is tapping a dogs nose considered hitting it??

Question

i tap my pomerian puppy's nose firmly but not like hard that could make him whimper. is it considered hitting it??

Answer 1

Absolutely that is considered hitting in dog body language. Your dog will NEVER understand why you are doing this. Puppies should not be punished for their behavior, only corrected. Would you punish a baby? Remember, reward the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you don't want.

Answer 2

From DogBreedz.com:

"3. The Nose Tap
If your puppy nips turn to him immediately and give him the "sit" command. Take your forefinger and hold it up in front of his nose, then tap him on the nose and say "no bite" in a stern tone of voice. It's important to note two things here: 1) the nose tap isn't designed as a dire punishment - you're not trying to hurt him, but rather startle him into stopping the behaviour; and 2) your tone of voice is just as important as the nose tap. Don't scream at him - your voice should be stern and give a clear warning - think of it as a verbal growl - something that he can understand as a dog.

An interesting result of this manner of breaking this habit is that down the road, when your puppy has learned to recognize the raised finger, he'll usually stop whatever behaviour he's engaging in just because he knows what's coming. You won't even have to raise your voice - just lift that finger."

Its a training technique, and if you aren't hurting him, merely getting his attention, you shouldn't feel guilty about using this technique. He will be a happier dog in the end as you and he grow closer because he is a well behaved and easily managed dog.

Answer 3

I wouldn't consider it a "hit" unless eventually you let it escalate into something more than just a tap. If it is a puppy you are doing it to than you have to remember that they are still young, sensitive, and weak. A tap to you could be considered a smack to them. So when it is still just a puppy make sure you don't tap too hard otherwise it can be considered a hit and you can end up hurting your dog.

Answer 4

If it's done as a form of punishment, yes, you're hitting your dog.

Any time you lay your hands on your dog as a form of punishment, you are teaching the dog nothing except to be afraid of your touch. Try positive reinforcement instead (giving the dog a treat when it behaves properly, and ignoring it when it misbehaves), also known as the humane "nothing in life is free" form of behavior modification.

Answer 5

My husband taps his lab's nose when she will not get out of his face if it makes you feel batter

Answer 6

never hit ur dog! how bout i tap ur nose is that considered hitting it??? yes dont do it ever again or consider ur nose as good as tapped young lady ahaha seriously dont though its good not

Answer 7

i say no depending how hard you tap on its nose

Answer 8

Why would you do this? Dogs won't understand that kind of "punishment" or behavior modification. Please try to read up about dog behavior and response.

Dogs aren't stupid, and they aren't people. They don't understand negative reinforcement.

Please re-think your correction method.

Answer 9

only if it is a tap. It isn't cruelty, it's tapping.

Answer 10

thats what i do to my dog . No its not hitting it is discipline .=)