At my wits end with the nipping! Help!!!

Hi all,
I feel like I've hit a brick wall and cannot think of anything else to try in order to stop my puppy who is now, incidentally, 7 months old from nipping at me. Almost every time I greet her (which, I might add, is usually in a calm way) she gets excited like she does with every other member of the family except with me she always sinks her teeth hard into my arm or hands which really hurts! I know she's not doing it viciously but even so it absolutely kills! And if I go into the garden to pick up her mess for instance, she gets very excited and starts biting at my legs almost like she's demanding attention or perhaps she's being possessive over the garden (incidentally, when it comes to the garden I'm not the only one she behaves like that with. Its everyone). I have tried a very stern "NO" and turning my back and standing still but she just bites me from behind! So if I stay still she bites and if I walk away she follows me and bites, and if I shout at her and make it very clear I'm annoyed, it just makes her more excited which I can understand but hey, its very hard sometimes to remain calm and assertive when a staffie's jaw is wrapped round your leg or arm! I just don't know why she does this. I used to find shaking a tin of batteries would do the trick but it doesn't work any more. I've now started, catching her and putting her in another room for a cool down period when she does this to me. Clearly she's being very disrespectful towards me and I must sort this out pronto but I don't know why she does it to me and nobody else. I am the one who is probably the most knowledgeable about dogs in the family. I am the one who does the majority of walking. I am the one who feeds her and cleans up after her and I like to think I'm assertive, yet clearly I'm doing something wrong and its bugging the hell out of me. Any suggestions? Its starting to really get me down. Last week my husband and I went on holiday for 2 weeks leaving Winnie with the rest of the family. We really really missed her and when we came through the front door, I made sure I greeted everyone else first and then calmly fussed Winnie. Of course she was extremely excited and within seconds she had her teeth sunk into my arm! My kids said she hadn't done that once to any of them the whole time we'd been away and she never does it to my husband. So where am I going wrong?

I am still struggling with this a little myself. I thought that this stemmed from the fact that my wife spends alot more time with Suki than do I so she sees me as more of a playmate or equal. This is further complicated by the fact that I am the one that plays tug of war or any other aggresive play with her. I have had good success with a stern no but instead of walking away or turning around I stand firm so that Suki knows I am serious. I think that perhaps by turning around or pulling away you may be activating your dogs prey insticnt and the dog has even more of a desire to chase and nip. I am by no means an expert and can only tell you what works for me and Suki. I also know that getting nipped really hurts so I wish you the best of luck.

thanks for the speedy response. Unfortunately, I have tried standing firm and facing her with hands on hips and all she does is bark and jump around and still get the odd nip in! Of course once she nips its hard to just continue standing there cos it hurts. It just seems she like she doesn't take me seriously.

By the way, jstaff, your dog is a beautiful colour. Mine is red all over but with a white chest but if we ever get another one I would like one like your colour. Not easy to find though are they?

the best way for a staffy to learn is it ignore them, just turn your back away from her and do something else till she calms down, when she has stopped biting/nipping go overboard and say what a good girl etc

thanks. I am doing this but I guess its gonna take time. Just can't understand why she only does it to me!

billy sort of does this to my youngest son (who is bigger than me), he is the one that plays with him the most, it could just be his way on playing or initiating play

yea completley ignore turning your back and folding your arms, if thats not working shut her in a separte room for a few minutes and keep repeating untill she is calm. Consistancy is the main factor when trying to teach your dog something. As soon as u feel her teeth on you make a loud noise i say a short sharp loud "AH AH" and then "NO" then turn my back and fold my arms and give no attention at all or eye contact. When calm praise and give attention then repeat as many times as needed. x

claire wrote:thanks. I am doing this but I guess its gonna take time. Just can't understand why she only does it to me!

I agree as well that it is iniating play. I tried turning my back as well but found that Suki would just chase and continue the nipping. She also only does this with me but I think that is my fault because we do alot of tug of war and other rough play. I think that as a breed Staffies need this type of play to maintain peace of mind and I have no space to hang a tire on a pole to satisfy her pulling instinct.

claire wrote:By the way, jstaff, your dog is a beautiful colour. Mine is red all over but with a white chest but if we ever get another one I would like one like your colour. Not easy to find though are they?

I only went to one breeder and since AmStaffs aren't too common in Japan I don't know how common the color scheme is. I was more concerned with Suki's health and tempermant since I had no intention of breeding or showing her. I simply wanted a companion to share life with. I do appreciate your comment and get alot with her so it makes for a proud daddy.

jstaff wrote:

claire wrote:thanks. I am doing this but I guess its gonna take time. Just can't understand why she only does it to me!

