Getting worried about the constant nipping...HELP!
 

Roxy is 6 months old, and is always trying to nip us - not hard yet, but it's getting me worried. I'm not sure if she thinks she is playing or what, but whenever I try to pet her head or back or comb her she wants to hold my hand in her teeth or chew on it lightly. She will never let me just pet her unless she is sleepy. If I'm holding her sometimes she will just want to kind of chew my hand, I'm not sure if it's a comforting thing or what her deal is, but I do not want her to do it anymore, otherwise I'm afraid she will really start to bite people when we try to take her to the groomers, vets, etc. She loves new people, but I'm worried that her constant nipping will get worse as she gets older. When she does this while we're playing I will try to replace my fingers with a toy but she just wants my fingers. I will always say NO as she is trying to nip at them, but she never seems to get that it is not a game, and that she shouldn't be doing it.

Lately she has also started to lunge at us while playing, either at our face, or jumping on our backs. I'm worried that she will get near a child and hurt them. She just wants to play, but nothing seems to get through to her that she shouldn't be doing this. I've said NO so often it's not even funny, and now we are starting to put her out in the hall alone and let her back in 2 mins later after she's done it, but nothing is working.

I need help, can anyone give any advice?

1st if she lunges while playing, play time is over. Tell her no and stop playing and go do something else. The trick is to do this every single time, 100 times if need be. Also when you are playing on the floor use toys. Have her chase the toy, catch the toy, play tug with the toy ect. not your hands or face.
2nd carry around a toy in your pocket at all times and as soon as she tries to chew on your hand say no put your hand were she can't get it and when she stops trying to get it, give her the toy to chew on and tell her good girl when she takes it.
If she catches you when you don't have a toy you can hold on to her mouth when she starts to chew your hand. Be careful not to hurt her. The idea is she won't like her bottom jaw stuck in your hand and start to think if I try to chew her hand my mouth will get stuck! When she starts struggling to get away let her go. You will have to do this over and over again too. That is really the trick, being willing to do things over and over every time the bad behavior is happening and giving her something else that is appropriate to do.

When you try to pet her, try petting her from behind. If you approach her head on, she may feel defensive. Make sure you praise her as you pet her from behind as it gives her a sense of security.

I also do agree with using toys. She needs to see toys as a positive play/chew toy, not your fingers. If she nips you, give a loud "yelp" and turn your back and ignore her. Also, if she mouthes your hand or fingers, put your finger a little bit down her throat (says my vet). She will think fingers=yucky, but be careful!

Hope this helps! :)

Ohmegosh, you described my puppy to a "t". I just wanted to let you know that there was someone else going through the same problems. I think owning a puppy is a work in progress and we just have to keep at it until a lightbulb goes off in their heads. I also think a lot of the behavior is quite normal for a puppy, so don't feel discouraged. There was a lot of good advice above and I'm sure you'll do great!