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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Puppy Biting, Nipping And Biting Ankles

by Megan
(Woodstock, Ga)

My 11 week old Aussie Miyla is really playful and energetic but even with all the toys she has she still seems to want to bite and nip at my hands and even has at my face a couple times. When she does this I try to get her attention more on the toy but she still goes for my hands and I've also been having trouble with her biting at my heels or biting my pants leg and pulling like it's a tug toy and when this happens I stop walking but she stays latched on usually resulting in ripped jeans suggestions please!


Aussie Behavior Problems? Nipping? Biting? Australian Shepherd Lover's Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Comments for Puppy Biting, Nipping And Biting Ankles

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Nipping
by: Anonymous

Carry a spray bottle or a squirt gun. Stop and give her a firm "NO BITE" and a quick squirt. Continue to walk, repeating the process. This should get her to stop. If the water doesnt do the trick you can add lemon juice or vinegar to the water. She will smell a little funny but it wont hurt her.

Aussie 11 Weeks, Serious Biting - Help Please!
by: Sherry

My female (Mia) has drawn more blood and ruined more clothes than I can tell you. I am in a wheelchair, no feeling from waist down, which is a real problem when she bites toes and draws blood. She has been biting hands, chest, legs, face and feet since I got her and it just keeps getting worse.

I have tried the water bottle, a firm grasp to the back of the neck with a "NO Mia NO NO NO", and a biting cuff ... plus time out in her crate and nothing is working. I'm upset to tears. She is with me 24/7; gets plenty of exercise on my farm and lots of love. I NEVER hit her.

Is there anything you can think of that I may be doing to cause this behavior?

Sherry from Crawfordsville, IN.

Biting Ausie
by: Sherry

Thanks for your response, however, did you read my comments? I am in a wheelchair, so the walking part isn't going to happen. And, I have already tried the water bottle idea to no avail. Any other suggestions?

Re: Biting
by: Anonymous

I am sorry this is happening and I understand that this can be quite frustrating. Try a bottle/can of small rocks. Shake it when she attemps to nip you and again use a simple command.

Puppy biting
by: Grammy

Our 3 mo old Aussie has begun to bite VERY hard and today bit deeply on my leg and arm. I have tried the substitute toys and not moving but he comes after me anyway. Inside he is not as aggressive but now am afraid to have my grandchildren to spend the night for fear he will bite them. Any thoughts?

A herding dog may not be the right fit
by: Anonymous

I think a herding dog may be too difficult for you especially as you are together 24/7. One tip I read is to put bitter apple on the parts of your body your puppy nips at and hopefully this should dissuade her from continuing to nip you. If can do it, you might consider to bring in a trainer for a brief period as in your condition, you cannot continue with this puppy as is. It is dangerous. Good luck.

Biting
by: Anonymous

There is a point and time where you need to go to extremes to protect yourself and your loved ones. There is a breaking point when dogs have literally become aggressive and that's when you need to use a muzzle and get your dog specifically trained to stop biting.

To the lady in the wheelchair and all Aussie (pained) lovers
by: Anonymous

For lady in wheelchair...as much as it may pain u you may have the wrong kind of dog for being confined. That being said your dog is trying to either "herd" u or communicate with u. It has to go out...it wants to go on a walk... Etc...you are not moving "fast enough" for ur dog...true even for those not confined. Water helps (shock collar even) there is a buzz setting (no shock) and it can be acquired for less than 30 dollars online at Amazon. There is also the clicker program. U can modify the clicker at home with anything. (A pop can with coins or pill bottle with nails or screws in it) The idea is to make a sound to draw attention away from bad behavior to the sound. When they look that way u reward them. With my dog I started saying focus with the sound. That meant he was getting a treat and he started focusing. Your dog needs to extend his self control as well so teaching him to wait will help as well. Just google "how to teach my dog to wait. Last but not least paying for as little as one session with a professional trainer will teach u an immense amount. Make sure they are Aussie trainers because Aussies and Collies have different mentalities than other dogs. I hope this helps u all.

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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

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