Nipping puppy

[Michael Romanos]

This is topical considering some recent threads and posts from members.

NIPPING PUPPT

When puppies bite you your initial reaction should be a high pitched squeal - just as puppies squeal when they get hurt. This noise almost always causes the puppy to stop. Then you must praise your puppy for not biting. Your puppy is learning bite inhibition and needs to know what is too hard and what isn't and be told in doggy language. The squeal is doggy language.

If puppy still persists and acts over excited (just like human kids, puppies get over excited, over stimulated, over tired), sit down to the pup's level or bring your pup to your level on a chair, hold him firmly by your side, using your arm and elbow to keep him in place and firmly (but not harshly) hold puppy's muzzle until he quitens. You stay quiet and calm and basically IGNORE the pup. It is not a struggle or a fight. When the pup eventually quitens, calmly let him go and a little later quietly praise him and offer a little treat as a sweet, calm pup. If he reverts back to obnoxious behaviour, try it again or move to the next step.

If your temper feels frayed - time out is the answer. Put pup in a time-out place - a crate, bathroom - somewhere safe and un-stimulating - and close your ears to any complaints. When the pup is calm, quietly open the door and remember to praise and reward the pup for being calm and nice.

Just remember all this will pass and you will end up with a wonderful Corgi.