Is a Nip a Bite or Just My Dog Being Playful?
- by Sheila Lobel
Here are a few suggestions to curb that nip:
Learn your dog’s body language. If you’re petting your dog and he starts to open his mouth or wiggle, his body is telling you that he’s getting stimulated, his energy level is rising, and he’s about to launch and nip. Stop petting immediately. If you’re too late, immediately stand up or walk away.
Try to keep toys at various places in the room, so that you can immediately put it in his mouth and tell him that he’s a good boy.
Start a mini training session, such as sit, move two feet away, and repeat that two-three times. This is a redirection and focusing on something else to do other than use his mouth.
For dogs that have a really hard time calming down once they’re nipping, or jumping to nip and grab your clothing, attach an inexpensive leash to his collar or harness and let him drag it along the floor. As soon as that nip starts say “oops”, (or something similar), pick up the leash and very quickly walk him to the crate and put it in. Shut the gate, wait a few seconds, and then let him out. Hopefully, your crate is either in the kitchen or in the room where you spend the most time. Be consistent, and you will most likely see that he’s catching on. Forget about saying “NO!” It doesn’t help.
Call a trainer who uses positive methods and doesn’t punish if you are not successful. A professional will see things that you might not, and has other methods to try. You got your dog to enjoy it and spend his lifetime with you. Reach out for help on this one.