Dear Miss Paws: We adopted a puppy a few months ago and he has started nipping. How do we nip the nipping?
Once Bitten, Twice Shy A. Dear Once Bitten: Typically, puppies bite to get your attention. Many times, for what ever reason, puppies are separated from their mother and litter mates before they learn from them what is and what is not socially acceptable. Puppies that romp with their litter, learn that bites hurt and naturally learn not to bite from experience. Mothers also will correct their pups if they become too rough with her. Now, you are its mother so it’s up to you to teach what is and is not acceptable. When he first starts to nip, you must say in a firm voice, “No, that is bad.” With a collar on him, take him alone with you into a room or space and wait until he sits before petting him. When your dog does sit, lavish completely focused attention upon him, petting slowly with a firm stroke and speaking in a low, slow voice. As his mouth opens, stop paying attention to your dog but do not move away. If your puppy continues to mouth your hand, apply steady, fixed pressure against its collar while ignoring your pet. When he stops the unwanted behavior, pet him and focus on him again. Positive attention will quickly become more rewarding than being ignored. And, before long, you can all spend time together without the painful “love bites”. If there are other family members interacting with the puppy, they must all learn how to do this so that he will understand that he cannot bite anyone. Keep him busy with lots of toys, ropes, etc. to chew on so he understands he can bite and chew on certain inanimate objects, but not on people.
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