Darr Houssen
Biting or Nipping:Most puppies go through stages of biting or mouthing. This is a normal behavior for your growing puppy if it was still with it's litter mates. However, when the pup is placed in a human family, this can be very annoying. In the litter your pup used biting and nipping as a form of play and to help establish dominance over other puppies in the litter. When a puppy uses his teeth on you, he maybe putting you on the same level as another puppy. Several methods can alter this habit but what works for one pup may not work for another. Therefore try the various methods until you find the right one for your puppy.
1. A sharp, high pitched "OUCH" sound is often all it takes to tell the pup that his behavior is hurting you. This simulates the sound that another pup would make in the same situation.
2. Do what his own mother would do: carefully grab the scruff of his neck and give a gentle but assertive shake. This corrects him in a language he is familiar with from his early experiences with her.
3. Using your fingertips, apply slight pressure to the top of the muzzle and command "NO" using a growling, low toned voice, mom's method again.
All 3 methods are mother nature's ways. For a very stubborn or determined puppy, a corrective collar tug may be necessary. Never, ever hit your pup for any reason. This will only make your dog hand shy and actually could encourage aggression. It will take time to solve the problem, but remember: "Persistence Removes Resistance".
Our thanks to Darr Houssen for providing "The Pet Tip of the Week"
http://www.houssennet.nb.ca/dogworld.htm
Check out the free puppy training manual on their internet site.
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