Little Blue started nipping last night.

WELL our little Blue fiqured out nipping last night, we never had that will Sami. It was actually kinda funny , my daughter came home and the pup went running to see her, just woke up from nap and ready to go. Well Darion says awww Blue came to say hi, and at that moment Blue ran behind her and nipped at her a few times, well next thing my daughter was on the couch safe spot for now. Well Blue thought this was great she has come after me, what I have been doing is holding his mouth close and saying no. He does stop at that time. Is this the best way or should we be doing something else.
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Click the word "Search" at the top and type in "nipping." You'll get hundreds of threads and all kinds of advice.
There are so many reasons puppies nip - teething, something tastes good, investigating, etc.

Here is how you can redirect her attention:

* Only pet her when she is calm or tired – a tired puppy is much less likely to nip.
* Teach her to chew on appropriate toys instead of your hand. As she starts nipping at your hand, give her a Nylabone, Velvet Bone, Kong, etc.
* Practice basic obedience exercises (Sit-Stay, Down-Stay) around distractions to teach her to focus on you and develop some impulse control.
* Exercise your her daily.
* Have at least 2 toys and/or treats on hand before you begin interacting with the puppy or when your daughter or anybody enters the house pick up a couple of toys and when Blue is approaching throw the toys away so instead of paying attention to you he will turn around to catch the toys.
* Spray your hands with Bitter Apple to deter her from chewing before you attempt to pet her. Your skin will taste bad when she puts her mouth on you, which should cause her to avoid doing it again.
* “Freeze” each and every time she touches your skin with an open mouth.
* Make a loud “yikes” sound whenever she puts his mouth or teeth on your skin.

You don't have to do all of it, but you can see which one works the best for all of you especially Blue. Whichever he dislikes the most will work the best. :wink:
thanks ya all
Your solution of holding the dogs mouth shut and giving it a shake and saying no will work if you praise immediately as you let go. You should also repeat the modification process by replacing your hand in the dogs mouth as if it is nipping. Repeat several times until you see the dog not wanting your hand in its mouth. The problem with most of the advice you get with this issue is that it, in one way or another, reprimands the dogs for biting but does not reward him for not biting. The praise in my described protocal rewards the correct behavior in a timely manner to encourage the dog to not bite but instead to ask for attention by being still.
Ethological studies have shown that anytime a reprimand or redirection is utilized that a praise reward provided within 1/2 second of the action will dramatically increase the desired behavior. Thus the success with such things as clicker (reward) training and praise only training. A treat can not possibly be given quick enough to allow maximum retention of the immediately connected behavior. Remember you are dealing with a simple minded creature and the closer you can connect things consistantly the easier it is for the dog. Also when using such things as squirters, bitter apple, ect you still must train or be prepared to squirt forever and spray your entire body with bitter apple. Humane should be defined in the dogs eye not the humans-- what people view as humane such as using treats to train is often viewed from the dogs view point as mentally disruptive and traumatic. I could go into tremendous detail and explanation but I don't have the time. Good luck and be attentive and predicting when working with your pup!
Thanks for asking for help in this frustrating area.

ej wrote:
what I have been doing is holding his mouth close and saying no. He does stop at that time. Is this the best way


To answer this particular question, in my opinion this is not a good idea. Dogs should never fear the approach of a hand to their face...ever. This is how bites occur, and can create problems for putting on collors, looking at teeth, eyes etc. There is no way that your pup will be able to understand when a hand is coming to restrain his mouth or to give him a nice scratch under the chin.
Hands should be used for pleasant things like treats and pats...That's it. If I move to place my hand on either one of my dogs faces they move towards my hand, and sniff for treats...LOL

ej wrote:
should we be doing something else.


Lots of great advise has been given already, like freezing, yelping high-pictched like a puppy, and provding a chew toy or ball to mouth instead. Good luck!
actually with me holding mouth closed for a second, and then letting go I had only had to do this maybe 5 times no yelling not even firm hold and he has stopped just once and I turned around bent down and said no did not have to hold mouth he just stopped and never had any more problems.
When Heart came to me 4 weeks ago at 2 months old, she was nipping alot, coming from her mom and 6 siblings, that is the only way she knew how to play and get attention.

When she nipped at me, I would yell an "OWIE"!!! and move away from her. When I would cuddle her, she would try to mouth me and I would say NO!, "kiss, kiss" and when she 'kissed', I would praise her alot.


Today, I can pick her up and she snuggles me, most times she licks me and I am always saying "good puppy, good to kiss!" If she begins to mouth me when she is excited I say NO...and immediately place a bone or squeaky by her and she chews on that and I immediately praise her.


These are my ways I have stopped the nipping,mouthing. I have 4 grandkids and Heart has not tried to nip or mouth them yet, but I will be ready if (when) she does. :lol: :lol: :lol:
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