Puppies jump and nip…it is a fact that all new puppy owners learn quickly. The good news is that there are strategies to help stop these behaviours. Neither jumping up nor nipping are signs of aggression. They are simply a puppy’s way of getting your attention, playing or greeting.
To curb nipping there are several things you can do.
- If your puppy is nipping or mouthing use a loud, high pitched “OUCH”. Puppies do not understand how sensitive their humans are and the “OUCH” lets them know that they are hurting you. Most pups will respond with a lick or by turning their heads away. PRAISE this behaviour immediately.
- Once a day for a week feed one meal a day to your puppy by hand. If a tooth so much as touches you use your “OUCH” and you and the food go away for a few minutes before trying again. By the end of the week most puppies will be taking food gently from their owners.