[chickensmith]

:thum bup:

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

Nip the Nip

Question: Why does my puppy, bite and growl when we play ?

Sounds like your puppy just gets over excited. Puppies nip each other and play rough. Depending on his age and stage of development here are a few things that may help.

Really young puppies respond well to this
1. After You say a dramatic high pitched Oucheeeeeeeeeeeeeee ! Immediately put him on the floor or turn your back or walk away and ignore for about 5 seconds. He needs to learn 'Never put teeth on people, because they will stop playing.
If love bites are not corrected it can lead to real bites that break skin.

Older pups
2. If he nips while playing say 'Enough" and give him a toy instead of your hand and say 'Good TOY' when he bites the toy. Your cue word does not have to be Enough, You can use what ever feels right for you, like NO, or STOP IT. What ever cue word you use, say the same cue every time. Everyone in your family should use the same Cue words. (I do not like to say No Bite because, then you have to teach a new cue word for barking, rough play, fighting with other pets etc..) Enough is easy to use , and it always means Stop what you are doing right now !
Please do not play tug of war type of games with your puppy. This is too exciting for them, they get in that rip up the prey trance and you may get nipped.