I agree as well that it is iniating play. I tried turning my back as well but found that Suki would just chase and continue the nipping.

The trick is to turn around & stand perfectly still so that you are not initiating play & the pup cannot chase you. Don't interract at all - no looking, no talking, no waving your arms around. Just quite still & quiet. If she nips again, take 1 step away & continue to stand still. Repeat until she either gets the idea or just gets plain bored with it! Then you can give quiet & gentle praise, and maybe a quick game of fetch afterwards as a reward.

thanks for that. I'll make sure I bite onto something then when bracing myself for the dreaded bite!!!!

Caryll, do you have any ideas as to why I'm being singled out? Am I the weak link?

Seems like the teenage years are hard on us all.

claire wrote:Caryll, do you have any ideas as to why I'm being singled out? Am I the weak link?

I wouldn't say you're the weakest link as such, just that you're the one she gets away with it with! That's not your fault, as you say it bloo*dy well hurts! But she knows you're going to react, so she does it to get your reaction.

If anything, she considers you more important because she wants to interract with you more than the others!

ah bless, its because she loves me! Thats alright then. But you're right I think its because she knows she gets a reaction out of me. I will persevere with the quiet, stillness and see how it goes. thanks.

lynne wrote:the best way for a staffy to learn is it ignore them, just turn your back away from her and do something else till she calms down, when she has stopped biting/nipping go overboard and say what a good girl etc

Claire....what Lynne suggested works for many dogs and is a great technique and it DOES work.............BUT.........I completely understand your frustration and I understand it does'nt work for all ( coz it sure as hell don't work for me, Roxy will do the same as your dog......continuing to jump/bite from behind or move around to where I have moved and getting even more worked up. It is REALLY hard to ignore a dog and stay calm while their teeth are on your flesh.. waiting for them to stop.. OUCH ) My Roxy, 6months also loves to use her mouth and I have tried just about every trick in the book to get her to stop.
I have to admit, she is getting slightly better ( not so many holes in my clothes these days ) but still has a long way to go.
One thing that has helped me is having a leash attatched to my HEAVY entertainment unit inside, and a 3 metre metal "tie-out line" on a swivel type peg that screws into the ground outside, so whether we are inside or outside and when Roxy will not listen and gets over excited we clip her onto the leash /line and she has a chance to settle down......all the while still being able to see and hear what is going on. This enables me to ignore her (as mentioned) without her being able to continue to jump and nip at me. After a few minutes I approach her to see if she has settled, asking her to sit and praising her for being good. If she behaves nicely I let her off, but if she is still nippy I leave her for another few minutes and try again. This makes her realise that the bad behaviour is NOT ON exactly the same as the "turn you back and ignore" method.

Before anybody jumps on my case and tells me I'm doing the wrong thing...... I NEVER tie her up and leave her alone, and only ever leave her on for a few minutes to help her calm down and realise she needs to stop.

As for her only nipping at you.....sorry I can't help.

I really hope you find something that works for YOU. Please keep us up-to-date on the progress.

thanks Lisa. I will continue to perserve and give you all an update in, say a months time. Hopefully things will have improved big time and I won't look like an abused wife!!!!

I have been dealing with the same thing as expected from my 11 week old pup.It was like trying to pet a shark out of the water ouch!!.I use a pinch collar for some training and it has worked perfectly with the nipping issue.I am at the point now when Blue has the collar on there is no nipping at all and when the collar is not on he is doing it much less...
I used this same method for my Amstaff some years ago and it worked just as well with him..I do not like the idea of a shock or choke collar as I think it is overkill when trying to correct the dog.The pinch collar is more like a nip when used correctly and this sends the message fast and clear to the dog..I'm not sure what the opinion is about collar training on here but this has been the most effective tool for me to discourage unwanted behavior.
Hope this helps and good luck...

thanks. sorry for being ignorant but whats an amstaff?

American staffordshire terrier..

ah. right. thanks for that!

Loopy wrote:One thing that has helped me is having a leash attatched to my HEAVY entertainment unit inside, and a 3 metre metal "tie-out line" on a swivel type peg that screws into the ground outside, so whether we are inside or outside and when Roxy will not listen and gets over excited we clip her onto the leash /line and she has a chance to settle down......all the while still being able to see and hear what is going on. This enables me to ignore her (as mentioned) without her being able to continue to jump and nip at me. After a few minutes I approach her to see if she has settled, asking her to sit and praising her for being good. If she behaves nicely I let her off, but if she is still nippy I leave her for another few minutes and try again. This makes her realise that the bad behaviour is NOT ON exactly the same as the "turn you back and ignore" method.

