How do I stop a border collie puppy nipping ankles and legs?

Question

He's only 9 weeks and very bright. He mouths and chews but this is herding and we have children coming to visit regularly. Our last collie ran around us but never used his teeth.

Answer 1

This is what border collies do. They are herders (and fantastic ones at that) and VERY intelligent. That is why they are generally not a good mix with children, as they usualy try to "herd" them by nipping at ankles and legs.

If you start training early enough, you may be able to break them of this, but it is a natural quality of the breed. When he nips, replace your leg with a toy and praise like crazy. Also use the bitter apple spray, that is very effective with teaching dogs what to chew and what not to. You really should take the dog to a very good obedience trainer asap and they will be able to work with you on this issue.

Border Collies also excel greatly at agility. You may want to look into getting him involved in that to help use up some of his energy.

Also, as a note, some posters here have mentioned punishing the dog by putting it in a "bad" room, etc. Punishing generally does not work well for dogs this way. They cannot understand what you are punishing them for after the fact. They need a quick, immediate positive reward, and they will get the picture of what is expected MUCH quicker than trying to punish them for bad actions after the fact. Their minds just generally do not work this way.

Answer 2

Border Collies do not (or should not!) nip sheep. Any who did that round here would be shot. Your BC is a puppy, all puppies nip & bite, he will grow out of it eventually. Be consistant & offer a favourite toy instead of your ankle! Also say No! in a firm tone, while offering him an alternative. You could try yelping when he bites. That works with some dogs, but just seems to excite others.
Tell the children to be calm & quiet & not get the puppy overexcited if he starts to nip them. Once he's got his adult teeth, he'll be much better - provided you have been consistant with his training.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

When ever he nips squel in a really highpitcher and loudish voice. This is what his litter mates would do to tell him that he is being to rough. Also as soon as he nips end the play session - he will quickly learn that nipping is not a good thing as it stops the fun and causes his friends pain. He isn't being naughty so he doesn't need punishing. Use the above to show him in his language that this behaviour isn't good.

Answer 5

Border Collie's can be too smart for their own good. *grin* You're right... He is herding, but he should learn not to nip/bite. Jenny had a really good answer. Replace his nipping at you with a toy. With my Shepherds if they are persistant nippers/biters I take the puppy's jaw in my hand and squeeze (not necissarily hard) until the pup whimpers. Then let go and if he doesn't bit again, then say "GOOD PUPPY!!!!". If he tries to bite again, squeeze a little harder... Keep doing it until he gets the picture. Be consistant and never let him get away with it.

I would REALLY recommend obedience classes, agility classes, and it would be AWESOME if you can find a herding trainer in your area.

Where are you located?

Answer 6

Some border collies dependant upon their parents etc have a higher "work" drive - hence one that herds and one that didn't.

You need to find an outlet for this behaviour - agility, flyball - something else to occupy its mind.

When the puppy does this behaviour tell it no sharply and remove it from all attention.

Answer 7

i had this problem with my border collie, we used to ignore him when he did this,after a few mins. we would give him attention again and we always used the phrase BE NICE, which now he always responds too. my pup is 6 months now and he has stopped this. also i was told that border collies and children do not mix when i asked this question, but i have to say mine is wonderful with my 3 children (7,8 and 9 year olds), and i have lots of little ones here and he is really gentle with them.

Answer 8

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tr.im/gj458

By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 9

I have a border collie/ german shepard mix puppy. It may sound and feel retarded but when the dog nipps start whining like a hurt dog. This will let them know it hurts. Or like others have said use bitter apple. That works great. Also like others have said, give them something else to chew on. For me Nylabone or kong toys work great for this. DO NOT GRAB AND HOLD THEIR MUZZLE!! This freaks the puppy out and will ensure they will have trust issues with you. Good luck!

Answer 10

It is natural behaviour but if you yelp loudly in a high pitched voiced, as a pup would if nipped by mum for doing something bad, stand very still afterwards he will probably get the message.