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Subject: Sadies nipping me

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bethann

Terrier Terror

07/24/2007 8:03 PM
Just today Sadie started a new very bad habit. She has started nipping at my hands and arms. She does not bite hard enough to cause any damage, but it still doesn't feel very good, and it isn't something I want her to get used to doing. She will jump up on my lap and nip. When I push her off gently, she thinks i'm playing and comes back harder. I have tried saying no firmly, and pull my hand away. I even give her an alternative such as her rope or ball to bite on. She will play with the alternative for a few minutes, but come right back to me. I'm out of ideas, please help me.

Beth, Sadies pooper scooper

KristenP

Ratastic

bethann

Terrier Terror

07/24/2007 8:09 PM
We're not sure how old she is. We rescued her from a bad home, and they were going to shoot her if we didn't take her. The previous owner said she was 6 months old, the vet said probably closer to a year. So somewhere between 7 months and a year.

Beth, Sadies pooper scooper

DaisysMom

Moderator
<b>Moderator</b>

07/24/2007 10:00 PM
Well you are correct to nip this behavior in the bud. I'd suggest when you are sitting and she starts to do this, issue a stern "No", get up and move away from her and completely ignore her. After a minute or two, go sit back down, if she does it again repeat. It may take a while, but this should help - she wants your attention and will soon associate this nipping with the exact opposite of what she wants. Once she jumps on your lap and behaves, make sure to pet her and tell her, "good girl" and love on her some. She'll learn quickly what gets her lovings and what doesn't.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

bethann

Terrier Terror

07/24/2007 10:23 PM
Thanks, I'll try that. She eventually calmed down tonight. She started to play fetch with herself by taking the tennis ball and dropping it down the steps and chasing it.

Beth, Sadies pooper scooper

rattytatty

Newbie

07/27/2007 11:36 AM
I would not allow her to jump up on you... even if I had to squirt her in the face with a water bottle while she's in mid air coming towards you. (it won't hurt your dog, but it sure will get her attention!). This behavior needs to be stopped before it becomes an engrained behavior, and doing nothing is the same as reinforcing it. So you are smart to do whatever it takes to stop it now. Even if you have to leave her lead on... when she starts to jump up, grab it and pull her down and say very emphatically "NO JUMP" ... or "OFF"... get her to sit... then praise her LOTS and give her a yummy treat. Tracey is correct... she will eventually learn that the behavior she's exhibiting will NOT reap any rewards, but if she doesn't do it... treats are forthcoming. I doubt seriously that it will take long for her to catch on.

treble02

Alpha Feist

07/27/2007 10:15 PM
Trixi does the EXACT same thing...we were told she is 7-8 months......we are using everyones suggestions and it seems to be getting better...i have to walk away and ignore her for a few minutes when she does this...i dont like it...but i certainly cant give her attention for it! Good luck!

~ Mary, Trixi and Toa's Mommy, Ratbone Rescues Database Manager and Applications Coordinator

bethann

Terrier Terror

07/29/2007 10:45 AM
its getting better!!!! She doesn't do it for as long of periods of time. When I tell her to stop she generally does. It still takes 2 or 3 times sometimes, but at least she's kind of listening now.

Beth, Sadies pooper scooper

rattytatty

Newbie

07/29/2007 11:04 AM
Beth... try not to tell her 2-3 times... tell her ONCE and enforce it. Telling her several times will teach her that it's ok not to obey a command the first time.. something you do NOT want to teach her. Tell her "OFF" (or whatever other word you might use for this purpose) and say it once emphatically. If she does not respond immediately... physically put her in the position you want her in and reward it. Pick her up and put her down... saying "good off... good off...." (for example) and rewarding her with praise and a yummy treat or two. Glad to hear things are getting better and good for you for addressing the situation!

Meredith511

Rattie

07/29/2007 4:18 PM
I've been having pretty good luck with the water bottle. I try not to use it too often so she wont get too used to it.

bethann

Terrier Terror

07/29/2007 9:41 PM
Cory's suggested the water bottle. I try not to say it more than once, and she's been really good today. I'll work more on only saying it once. Thanks for the advice

Beth, Sadies pooper scooper

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