The Playful Puppy - They Love To Nip

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So I just have a question for all you dog owners who have raised your dogs since puppies. We had a basset hound before that my parents trained when she was a puppy (I wasn't born yet) and recently we have acquired two male basset puppies. They both have just turned 12 weeks and they are really doing well with potty training. The only problem we're really having with them right now is that when they get really excited (like when they see you after not seeing you for a while) and they come over and they're all "pet me" they both compete for attention and get really worked up and start to bite. We really want to stop this nipping while they're young so they won't do it as an adult. So I was just wondering how you broke your dog(s) of this habit. We have 2 brother pups, so I'm not sure if this will cause a greater challenge.

We have had numerous tips, but the nipping when excited hasn't really toned down. We were told by one person that when they bite to push them away to show that when they bite, we don't want to be around them. We have also learned that in addition to the first suggestion, you should tap them gently on the nose and say "No!" so that they know that it is not tolerated. We also read that you should yell "Ouch!" when bitten because when puppies are in the litter, they will let out a big yelp to let the other know "OK, that hurts... stop now."

Any other suggestions? Anyone want to rule out any of the other suggestions that we have received? We have no idea what suggestions we have received are the right ones and which we should use. I have found that each member of the family is dealing with it a different way. We want to break them of this habit! :)
 
Out of all those suggestions, the one I would follow is the OUCH approach. I really follow Victoria Stillwell's advice, which is to NOT harm the dog in any fashion. Usually a high pitched yip of some sort that you make and then turn your back. Do not pay any attention to them. Once calmed down, reward them with a treat and say good boy. That's my suggestion :)
 
hitting nose and OUCH are the most popular disciplinary method. it works on pretty much many pets such as ferret, cat, etc.

of course.... it will take a bit while for them to "get it". My dog did same. He was a nasty nipper... yorkie has sharp teeth designed to kill rodents. After a few months, he never bites - just fake bite. When teasing my dog, he does open his mouth but he "fake bite" my finger. I applied same method when it comes to my food. now he does not touch my food even when i'm not around for a while. my previous dog was terrible. She stole my last slice of pizza when i was gone just for a sec to get a drink. :mad2:

GOOD BOY! <pat pat pat> here's a treat
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btw - competition is normal among puppies. I see that your puppies are 12-weeks old. That's usually a very important phase in their short baby life in order to establish the alpha male status. dogs are born with personality that determines their status within group. Some are just born to be a follower. Some are born to be leader. But if 2 dogs are born to be leader... obviously - they're going to have a problem with each other :lol: so yes they can get pretty aggressive with each other... to the point where you have to step in and stop them.

Typically and especially for trainers/farmers, after their dogs give birth, they raise them to a certain period of time to see which one is an alpha male to keep and then they sell/give away rest to others.

while disciplining - all you have to do is make :mad2: face and yell out a simple word "NO!". you must say it like you MEAN it with tone, :mad2: face, etc. Keep it simple - "NO!" Do not talk to them like they're your children because it will further confuse them. Do not use their name for negative purpose either otherwise they will get confused. Assign the specific command for specific situation.

negative thing - "NO!"..... not "NO SPARKY! NO! DO NOT DO THAT!"
positive thing - "YAY!" "GOOD!" etc... and include their name if you like.

for those who cannot speak (or have deaf dog)
-simple.... assign specific gesture for specific situation
 
I avoid touching their nose and face during discipline because they will do a trigger reaction the next time you want to be affectionate with them, they will flinch away.

My sister and BIL took their Yellow Lab to training classes and it works. Mia was a nipper and I loved how she would be so happy to see me, she'd grab to my arm as if it was her toy and drag me to the couch as to tell me to sit down. I'd sit and she'd plop all of herself, 60 lbs, on top of me.

That's when training classes helped, no more using her mouth and nipping.

Saying "OUCH!" and turning your back away, not letting your dog see your face will frighten your dog into submission. This is where you do training. Don't overdo it otherwise your dog will know it is just a play game. Use it wisely to train.
 
saying ouch that would give the dogs knowing that they hurt humans so that way they learn lesson not to hurt the humans. And they won't do it again but just continue saying ouch everytime if they bite and soon they won't bite much.
 
All very good suggestions guys, thanks! :) I do find that when the puppies do bite, they don't actually bite... all they do is put their mouth on you, but you can still feel their teeth. I find the one of the puppies has learned quicker not to bite than the other, but it's all a learning curve. My parents raised one dog right, so hopefully these two will turn out just as well! Keep coming with the suggestions... they've all been very helpful!
 
Puppy training is a good idea. It will allow your dog to become socialized with other types of dogs (so you can go to the dog park!).
 
sallylou said:
Puppy training is a good idea. It will allow your dog to become socialized with other types of dogs (so you can go to the dog park!).
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A few months ago, my "older" puppy was nipping to most dogs at the park. She doesn't nip them anymore after few trips to the dog park. She finally figured out and knows how to enjoy with the dogs.

Actually, I was surprised that the dog park is popular nowadays.
 
The dog park rocks! Our dog park has a pond and a dog washing area to wash your pooches before you put them in your car. So many butts to sniff and places to roam! Highly recommend the dog park!
 
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