Skip to content

Nipping

Behavioral Issues
  • Anne has gotten quite bitey lately! If I go to pet her after she does something good she'll nip at me playfully or if I have a treat in my hand she'll nip at it to get the treat.

    Now, I know the normal way to deal with dogs doing this is to stop play immediately and turn away, maybe say ouch when they nip… and then they should feel bad that they stopped play time because they nipped. I've been doing this anytime she nips, but I don't really think it is connecting.

    If she nips at me and I stop playing or petting her and turn away she sort of just goes "whatever" almost instantly and goes to find something else to do. She doesn't really seem to be affected by me withdrawing my attention because she bit.

    Does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with a particularly bitey basenji pup who loses interest quickly? D:

  • Don't give her the treat then.

  • Since she is wandering off and not continuing to push for your attention it sounds like she is reading your turn away corrrectly. When you turn away from a dog it is a distance increasing signal.

    When you turn back and invite her back to you, what does she do?

    Remember she is still young and learning self-control. This sort of behavior is related to your other post about her having difficulty holding body position for extended periods of time. She is still learning self control.

    I like Levels because it breaks the training up into smaller parts, http://dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/Levels/ByLevel/1Level.html

Suggested Topics

  • Nipping

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    B
    Thank you I will.
  • HELP! Kipawa nipped twice in 3 days

    Behavioral Issues
    31
    0 Votes
    31 Posts
    19k Views
    P
    I haven't commented so far as my advice ould be similar to the others. Please let us know what Therese and Kevin suggest, it may help others as well. I hope you had a good weekend.
  • Please help…Tosca nipped at my 8 wk old!

    Behavioral Issues
    25
    0 Votes
    25 Posts
    16k Views
    MacPackM
    I agree, growling should neither be rewarded or punished, it is telling you that she is not happy and distressed, especially as she is not a regular growler. It gives you the chance to de-escalate the situation and be sure everyone is safe and comfortable. A good trainer will teach you, they won't have to necessarily see it.
  • Nipping issue

    Behavioral Issues
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    7k Views
    wizardW
    Yes that is similar. When EL D nipped my brother it was never really hard (okay so he'll have a bruise) and he backed off pretty quick once he let my brother have it. But it is unnerving because it is unpredictable.
  • Nipping

    Behavioral Issues
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    MiaM
    lol Luv, yes Mia does the same, now when we pull out the water bottle, she scrams as fast as she can, and just stares at it on the counter lol…such funny little personalities they have. Always entertaining
  • Basenji Nipping Kids?

    Behavioral Issues
    39
    0 Votes
    39 Posts
    29k Views
    V
    I stopped a little hassle between my Basenjis the other night and was bitten. Yikes, those are sharp little teeth. I would hate to see a child bitten by any dog. Young children and dogs, not just Basenjis, need to be supervised; children should be taught respect for animals. I've seen many lovely pets 'go away' or be put down because one bit a child who was teasing or being cruel. Actually, in my opinion teasing is being cruel. I think children need a "time out" when they play too rough with animals, too.