My 10 week old Cocker Spaniel seems to nip and playfully bites a lot?

Question

Any training suggestions or do they grow out of this? We have tried many techniques to get her to slow down.

Answer 1

You always try the most positive method first:
Some ideas for discouraging finger chewing: when your puppy clamps down, let out a very loud YELP in imitation of a hurt puppy. Then, fold your arms and ignore him for 10 minutes. With very young puppies, this sometimes works wonders - it's the same thing that happens when they get too rough with another puppy. The wounded puppy yelps and runs off, refusing to play for a bit. The yelp must be startling enough to stop the behavior. If nothing changes, you probably weren't a good enough actor.

That should do the trick, unless she is prey driven, if it doesn't fix the problem this will work:

To introduce an element of "natural discipline", grasp the recalcitrant pup by the scruff of the neck with one hand, place your other hand over the top of his muzzle, GENTLY pressing his muzzle towards his chest as you say, in a low, growly tone of voice, "No BITE". If they begin to throw a tantrum and thrash around trying to bite, just hold the line until they "give in" and "say uncle" (quit resisting). You should not find it necessary to get aggressive with a young puppy. Simple restraint is usually enough to get the message across.

Answer 2

Well it's not going to grow out of it, and it may "playfully" hurt someone later on. Dogs hold onto what they learn when they are younger and continue to do so as they are older dispite the fact that they are bigger, stronger, and have sharper teeth and claws. If you learn to firmly say no and repremand the dog constantly she may learn that she shouldn't do that. When playing games with her you shouldn't teach her to bite or nip at all, they think this is an acceptable behavior at all times since they cannot tell the difference between playtime and down time.

Also, I know this works well on cats but not so sure about dogs, try using a spray bottle. Go buy a cheap spray bottle and squirt her with it when she doesn something wrong. Most animals do not like being sprayed and soon she will associate biting/nipping with being sprayed. It's worth a shot! Good luck!

Answer 3

Don't let this continue. People are amazed to learn that Cocker Spaniels are the #1 dog in the US for dog bites, more than any other breed. Start sternly telling your pup no, and what I do, is thump it on the nose - not hard, just enough to really get it's attention. Be consistent with it, don't think it's cute one moment, and then the next time when it really connects with your finger discipline it, as that will confuse the pup. I also recommend some formal training classes, which will help socialize your pup, and teach you the correct way to teach it.

Answer 4

Unstable temperaments. American Cocker Spaniels are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of American Cocker Spaniels with neurotic behaviors, including aggression, biting, moodiness, and general nastiness.

Teaching your Cocker how to get along with the world is essential. Learn how to socialize your dog on the Cocker Spaniel Training Page: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/americancockerspaniels.html

Answer 5

All puppies like to nip and chew on things...It helps them while teething...She will grow out of this stage....Keep a close eye on her though and "Puppy proof" your house. I had a "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel about that age once that chewed on an electric cord of a lamp...I had to unplug it to get it out of his mouth and I took him to the "vet" right away. He was lucky...It could have fried him. He is 3 years old now and never did that again. I guess he learned his lesson...Also, put away your shoes.....Good Luck and give your baby a hug for me...They just want to please you...

Answer 6

She's a puppy & she is teething. Give her some chew toys to chew on. When she nips, tell her a firm NO! and give her the chew bone...she's a smart "kid" she'll get the message...and yes they do grow out of it when they are through teething. She will grow baby teeth & they will fall out & she will grow adult teeth just like people do.

Answer 7

When my first dog was a pup, what worked for him was this: when he nips, tell him "no!" sharply, and push his face away. Then IGNORE (especially no eye contact) his attempts to continue playing, except for continuing to push his face away if he gets on you. Soon, he'll just kind of sit there looking at you, waiting for cues as to what he's supposed to do (as opposed to what he is NOT supposed to do).

The withholding of affection is a POWERFUL teaching tool for most dogs. He will quickly get the hint that you do not like it when he puts his mouth on you, and that you won't play with him when he does.

Answer 8

we have a cocker spaniel we got as a puppy, and my dog did this too... the first comment, the one by the dog breeder, is spot-on, because my mom read some training books, and that was the idea she got frmo them too. and yes, my dog grew out of this as well.

Answer 9

Try taking a hold of its lip not pinching hard and saying no, but be consistant and use alot of praise. you have to show her that she is nt aloud to touch you with her teeth.

Answer 10

what has worked for my family is to hold the dogs nose closed and say "NO" this doesn't hurt the dog and is very effective.