Training Tuesday: Adolescent and mature dog nipping

Play time can quickly get out of hand with an adolescent dog. If play
gets too rough, it's time to take a break. Photo: Melissa Garcia Logan

If you have a rambunctious puppy or your dog is past puppyhood, a different approach may be necessary. Some dogs want to control their interactions with you, telling you when to start or stop playing and issuing “corrections” when they feel you have committed an infraction. Some dogs have a hyperreactive response to stimulation, and may become overstimulated by rough play and your attempts to put them off. Rather than being repelled by your distress, they become excited by it and any physical interaction with them becomes, to them, a positive interaction.

It's not always easy or obvious gauge when play time turns into 
something else. If your mature or adolescent dog nips you, it's time
for professional help. Photo: Melissa Garcia Logan
 

In a case like this, do not exclaim, yell, push them away, or yank your hand away. Any interaction, even negative interaction, will encourage them to continue. Instead, turn your face away and go completely still. Offer positive reinforcement (in the form of continued play or interaction) when the dog calms down and releases your hand, or stops nipping or mouthing. Be prepared with treats to positively reinforce the calm behavior; it may help to develop the habit of wearing a treat bag or keeping treats in a pocket.

You do not want to engage an adolescent or mature dog in activities that may lead to mouthing or nipping until you have worked with a professional trainer and implemented a program that will allow you interact with your dog in a safe way. There is a very real concern with a grown or adolescent dog who nips that a dog will go too far in the interaction and you will not be able to shut down the "play." If your adolescent or mature dog mouths or nips for any reason, make an appointment to see a trainer. Don't try to correct the problem yourself—you could make it worse or inadvertently injure yourself or your relationship with your dog.

Nipping can be corrected with the proper help and resources. While you wait to see a trainer, make sure that you reinforce positive behaviors and do not engage in activities that may lead to mouthing or nipping, like playing tug of war or chase. Starting a learn to earn program with your dog may be an alternative to rough play that will provide structured interaction and opportunities for socialization while reinforcing positive behaviors. It is not, however, a cure for biting, and be clear that in a grown dog, that's what nipping really is.

For more information about information presented in this article, or to set up a consultation for your particular dog, you may contact Nicole S. Silvers of Silver Sky Canine Behavior Consulting.

Local dog trainers who use positive training methods:

Pamela Dennison's Positive Motivation Dog Training
Side by Side Dog Trainin with Sarah Walker
Silver Sky Canine Behavior Consulting with Nicole S. Silvers
Sit and Stay Dog Training and Behavioral Counseling with Joana Watsky
St. Hubert's Dog Training School

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All text in this article is copyrighted and the sole possession of Melissa Garcia Logan, unless otherwise indicated. Available for reprint and/or publishing only with written permission from author. Contact Melissa Garcia Logan with your comments, suggestions, questions, and ideas.