Comment

Comment by Jane Christensen on March 22, 2013 at 10:26pm

I agree with Bev about the physical correction. I use a firm and loud "owe" fold my arms, turn away and totally ignore. I have done this to all mine and it works quickly. Nipping has nothing to due with teething. To me there's a big difference between lunging at a face and mouthing my fingers. Sage gently mouths my fingers when I return home but it's not a nip.

Comment by Maple (owners Alicia n Orlando) on March 22, 2013 at 9:27pm

Maple was indeed a nipper. We got her when she was 12 weeks old, and her natural instinct was noticeable immediately. What we did was step on her toes every time she would attempt to nip, and let me tell you...she caught on right away that that behavior was unacceptable! Now I know this sounds "mean" or "cruel" but as Rae stated, doing something that makes Boris feel uncomfortable will do the trick. However, I never recommend stepping hard enough to make little Boris yelp. Always gently enough to get your point across. Good luck!

Comment by Bev Levy on March 22, 2013 at 9:16pm

I have had good luck with a high pitched dramatic screech everytime the teeth touch the skin and a short time out if they continue. Be cautious about using any physical correction because it can cause more excitement and make the puppy even more nippy.

Comment by rae on March 22, 2013 at 3:20pm

oh that's cool, boris is the same age as our pup!

we've been told from a number of sources that no amount of teeth is ever ok, or should ever be allowed.  did your trainer have any suggestions?  there are a few things you can to, along with what lilo said of saying ouch and such.

also, any behavior you do not condone, you should make uncomfortable for the puppy. so they do not want to do it any longer.  

maybe some quick time outs?  or just ignore the puppy/stop play all together.  that's how they learn in the litter, if one is too vicious in play, bites too hard, the others won't play with it.  then the puppy learns what is acceptable behavior (puppy manners).

Comment by Lilo Bandit & Koda's mom Shannon on March 22, 2013 at 2:37pm

What has worked really well for all of my puppies is saying "ouch" really loudly to startle them and act like I am in pain. Also, quickly (but firmly, not causing them pain) grabbing them with my fingers (mimicking a mother dog scolding a pup with her mouth) gets the message through that it is not acceptable behavior. It only took a few more times of this reaction from me before they all stopped.