finn was terrible about nipping and mouthing when he was little. We would make a yelp sound and end the playing which he caught onto pretty quickly. The hardest part was getting guests to do this rather than encouraging the biting and egging him on until he over did it and actually broke skin. People are all too happy to teach other people's dogs bad habits.

Another thing that worked well was when he started biting my hands I would say "no" or "uh-uh", remove my hand then give him one of his toys such as a Nylabone and when he took it in his mouth I'd praise him. This teaches them that they can chew on their own things but not us or our possessions.

There was a time when I was laying on the couch and he wanted to me to play so he jumped at me and grabbed my sleeve and tore it. I stood up and clapped and gave a very firm no and he reluctantly walked away and laid down. I could tell he still wanted to play but he knew I was not in the mood. Some dogs are more sensitive than others. Finn is not very sensitive and nothing really phases him as far as corrections go so with him we have to be very firm. Other Dogs such as my Mom's Cardi look like you've hurt their feelings if you raise your voice to them at all.

Don't worry, she will outgrow it. It is a little disappointing though to think that you are going to get a puppy you can cuddle with but instead you get a furry piranha. :)