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4 Month Old Aussie Won't Stop Nipping

by Fran
(Illinois)

Any other possible suggestions for a puppy that won't stop nipping or will this just take time? We have tried the pushing away and saying "no". We have tried to redirect his attention. We have tried yelping as if we are hurt. We've tried putting him down on his back and when he calms down we praise and rub his belly. Nothing works for long, he catches on quick. We have plenty of chew toys.




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4 Month Old Aussie Won't Stop Nipping

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Nipping
by: Nonnie

Your puppy is just that ... a puppy. He is also getting his permanent teeth and needs lots of things he can chew. Keep several of the chew toys near you for when you pet or play with him. When he nips tell him "No" very firmly - not yelling, but firmly and then give him one of the chew toys. I have even put my hand around the snout and hold it for a few seconds, saying "no biting!". Also find something that he can chew that will keep him occupied for a while.

Good Luck - your puppy will learn, they are the smartest breed I have ever seen.
Biting pup
by: Ranee

My 5 month old aussie just left a nasty bruise on my son's cheek, so I know what you're talking about.

First...never put your face down to the dog's level and don't let him jump. (My son's mistake.)

These guys ARE very smart--but also stubborn and often WAY over the top in energy.And as pups, I think a certain amount of natural ADHD applies too. LOL Failing all else, you could try sliding your hand WAY back into the back of his mouth near the throat the next time he opens his mouth to nip/bite. (You could get bit, but if you're quick enough, you can usually get your hand in far enough that he can't close his mouth.) He should gag and draw back quickly after one or two tries....I've had this work with some very aggressive adults over the years, so give it a try. Remember, don't move quickly or be too rough--but do get your fingers to the back of his throat--even tickle it a bit.
Re: Nipping
by: Anonymous

Your aussie is just doing what it knows best..how to herd. You are doing the right thing by trying new and different options. But also keep in mind of the activities taking place. Aussies do tend to get riled up if there is alot of excitment,distractions and/or people. Try to make sure he isnt getting overwhelmed. He may just need some quiet time.Different things work for different dogs. My aussies were easy except for 2(I have had many). The one female was TERRIBLE about nipping! The only thing that worked for her was a strong grab of her muzzle (hard enough to make her whine/wimper)and give her a very stern NO BITE! She did eventually catch on....The other was a very independant,strong willed blue merle male. THe only thing that worked with him was a squirt bottle. Water however, was not enough (for he loved it)but nothing a little vinegar or lemon juice wont take care of!! Start with plain water and a dollar store squirt bottle. When he nips, give a firm NO BITE! and squirt him in the face 1 or 2 times. He should stop.Praise him. If the water does not bother him, try a little bit of either the lemon juice or vinegar.You can strengthen if needed adding a little at a time. IT WILL NOT HURT HIM! (He will smell though) again with a firm NO BITE! THis works very well especially with a dominant dog. After awhile, he knew what that bottle meant! Anytime his behavior got out of control I would pull out that bottle and thats all it took!!
Timje out for nipping
by: Mike

My Aussie was nipping at my kids a lot. My vet recommended that the kids yelp loudly, then I say NO. Then put the dog on time out in another room for 5 minutes. I personally tied a leash to the laundry room door. My dog learned that nipping meant he would be removed from the family. It worked really well. He is now 8 months old & the problem is pretty much gone.

The vet recommended NOT using the crate for time out because you want the crate to be a safe place.

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