NikkiL

For nipping... I always had toys around me and would grab a toy to play with her. It usually worked. Still at 9.5 months Nikki LOVES feet!!! They are so fun to attack because I move and scream... now I always make sure I have slippers on. She seems to only like the bare or sock feet lol.

Enjoy!!! Just keep distractions close by


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

Presley

I have the same trouble with my little guy. He nips at me whenever he is frisky. I tried yelling ow, turning my back and saying to bad, time outs, giving him a toy to occupy him. None of it works. I am hoping he grows out of it but also looking for advise.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

flyinion

Sooo, I can't say if this is really a good idea or not, but I tried something tonight and it stopped the behavior immediately. I was over at my parents for Thanksgiving tonight and we were talking about the biting behavior and how their cocker had similar problems and they had resorted in the end to giving it a "pop" of bitter apple spray in the mouth. I don't really want to keep doing this because I don't think it's a good idea due to the fact that a significant part of that product is alcohol, but it's the first thing that has ever instantly shut down the "nippy attack". My thoughts are that I'm going to "ride it out" for the next week until he starts puppy kindergarten at PetSmart and then see if I can elicit the behavior there and get some advice from the trainer on how to deal with it since my guy is the same as yours.

Presley

I might have to try that. We did the classes at petco and they had the same advice as everyone else. Keep me posted if your trainer says something new. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

dyson

The effectiveness or lasting effects of utilizing more negative or punative approaches to a pup's normal inclination to nip, bite, grab, etc. are dependant upon their particular temperament. You always want "good things" to come from your approach & your hands - which is precisely why hitting with newspaper, or hitting in general has not been recommended for decades. You are now forming a bond with your pup, he is growing mentally as well as physically & you don't want him in ANY way to fear you or become hand shy or startle him if you can help it. The spray (again some depends upon the type of personality your pup has) is too extreme in my opinion - although I'm sure it requires less effort on a pet parent's part than distracting or correcting effectively.

As you can see, this behavior in small pups & even sometimes in adolescents is normal & expected and I would at least repeatedly attempt to use the distraction methods and have a variety of interesting/fun toys for them to knaw on instead and most importantly keep them busy & playing until it is time for a nap. Once again - a tired pup/dog is an obedient & well-behaved one. Eventually, they will absolutely "out grow" these behaviors.

Do try the doggie day-care option as well if your finances allow; even if you can only have him participate twice a week or so. Socialization is critical at this stage & as long as your daycare center has well-trained personnel that supervise the pups @ play - you would be surprised, again, at how quickly bite inhibition will be picked up from the older pups. Dogs make "no bones" about how to play appropriately & how not to!

dyson

Presley, by the way, (and your white Boxer is adorable) the reason why people continue to offer the same advice here as did apparently your trainer at PetCo - is because these are the proper & most humane & safest methods to utilize. Yes, a spray into their face will likely halt this behavior potentially quicker but that spray was not manufactured or intended to be used inconsistant with its labeling - it is to be used on impervious surfaces - NOT on a live animal. It may very well also cause (inadvertantly) OTHER reactions & behaviors you do not certainly want that may end up being longer lasting.

The spray will likely burn your baby's eyes, cause him pain for some time and in turn, cause him fear of you and/or other humans. Again - I cannot stress that this behavior will eventually be outgrown & you must exhibit patience throughout their development & not seeking instantaneous results.

Think of it this way: human toddlers too go through a biting stage but would you spray a caustic substance into their face to stop them? I hope not as you might end up in legal turmoil for one....but toddlers outgrow that too & other methods are employed. Please be careful in taking direction from others who are not particularly informed or experienced in canine behavior or training. If in doubt, contact your breeder --- if you did attain your pup (and he is beautiful) from a reputable source.