Puppy Nipping

Puppy nipping is by far one of the biggest things you want pay close attention to when bringing your new addition home.  Obviously, nobody likes a puppy that nips and bites consistently. Fortunately, there are many solutions to this common problem and most are quite simple! Some breeds take a little more time and patience than others, but all pups will get the hang of it with proper instruction, so don’t give up!

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that puppies need you to be firm and consistent. Not to mention, when it comes to nipping, you need to start immediately. Don’t plan to do it! It is essential that you begin instructing your puppy not to bite as soon as you notice the behavior. If you don’t, the process will take even longer. The best thing to do is just get it done.

The first method that I recommend is simple. First, start by showing a treat to your puppy and then grasp it in your fist so the puppy cannot access it. Most likely, if your puppy is anything like most nippers, he will begin to chew on your hand to get to the treat. As soon as he does so, quickly pull your hand away and look away from him (this shows him in his own language that you are unhappy). Continue doing this until you achieve the desired behavior. Generally, what you want from your puppy is sniffing or licking at the hand versus biting at it. Once he tries getting at the treat using any method aside from biting or nipping at you, immediately reward him by opening your hand and giving him the treat.

Although the first method is ideal for puppies that tend to chew on hands, some puppies are very nippy all around and the previous method may or may not work for those puppies. Another great method that implements the same concept from the first is to simply ignore the puppy immediately when he begins to bite anywhere on your body. While you are on the floor with the puppy playing, make sure that you are very observant of him.  Allow rowdy play because this is a designated play time. The very moment when the puppy begins nipping or biting at you, immediately stand up and ignore him for a minute or so until he loses interest or waits. Once he does this, get down on the floor and begin to play again. Continue the above steps until he learns that all his nipping and biting is simply causing you to be upset and ultimately, you are no longer any fun.

The concepts of these training methods are very important to teach any children in the home. Sometimes, it can be difficult to teach a puppy with the natural inconsistency of children. But it is vital that they learn the ways to teach the puppy, too; often times, the children play with the puppy the most.

In no time, your puppy will be an expert. As long as the training methods are implemented correctly, you should have a sweet little respectful puppy soon!

---

Kady Stansbury is the dash of artistic temperament that makes any site a success. She is a certified dog trainer with more than 5 years of experience in her kitty. She is also a tremendous writer who has over the years developed a formidable reputation and is much sought after as a Dog Blogger. She has successfully conducted one on one sessions where her students have learnt the basic commands of dog training lightning fast.

---