Friday, July 31, 2009

Advice on puppy nipping training and play biting?

I have a 10 week old Lab/Collie female puppy. She very quick to pick up on certain things (crating and housebreaking has done wonders with her) but she doesn't seem to pick up on any of the nipping training I've been trying. My girlfriend and I play with her often and take her for many short walks every day so I don't think it is lack of attention or pent up energy. I've been trying the "Make a loud sound like 'ouch' and stop playing with her for a few minutes" method, but if anything she seems to be getting worse.
Should I keep going with this method and eventually will she outgrow it? Or does anyone here have any advice on better methods?
Answers:
One thing to remember with the current method you are trying, is that you need to do the "ouch" or "ow, ow, ow" in a high pitched tone, that sounds as a litter mate would if your pup hurt it. This particular method is best suited for reducing bite pressure, but will not always end the biting/nipping of play for every puppy.
We also used the scruffing method, along with the one you are using now. This is done very much the same way momma dog did to your pup as discipline when she was still with her litter.
When puppy takes to biting/nipping, you gently, but firmly, grab her by the scruff of her neck (the back of neck), lift her front feet off the ground, shake gently and in a growl sounding tone, say "no bite". When puppy relaxes in your grip, it is a sign of submission, and you can then release puppy to the ground and attempt proper play again. If puppy is persistent with the biting, end the play time for about 15 minutes and try again. This is to be done EVERY SINGLE TIME a bite or nip occurs. NEVER allow just one or two to go unaddressed, or you will confuse puppy as to what you expect.
Always remember that your hands are not the toy. Never encourage play biting of the hand, but rather always use a proper toy to play with puppy.
This takes time to accomplish, but using a combination of both methods worked well with our Border Collie (a breed notorious for nipping). These methods, both, were suggested by our vet and our obedience trainer and we found a combination to be very effective.
I agree, there are no bad breeds, only bad owners. We have a BC, with young children, and have never had a major issue. It has to do with training your dog properly and your children. People incapable of training their dogs and children to get along and behave properly when together, merely say not to have dogs around young children. Shows a real lack of commitment on their part really.
Right above your question, there is a search engine
(Search for questions)
In the search engine, type "puppy biting."
There are lots of similar questions that have already been asked and answered.
Good luck !
Do not allow it, Collies are notorious biters, my sister was mauled by a Collie, 31 stitches to her face, nearly lost an eye.
I would NEVER have a Collie, especially around kids, hopefully the Lab part will dominate , but you must quell the nipping "in the bud" so to speak. I would use the trusty rolled up paper, is not violent, but the sound scares them, and gets their attention.
You can not use your hands to play with a puppy. They don't understand your hands are not toys. Do not play rough with the puppy. Always have a toy to play with, if the puppy bites you say owe and put the toy in it's mouth, as soon as it bites the toy tell it what a good puppy it is! Do this every time and you shouldn't have any more problems. Do the same if you find the puppy chewing on something you shouldn't, just put a toy in it's mouth and praise it for chewing on it. When it's older and understands your words, then you can start playing rough with it and it will understand to to bite hard or get to rough. It will understand owe! Best wishes on a happy family!
Usually to stop the puppy chew you must get a bit physical. All you do is place your thumb over her tongue, holding it down, while you are grabbing her bottom jaw. then, do not give her any attention for a while. go back to her and start to play and love on her and continue to grab her jaw when she start to bite.
I do not believe there are "bad" breeds, just bad owners, and sometimes bad genetics from inbreeding. We've had collies before and where wonderful pets. They were beautiful, and loyal. And very good with children. Not all Collies bite. If they're trained properly, they don't. She will outgrow it. I've heard they outgrow it once they stop teething. I'm having the same problem with my german shepherd. In the meantime, repetition is key. Every single time she does bite, thell her no. She'll catch on. Both Labs and Collies are good, smart breeds. Good luck.
A Lab/Collie? that sounds like a great mix. :)
Collies are outstanding dogs, not a mean bone in they're body. I've had a few and they've nipped as puppies too. I guess its because they're in the hearding group and its their natrual instinct to herd. But once she matures i'm sure she'll grow out of it, because i guess its part puppy play too.
Good Luck!
I have a website all about Standard Poodles and there is a page about puppy biting and nipping. Check it out, it might be helpful
http://www.standardpoodlesusa.com/biting...

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