Jumping and Nipping

[Auriana]

Hi, my corgi is going on 9 months now. Originally I tried to paper train him but it wasn't working so I got a crate. He loves the crate (thankfully!) and things have been going well. However, everytime he's out of the crate he gets way too excited and propels himself in the air nipping at my shirt. He's torn one nightgown already and last night he managed to nip me in a rather sensitive spot. I want to play with him, to keep him active and happy but its hard when he starts biting whenever he gets really excited. He also does this if I try to leave the room or if I have something in my hands. I've tried the yelping when he bites but it doesn't work. I've also tried giving him something else to chew on when he bites, again, doesn't work. The only way I can get him to calm down is to either put him in the crate or to cradle him in my arms with his stomach in the air. He loves that for some reason. I've tried the tree trunk method which works sometimes but even if he calms down and I move he starts up again. I don't believe he means to harm me, he just wants more attention. How do I get him to learn that biting is bad and that I'll pay attention to him if he doesn't do it? I'm especially worried as I might be getting a new roommate soon and I don't want him to nip her.

[Fluffypants]

Just my opinion - but I think (for starters) he needs more exercise and some obedience classes. Both will help him work off some of that excess energy (which, from your story, sounds like part of the problem), and the training classes will teach you to be the leader and him to be the follower (it sounds like, right now, those roles may be confused in his mind).

[Chip's Mom]

I agree with Jessica. It sounds like he has alot of unused energy. How many hours during the day is he in his crate? Does he have a fenced yard to run in or do you take him for long walks each day. I have taught Chip to play fetch and I throw the toy and he runs after it and brings it back to me. That helps get rid of unused exercise and keeps something in his mouth so he can't bite. Another suggestion is get him interested in a toy and when he has it in his mouth, romp with him some and let him chase you while the toy is in his mouth. If his mouth is full, he can't nip and you are giving him the attention he wants.

[lricch565]

Mazie had the same problem when she was younger - most of the time when I wanted play time to end, she would jump at my knees and thighs and nip at me. I too have some ruined pajama bottoms and pants !

What worked for me was to get her into a sit when I wanted to leave her penned area (she didn't stay too long at that age), and I could see in her face when she was anticipating a jump. I stated rather firmly "Don't" and stood perfectly still until I thought she was able to leave me alone. If I kept moving or tried to get away, she would think I was still playing with her. It took some patience on my part, but it really didn't take her too long to get it.

Lisa

[Auriana]

All seem like great ideas and you all have my thanks. He has a large yard to run around in and he's there a lot. He also likes to chase my 3 year old Cairn around it. When it was warmer out I'd take him for nice walks but in the cold weather its hard. I also work two jobs right now, but I am able to come home for lunch and let him out. I've tried to teach him fetch, especially as my Cairn is obsessed with it. He loses interest in the item as soon as I throw it. Thanks again and I'll be sure to try some of these things out.

[Fluffypants]

Good luck - keep us posted.

[Chip's Mom]

It sounds like he is getting exercise. Chip practices the "nothing in life is free" program so the only way he will return what I toss is if I give him a cookie each and every time. I buy the little tiny ones and it works well. Good luck. Wow two jobs sounds hard.

[milles2]

I am back to "refreshing" manners of Tucker (almot 2) and Lulu (almost 9 months). SUddenly, they can't remember how to go thru a door without a major fiasco.

So we are back to butts on the floor, a wait, a pause, then "release". Although nipping has never been the problem, jumping and the excitment is still a problem. It was nearly solved once upon a time, but a refresher course now seems called for.

Somehow I suspect with my two, we will be having refresher courses ten years from now!

Susan