I recently got back a puppy I had sold 3 months ago. She is a cocker spaniel. The previous owners told me she kept biting her kids in the face. When they brought her back i noticed the 5-6 year old girl was more in charge of Mom than Mom in charge of her. We have noticed that when you go to reach for her on her back from behind she will turn around and bite. She also doesn't like to be on her back in your arms for very long. She doesn't seem afraid of any certain sex, but has nipped and growled more at males than females. Both kids were girls. I am certain she was mistreated, but now how do I break her of the nipping, before she hurts somebody.
5 month old Biting puppy
- Thread starter jingles
- Start date
I would guess that the kids were grabbing her all the time and driving her nuts. First off, I would give her a week or two of peace and quiet, nice long walks and just let her relax into her new old home. I would massage her and handle her all over in a way that makes her want your hands on her. Don't do anything unpleasant (like nail trimming and hard brushing- if there are mats, cut them out for now).
When she isn't so jumpy I would start on a reward based program where you surprise her and then give her a yummy surprise when she turns to look. Obviously, start with a pat and work up to any poking, prodding or pulling. I did a lot of this with a lab who was a biter (and I mean biter, not nipper). He got to the point where I could grab him by the tail as he walked by and he would turn around to get his treat with a grin on his face. I don't think this is fool proof, but it can go a long way to change a dog's attitude about a surprising grab from behind.
When she isn't so jumpy I would start on a reward based program where you surprise her and then give her a yummy surprise when she turns to look. Obviously, start with a pat and work up to any poking, prodding or pulling. I did a lot of this with a lab who was a biter (and I mean biter, not nipper). He got to the point where I could grab him by the tail as he walked by and he would turn around to get his treat with a grin on his face. I don't think this is fool proof, but it can go a long way to change a dog's attitude about a surprising grab from behind.
Her first night was like she never left home. She made herself at home on the couch or chair in anyones lap. She didn't much like the crate for the night but finally settled down. she likes to jump on tables and grab food, but giving her treats she has a very gentle mouth, doesn't grab for it. She seems very at home. We plan on getting her updated at the vet ASAP and working with her for a few weeks or months until we are sure she will not nip anymore. We have also contacted a trainer to help us when we need it. So far so good.