my rottie has a habit of nippin, wen i invade my kids space & she invades mine,we r firm wit him but 2 no avai

Question

we are very firm with him and are not frightened of him, hes not allowed on furniture or beds, and is generally a real softie, all but for this small problem, it started on fireworks night, 2 yrs ago, he never goes out on fireworks night, as he is terrified. thanks for any help. jane

hi folks, some people must have misunderstood me, i have 1 child an she's 16 we live on our own wit our boy,(murf) i have tried the usual things that i know about dogs, ive had dogs all my life so im NOT a novice, murphy is a really really 'GOOD' natured dog and id rather die than give him up, he is part of our family, he not only does this wit my child wen hes sat near me on the floor (not allowed on furniture 2 big) but he also nips me wen hes sat with my daughter, only started this since nov last yr, he most certainly definately, positively know who's the 'BOSS', he eats afta us , walks to heel on lead, comes to comand, we walk out all doors before him, he knows his place, so you are probably now as stumped as i am as to why he's all of a sudden started doing this !!! anyone help anyone at all ?? thanks guys. jane & toni England . uk

Answer 1

This falls under funny to me...
I was a military dog handler and trainer. We actually took animal psyc. to answer all questions that come up. My answer should be right on the money, however although I graduated at the top of my class I'd concider others answers as well.
My answer would be... Teritorial....I've trained more dogs then I could possible count...The last breeds I breed we're rot's. The reason I went with rot's was there protectiveness to children. You are experienceing classic symptoms.
Nipping is a warning. If it's not a strong bite or a hurtfull nip he's just telling you the child belongs to me. Protectiveness and jelousy should bring these feelings on.
TRY....Holding the child on your lap while watching TV..a movie or something. Allow the dog to get as close as possible during this same time frame. My first Dobberman was told to me if you dont allow your dob. on the furniture you dont deserve a dob. Everyone has different rules with there dog. Stand by your's. Just allow the dog to see your love for the child and include him as well.
The most important word in dog comunication is NO. It has to be simotaniouslly with the mistake the dog is making.
We he or she nipps point to his or her nose and tell the animal NOOOOO. There are drastic messures but you may get bit. Alway's start with verbal corrections first.

Answer 2

Any dog that "nips" for any reason is not sure who is boss. This dog has dominance and aggression issues. I am not saying they cant be worked on just that they do exist. It is not up to the dog to determine any kind of turf or invading space issues as you put it. The dog is allowed to be in your world not the other way around. Frankly if this behavior is allowed to continue as the dog gets older it WILL increase. I think you need to contact a trainer or buy some materials that discuss this matter. A dog that size nipping is not something to mess with or take lightly.

Answer 3

This proberly has alot more to do with that firework night when it all started,fear can cause different reactions in different dogs,that night was he with your daughter?does he feel safer with her?You say he knows who's boss but who's the person who spends most time with him,walking,feeding,traning etc.Your dog could be trying to assert his dominance,and he knows this gets a nervous reaction out of you and your daughter so he keeps doing it.I really do feel this stems from fear on fireworks night though.I would advice taking him to a behaviourist who can asses his basic mood state and start a good training programme with you to stop him nipping.Good luck.

Answer 4

You need to take her to training class. A Rottie who nips is kinda scary as this is a big & powerful dog with a bit mouth!
Male Rotties are known to be a bit "hot" to handle. So if he isn't neutered - get him neutered immediately.
Also take him to a trainer who is experienced with large aggressive breeds so that the trainer can help you to train your dog.

Answer 5

See a behavioural trainer without delay. Your vet will give you a referral.
Nipping to show displeasure is a sign of dominance; you say your dog is friendly but that doesn't mean she's not dominant.
If she's nipping your kid then she does not see herself at the bottom of the pecking order.

Answer 6

Do please be very, very careful of this dog around your children. If by "nipping" you mean biting/using his teeth on someone you really should consider rehoming him to a place without children.

The alternative is that he bites someone and the court will order that he be "Destroyed"

There have been horrific cases lately. Please think about your children first. It's just not worth the risk. IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK. Your children must come first.

Almost certainly not the answer you wanted