Puppy nipping when combed

[kristine & Auggie]

From day one i have combed Auggie everyday.  He always bites at the comb and my fingers .  He isn't doing it out of anger, he thinks it's a game but it still is so annoying and it hurts.  I sure don't want this bad behavior to follow us to the groomer's.

Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do?

By the way he is 15 weeks old.

[Vivian & Mojo]

Mojo nipped his brush for months and I worried also but when he went to the groomer he was well behaved with her.  I finally sprayed bitter apple on the brush and he stopped trying after a few weeks.

[kristine & Auggie]

That is good to know.  I told Auggie he has a muzzle in his future if he doesn't stop nipping me.

[Vivian & Mojo]

I threatened muzzle also lol.

[Adina P]

Rosco hated being brushed...what seemed to help him most (besides getting a bit older) was using the Chris Christensen 16mm T pin brush for the majority of his brushing.  Before that brush he HATED his legs brushed most of all.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Nipping is a sign of contol. You could try feeding treats and combing at the same time. Sometimes  holding  their head away from the comb so they can't reach works or put them on a loop. Before putting them on a loop, I do some training with a clicker and treats so they learn to stand still and to make sure they are not afraid.

 

 

[Star and Goldie]

I'm in the exact same boat. Our pups are about the same age. Goldie hates being brushed/combed. She'll let me do her back just fine but when I get close to her legs or sides she tries to steal the comb from me. I'm pretty sure they'll outgrow it. I just distract her with treats and toys while I brush her.

[Diana Spanos]

I'm in the same boat with Archie! I try brushing, and I get about 5 minutes in-- with lots of coaching and encouragement. But, truthfully, I'm nowhere. It's really frustrating. He nips and attacks. Not in a mean way. He thinks he's playing. But, I'm worried about getting him to settle down. Archie is 13 weeks now, I know that's young still. But, I keep reading about how his coat is going to change. I just want him (and me) to be prepared...

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

I'm a horrible doggy-mommy. When Lachlan started that I grabbed a slicker brush. And let him bite it. *grin* Not a lot of fun chewing on that for poor puppy.

On a more serious note, later when he went for the scissors or clippers I held his muzzle and gave him a stern talking-to every time he tried. That's too much of a safety issue for me to play games with. It's perfectly okay to explain to a puppy that that's just not acceptable behavior and won't be tolerated.

[Bob Johnston]

After trying to stop sophie so much I did the same thing and that was the last time she tried to mouth it. It didnt hurt her just caught her off guard. Worked out wellbecause the rakes and coat king could break a tooth if she tried to chew on them.

[kristine & Auggie]

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one with this problem.  He has to get used to brushing and me messing with his ears.  I started the day I brought him home and thought he would be used to it by now. I guess not lol

 I am going to do a trial run at the groomers and see how it goes.

Thanks for all of your support, Kris

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Groomers know how to handle the dogs, put them on a table, etc.  so don't worry.  Ned does not hold still for me to brush him thoroughly so my husband and I do it together. He behaves perfectly for the groomer.

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Bay's trainor suggested I put her on top of her crate, covered with a towel (the crate, not her, lol) at first it worked amazingly.  Now she tries to lay down making it impossible to comb her belly and legs.  you could try this if you have a crate.  if not, a counter or table covered with a towel might work.  Good luck.