DavidVanDenburgh

After a week, almost all nipping has stopped. Lots of licking instead. When she nipped my legs when I walked, I stopped in my tracks, fixed her with baleful eye contact, said a firm "leave it” and refused to move until she quit. If she nipped my hands, I didn’t say “ouch” and pull them away (which seemed merely to inflame her) but froze, gave her “the look” and a firm “no bite.” She almost always stopped biting and began licking which I rewarded with praise. The few times she didn’t stop, I held her muzzle gently for a minute. We have also spent more time playing. And I’ve given her more leash time in the house. (She is too young to go to public places until she gets the rest of her puppy vaccinations- this week.) I have also been using her kibble as training rewards instead of feeding her allowance in the Kong in the crate. She seems to enjoy that.

Makes sense. Thanks!

Thanks. We’re working on it. Is there ever a time to say a firm "NO" and give the pup a motherly shake by the scruff?

Adrienne, it sounds like it’s going to be a long time before Roberta is going to be able to walk across the room without being attacked by her dog. Since I have a similar problem with my 10 week old GSD, I’m hoping there is some other answer than “train your dog completely and you won’t have this problem." Isn’t there some way to stop a pup from attacking clothing and ankles quickly, or must we bleed until the dog has been exercised, tired out, brain-trained, distracted, etc.?