Puppy biting and growling

[NicolaPenny]

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Hi I'm the new owner of a 11 week old border collie.

I am trying to train my puppy and we have mastered the sit paw commands and hand target training but in the last few days she has had a couple of episodes of growling at me and jumping to nip me? She did it to my partner once who pinned her down (he didn't hurt her at all) but it sort of showed his authority. But she keeps doing this with me I'm just wondering why?? Any help would be greatly appreciated x

 

[gypsysmum2]

It is border collie speak for "play with me". She wants you to run and play and let her bite and growl at you, just as she would with another dog or if she were working sheep.

If, by jumping up and growling and nipping, she gets a reaction from you she will see this as a success and continue to do it.

The way to deal with play biting is to completely ignore the dog when it indulges in that unwanted behaviour. In order for her to understand why she is being ignored you should attach a word to your action. The most usual one is "ouch". Say the word as soon as her teeth touch skin or clothing (it is never an accident) and then, immediately, withdraw all attention. Stand up, fold your arms and look away from her. Leave her to ponder for a short while and then resume the game or interaction with her but be prepared to repeat and repeat and repeat.

It will get worse before it gets better. This is called the "extinction burst" and it means that what you are doing is working but she is trying harder to make you react before she gives up for good.

In the meantime, play with her as much as you like as long as her teeth stay on a toy or she is working for treats. If she slips up and her teeth touch you then always ouch and ignore her.

If, after a week of consistently doing the above, she is still biting then come back and ask about stage 2.

Have you enrolled in Puppy Socialisation Classes? If not then do look for a trainer registered with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers so that you can join others and their puppies at a well run class. These classes teach you about bite inhibition, toilet training, stealing, suitable toys, obedience exercises and they are great fun!

 

[lurcherman]

Good words from gypsy, when as pup it alway seems to happen, me I just lead the pup and walk into garden then short pee and back in, now I'm not massive on over training but stuff like this you've got to be consistent incase they think it's the norm. I would like also to say I've got other ideas but it dosnt go down well on this site hehehe and that dosnt mean I Beat the hell outa the pup.

 

[QsMummy]

Pinned her down? She just wants to play!