Before anybody jumps on my case and tells me I'm doing the wrong thing...... I NEVER tie her up and leave her alone, and only ever leave her on for a few minutes to help her calm down and realise she needs to stop.

I think that's an excellent idea!!

Pittboss wrote:I use a pinch collar for some training and it has worked perfectly with the nipping issue.I am at the point now when Blue has the collar on there is no nipping at all and when the collar is not on he is doing it much less...
I used this same method for my Amstaff some years ago and it worked just as well with him..I do not like the idea of a shock or choke collar as I think it is overkill when trying to correct the dog.The pinch collar is more like a nip when used correctly and this sends the message fast and clear to the dog..I'm not sure what the opinion is about collar training on here but this has been the most effective tool for me to discourage unwanted behavior.
Hope this helps and good luck...

I don't like pinch (or prong) collars at all. For something like nipping, they are not necessary. I would only consider using one if there was aggressive behaviour involved, and even then only if everything else had failed.

amazing... I just read all these posts and our tv is on as well. I live in Australia and an add for a tv show called Better Homes and Gardens just came on .. and this Friday night's episode features the tv vet Dr Harry who will explain how to stop puppies nipping !!! I will try to remember to watch it and let you know what he suggests!!

I don't agree with turning your back on them or walking away because your are giving them your space empowering them, I would turn around facing her and make her back up by walking towards her so you claim her space therefore empowering yourself, if she thinks its a game (sometime they'll run around thinking your chasing them) ignore her and stay still until she approaches you again.
Don't interact with her for a few days and just keep on making her know your personal bubble should be respected and she should stay out of it unless she is in a state of mind you want to encourage aka calmness.
If she refuses to take it seriousely you can could keep her on a lead (one she can't chew through) so if she runs off trying to play you can step on the lead stopping her bringing her over to you again not to close and put her into a sit, making her realise it is not a game and you will not tolerate it in the slightest.

i'm always done if they go over the top i turn my back/ignore them if they carry on i place them on the naughty spot! make sure im not happy!

i never hit, pinch or use anything to make any of my dog behave.

MissRogue wrote:I don't agree with turning your back on them or walking away because your are giving them your space empowering them, I would turn around facing her and make her back up by walking towards her so you claim her space therefore empowering yourself, if she thinks its a game (sometime they'll run around thinking your chasing them) ignore her and stay still until she approaches you again.

I personally think that walking towards her will reward her for the nipping - you'll have interracted with her, which is exactly what she wants, so she'll do it all the more.

Steve wrote:i'm always done if they go over the top i turn my back/ignore them if they carry on i place them on the naughty spot! make sure im not happy!

i never hit, pinch or use anything to make any of my dog behave.

I do not hit my dog and never would to include a corrective collar in the same sentence as hitting to me is ignorant and does not sit well with me at all.Each dog is different and requires different measures for training.
I decided to use this method after trying others to no avail.His nipping also included grabbing the clothes of my children and growling in a tug of war and also nipping to the point of injury to myself and my children.
I am not asking you to agree with my method but to infer that I am in some way abusing my dog I will not tolerate.

Pittboss wrote:growling in a tug of war and also nipping to the point of injury to myself and my children.
I am not asking you to agree with my method but to infer that I am in some way abusing my dog I will not tolerate.

Growling during tug of war is a natural response. It is not an aggressive growl - there's an immense difference between the two.

Nobody has accused you of hitting or abusing your dog. All Steve has said is that he personally does not do these things.

Caryll wrote:

MissRogue wrote:I don't agree with turning your back on them or walking away because your are giving them your space empowering them, I would turn around facing her and make her back up by walking towards her so you claim her space therefore empowering yourself, if she thinks its a game (sometime they'll run around thinking your chasing them) ignore her and stay still until she approaches you again.

I personally think that walking towards her will reward her for the nipping - you'll have interracted with her, which is exactly what she wants, so she'll do it all the more.

