Correction for accidental nips?

[MicheleMarie]

I adopted my first Rottweiler about two months ago and was lucky enough to get a well behaved, four month old female that had been fostered by an experienced Rottweiler owner. I have read some of the books I've seen recommended on this site, but I haven't been able to find any info about whether or not to give any kind of attention to or correction for an "accidental" bite. What I'm considering an "accidental" bite is when we're playing with a toy and she accidently nips part of my hand or she might get too close to my bare feet when she's chewing on one of her bones. We have tried to buy large toys and make her hand over the smaller ones to avoid these types of accidents. I would appreciate some opinions because I'm torn between feeling that a few accidental nips are bound to happen with any puppy, but I don't want to reinforce any bad behaviors.

[Rott-Wiley]

You're right you shouldn't reinforce any bad behaviors especially ones that involve nipping or biting. As you said they are accidental and I would say "Ouch!" in a loud enough tone to more then get her attention. Do you work with her with treats? The same would apply there too. Don't give her the treat until she takes it gently and doesn't bite your fingers. Do you have any plans to get her into a training class? That would help considerably also.

[Judi W]

Well, at 4 months, I'd probably use my really big voice and yell "hey you, watch what you're doing" when it is the accidental feet thing. Of course, that is because I don't believe as described it would be accidental. Partly your fault for letting her brace her chew thing against your foot. Make her move it back.

With the toy and hand, don't play games that have her grabbing the toy from your hand. Problem solved.

Teach the out quietly and calmly and not in a game with throwing toys.

[MicheleMarie]

Originally posted by Rott-Wiley
. Do you have any plans to get her into a training class? That would help considerably also.

We start beginning obedience class this Sunday. I didn't intend to wait so long to start a class, but I wanted to find one that didn't have too many dogs attending. The class we're starting is limited to six dogs. We've taught her to sit, shake, high five, all of which she does 99% of the time when instructed - regardless of whether or not she has a treat. We're still working on the more important "drop it" and "stay". She doesn't always respond to "drop it" if we don't have a treat, it depends on how interesting of an item she's managed to picked up. She will spit out whatever she's got if I grab her by the scruff and very sternly say "drop it". I was glad to get some feedback from both you and JudyW because I really felt that the nips we've received were avoidable. I guess I just wanted some reassurance that sometimes it is accidental on her part (and maybe I deserve the correction). I do see her snapping and growling with her outside toys and even at six months, it's quite impressive, but she hasn't snapped at or growled at me or my husband.

[Beckysmom]

snapping and growling at outside toys sounds like play behavior to me.