need help fostering a sbt who keeps biting and gets stressed at night time

Hi
Any advice appreciated
We are currently fostering a SBT for the last 6 weeks
He is a super dog, a really great little guy
But we cannot stop him nipping
at Night time he is unable to relax and even though he is very tired he is unable to relax.
He is 2 years of age
He gets 3 walks a day
And we are currently training him with the clicker 2/3 15 mins sessions per day.
But nothing is working
Any advice would be great.
Thanks Mark

Hey Mark...

Its probably quite overwhelming in his new circumstance. biting/nipping can be quite a difficult habit to break but it can be done, it just needs patience and persistence. There are a couple of options when your dog nips. A simple turn around and fold your arms with no eye contact and a firm 'no' is a successful way. Staffs hate not having that attention from a human so this is seen as a pretty effective way....or....

Every time the dog nips, substitute your body parts/clothes for something that belongs to him. Nothing food related (kong or bone) this will be seen as a reward otherwise. A simple 'ah ah' and moving your hand away can work too.

It will take time, he's still adjusting to his new environment and the new people around him.

About relaxing at night...is he in a crate, another room, in your bed..? A real good walk before bed time and high energy play time is always a good thing. If he doesn't sleep with you, try giving him a piece of clothing with your scent on it as a comfort.

How long are his walks? Is he having any 'off lead' time
Also, what food is he on?

Admin...can we move this post please!

hi
sorry don't know how or where to move post

Done Kita

I think Kita has given you quiet a bit to be going on with there Mark. There's not a lot more I can add but also replace your Hand, arm, leg or torso from said jaws and replace with a toy to reinforce the massage that toys are for biting, not Humans

thanks guys
i brought him for a 5 mile walk this evening

and he (plus me) were absolutely flaked afterwards
our first quiet night in 6 weeks
i did a little bit of clicker training
and he went into his crate and has been snorning since

Exercise did the trick then

Id personally keep them awake until its time for you to go to bed so there's less chance of him waking during the night.

That's not snoring that's his battery charger.

Stan and Holly wrote:That's not snoring that's his battery charger.

Very true ha! That's why I suggested keeping him awake

Good advice by Kita, especially the High energy play. you want to work on mental stimulation as well as that can tire them out like nothing else.

This could help

https://positively.com/contributors/3-techniques-to-calm-your-active-dog-before-bedtime/

Just a quick update
Before his dinner I now give Elmo a 4 mile walk.
And then when we are back its clicker training (any suggestions on clicker training greatly appreciated)
Then its play fetch for 40 mins
(then I have a snooze )

The little guy is wrecked not a nip in the last two days.
Hopefully we have turned a corner

Sounds really positive Mark