NIPPING

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I see so many questions about this, that I wanted to just start a little discussion to share our experience with AnnaBelle for all the new doodle families out there.  We have unfortunately had the opportunity to learn from our first go round and do things a little better the 2nd time.  We originally brought home two puppies from the same liter.  Didn't know about Doodle Kisses until they were here a month or so.  We were so happy when those puppy teeth came out.  When we lost Sophie and brought AnnaBelle home I wanted to try to make it a better puppy experience.  It was for a lot of reasons.  One was the nipping.  Don't get me wrong, there was still some nipping.  I think you will probably see a photo on here somewhere calling her a landshark.  However, it was much better.  What did we do different?  From day one, no nipping was allowed.  No playing encouraged her to bite at things.  Anytime she tried to nip anything we were there with a little toy that went in her mouth.  She heard "no bite" over and over and over.  So, try to start this on day one and don't let anyone allow or encourage nipping or any type of rough play or if she is biting pants legs, just stop, and redirect with a toy.  Hopefully this might help some of you get off to a better start.

[Becka]

Thanks for posting this--I know it will be appreciated by all the new puppy parents! Do you think that Lucy also contributed to curbing Annabelle's urge to nip? I know that the end of Sadie's nipping phase came with the beginning of our outings to the dog park--I think dogs can be very good about teaching each other bite inhibition.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think that in a normal situation that could definitely be a possibility.  However, Lucy hated AnnaBelle and would barely be in the same room with her, much less look at her or give her any guidance.  I think that AnnaBelle was probably pretty much out of the biting phase before Lucy would have anything to do with her.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Nice that you posted this. I agree, and think our attitudes about what is and isn't allowed, versus what is positively encouraged (or reinforced) is of utmost importance. Just like with kids, they sense when you are lax on the rules or if you are serious and really want to consistently (everyone in the house!) and calmly enforce a rule. And I suspect they appreciate having boundaries and leadership, too :) Ripley seems to relax and be happier when I let him know I'm in charge and have got his back (stuff I learned from Doggy Dan, here). I wish I remembered my operant/classical conditioning psych class information better because it totally makes sense here. I only wish I did this more with the kids too, LOL!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Consistency by all is definitely a huge factor be it children or puppies, lol!  I truly believe that they like feeling like you are in charge and keeping them safe.  I know that my girls want to be in their room when we leave the house without them.  That is their safety zone.  They understand that we left and we will be back.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Working on nipping from the beginning, is much easier than trying to curb it after it becomes a habit.  It is still a pain in the neck and some dogs are worse than others, but posting this is so helpful to new puppy owners.