Interesting comments on both ends. I have had fantastic success with the turn your back method on all of my dogs. This was the solution to the jumping problem that Suki had, espically if I was gone for a week or two on business and she was overstimulated when I came home. With the nipping problem this was not an effective method since she would simply continue or escalate the behavior. I then moven onto the clamming of space method. This is also applicable for Suki grabbing things like shoes I don't want her to. Once I have made her understand that these behaviours are unacceptable by reclaming the space she seems to understand. I don't think anyone on this forum would advocate violence as a training method but I am firmly in the camp that your dog MUST understand that you are the boss. Given that all dogs are different both methods can be successfull.

I also do not really care for the prong, choke and most espically shock collars. This breed can have difficulty with breathing due to narrow tracheas which can be further complicated by these types of collars. There are instances where these collars are neccessary training tools but they should be used as a last resort and only by someone that has had the proper instruction and experience to use them. If you do not fall into that category please consult a more experienced trainer.

Anyone can force a dog to do what they want it to by making it fear that it will be hurt physically if it doesn't, that is NOT training.

Training is encouraging your dog to follow your rules and obey your commands by setting clear and firm boundaries and rewarding your dog when they follow them and ignoring them when they don't.

If you need to cause your dog physical pain to make it do what you want, you do not have respect from your dog, and it's not obeying you because it wants to, it fears you and does what you want because it knows it will be hurt if it doesn't.

Well guys, thanks for all the various techniques offered. I will try a few and see what works best for us. As has already been mentioned, each dog is an individual and different techniques are worth a try. Thanks again.

Good luck to you. A staffie that nips can really hurt.

just got back from Winston's first puppy school class. The instructor said if your dog nips to grab it's snout and hold for a second and say No or Bah then let go... and the dog will soon get the message....you could try that. Winston has been getting lots of No's and Bah's lately !! But he is definitely getting better.

shontelle wrote:Anyone can force a dog to do what they want it to by making it fear that it will be hurt physically if it doesn't, that is NOT training.

Training is encouraging your dog to follow your rules and obey your commands by setting clear and firm boundaries and rewarding your dog when they follow them and ignoring them when they don't.

If you need to cause your dog physical pain to make it do what you want, you do not have respect from your dog, and it's not obeying you because it wants to, it fears you and does what you want because it knows it will be hurt if it doesn't.

Completley agree fantastic post x

vanessa wrote: just got back from Winston's first puppy school class. The instructor said if your dog nips to grab it's snout and hold for a second and say No or Bah then let go... and the dog will soon get the message....you could try that. Winston has been getting lots of No's and Bah's lately !! But he is definitely getting better.

The only problem with that, is that with some dogs (super sensitive, the way a lot of staffs are!) you could cause them to be head shy, which makes it look like you beat your dog when they flinch away from your hand!

Caryll wrote:

vanessa wrote: just got back from Winston's first puppy school class. The instructor said if your dog nips to grab it's snout and hold for a second and say No or Bah then let go... and the dog will soon get the message....you could try that. Winston has been getting lots of No's and Bah's lately !! But he is definitely getting better.

The only problem with that, is that with some dogs (super sensitive, the way a lot of staffs are!) you could cause them to be head shy, which makes it look like you beat your dog when they flinch away from your hand!

I think when all else fails this is a excellant aproach and a super sensitive dog would have got the message loud and clear before now, its the stubborn tenacity in them, constant mouthing you have to show a dog like that its not tolerated a gentle hold on the muzzle shouldnt scare them it should make them back of when the play is out of hand

As a last resort, yes, but not as a general rule.

Caryll wrote:

vanessa wrote: just got back from Winston's first puppy school class. The instructor said if your dog nips to grab it's snout and hold for a second and say No or Bah then let go... and the dog will soon get the message....you could try that. Winston has been getting lots of No's and Bah's lately !! But he is definitely getting better.

Oh, that would never work with Roxy. She hates having her head handled.....although it is something we are working gently to correct.

The only problem with that, is that with some dogs (super sensitive, the way a lot of staffs are!) you could cause them to be head shy, which makes it look like you beat your dog when they flinch away from your hand!

yeah its a good point.. especially if you were over rough... I just growl No or Bah now.. works just as well to be truthful ...

vanessa wrote: yeah its a good point.. especially if you were over rough... I just growl No or Bah now.. works just as well to be truthful ...

the instructor did say you only hold it for a split second ....

Sounds like you have tried the right things to be honest, the short sharp "ah", then "no" firmly then ignore them. If that dont work same words but put in time out.

Dont know anything else sorry as that worked for us.

From day 1 claire its been taken on boardthat you have a dominant girl there dont be scared that a firm aproach will make her love you any less. You are doing all the right things for her be confident and find a way that suits you both