Puppy nipping OK?

[lacamps]

We just welcomed our 9-wk old English Bulldog puppy into our home yesterday. I've been reading methods to correct biting/nipping, but I also know that it's natural for a puppy to nip. Should I let the puppy nip at my fingers during play, and hold off on biting/nipping training (i.e. turn my back from playing, time-outs, etc.) until the pup has reached a certain age (i.e. isn't a puppy anymore)? If so, what age is reasonable to start no-biting training?

Thanks!

[KOPcaroline]

Hey lacamps,


I think this question is one to be answered by each owner, based on their preferences. You can start bite training as soon as you want to. Nipping is a normal puppy behaviour, but you can learn to draw a line for yourself as to what is too much and then start correcting once puppy has crossed that line.

What I did with my dog, Jackson, was to allow a bit of mouthing as a pup, and even now I'll let him put my hand in his mouth, but I always removed it and said "no" as soon as he put any kind of real pressure behind his jaws; that is, I was ok with mouthing, but no real teeth contact. Now when he puts his mouth on my hand, its a very loose contact and he immediately stops when I say "enough".

I think as you play with your new fur baby you'll figure out where you want the line drawn, and can train him on that. Its just a matter of removing your hand, saying "no", and praising when he stops trying to bite or mouth. If he keeps on after you've said no, stop playing altogether, and ignore him until he's calm and got the point, then go back to play

Have fun! Let us know how he does

[kjd]

lacamps,

I handle it a bit differently from KOPCaroline. I enjoyed play-fighting with my first dog, but the 2nd one taught me the joys of no-biting. Since then, if I feel teeth, I yipe (like a hurt puppy) and turn away. I may also ask the dog to "gentle."

However, as KOPCaroline said, it is up to you where you want to draw the line.

kjd