Subscriber Comments for
How to Nip Puppy Nipping in the Bud

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COMMENT 206084	2011-08-20 10:00 AM
He will grow out of this phase if you are firm but kind. My Corgi went through my collection of silk chiffon scarves and numerous shoes before reaching this goal.
COMMENT 206094	2011-08-20 10:14 AM
Keep a spray bottle of water handy and just give him a gentle spritz in the face when he nips.
COMMENT 206102	2011-08-20 10:34 AM
Chew toys, lots of chew toys. Give that puppy something to chew on.
COMMENT 206104	2011-08-20 10:37 AM
I second the spray bottle approach. Also letting out a a high pitch yelp, like one of his litter mates would do if he nipped them, also works.
COMMENT 206128	2011-08-20 12:07 PM
Puppies go through teething just like babies. They need something to chew. Find a good chew toy.
COMMENT 206133P	2011-08-20 12:18 PM
They sell puppy chews. Don't be cheap. Also stay away from rawhide.
COMMENT 206177	2011-08-20 02:35 PM
second 104. re-direct the activity, either with a suitable chew object, or with another activity. a good time to teach the "leave it" command. (dog visits forbidden object, you say leave it, and either entice or gently enforce the command. then praise, praise, praise.) you will use it so many times over the life of your dog.
COMMENT 206180	2011-08-20 02:46 PM
Also try yelping in a loud high pitched tone and moving away. This is what dogs do when they are bitten too hard when playing, and the other dogs learn. I recommend doing this any time their teeth touch human skin. No such thing as safe play biting with humans.
COMMENT 206194P	2011-08-20 04:02 PM
Ditto 177 - you took the words out of my mouth. Redirecting puppies has worked for me.
COMMENT 206204	2011-08-20 04:56 PM
177 you nailed it! "Interrupt and redirect", then reward for what you want. Simple, without the added side-effects that coercion can often lead to.
COMMENT 206405	2011-08-21 12:33 PM
If your puppy is a Queensland Heeler, Austrailian Sheperd, Blue Heeler, Catahoula, or a mix of any kind of herding dog, it is his nature to nip at feet, as they are bred to move cattle or sheep by nipping at the heels of the animal. It is their job, and what they are bred for. They move cattle forward by nipping at heels, they bring an animal out of heavy brush by nipping at their ears to move them backward. It may take time and lots of patience using gentle but firm aversion, and lots of praise whenever they stop, or even make the attempt to obey your commands.
COMMENT 206628	2011-08-22 09:28 AM
When our dog was a puppy, I "yipped" a little when she "bit" us. I think it stopped her because it was similar to what another pup would do if she was playing too rough. Gentle kindness and, like what was said, REWARDS for good behaviour. Not punishment for bad. Dogs don't understand what they're being punished for.

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