How much nipping is OK?

[hmeadq]

Our pup is now 6 months old. He stil has a little problem with nipping if he gets very exciting when he is playing.

We have tried everything to get him to stop, but what seems to be working well is going "YIP!" Load and high pitched and turning our back on him, cradling our hand or arm (whatever he nipped.)

We've been doing this for a week and it seems to be working better then anything else we tried (including load "NO!" or holding the sides of his face and saying "NO") We are down to perhaps 25% of where we were a week ago.

I have read lots of posts on this, and I am wondering if the fact that we did not get him until he was 4 months old may be a problem. Should we be able to get rid of this all the way? I am so worried that we should have had him for 10 weeks before we got him. And we missed those all important 10 weeks!

Just a worried mom I guess...

[Judi W]

Since you cannot go back and start at a younger age, it doesn't really make any difference. If what you are doing is working, then good for you. And yes, you certainly should get rid of this all the way.

[Ilovemypuppy]

The method that you are using is working and will work..you just have to persist and be totally consistant. Don't forget to praise him for proper behaviour though. It's not unusual for this to be happening at that age...some more than others, but the behaviour will become extinct when it doesn't get him what he wants. Most pups, when you turn your back on them will sit and look at you...turn right around and praise him for sitting and being polite.

Not getting him when he was younger....well......that's water under the bridge...but the bridge is still there. Socialize him lots and get him into obedience training classses. That's the best place to iron out all the wrinkles :o)))) Enjoy your boy !