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It’s a commercial break during the baseball game, so you slump onto the floor to play around with your dog. You mess around with one of his toys and tease him with it. But as soon as the game is back on the screen you go back to watching the TV. He doesn’t like that though, and he starts to bite and nip at your arms and legs. Alternatively, when you do carry on playing with him, he gets so excited that he starts nipping at you then, too.
Training this behavior out of your dog is essential. Dogs that start with nipping often progress to serious biting and you don’t want him hurting you or anyone else in your household, like the kids. He could also end up biting someone else’s dog and you don’t want those hefty vet bills to deal with.
Training your dog to stop nipping isn’t always straightforward. You need to address why he’s nipping in the first place. You also need to divert this aggressive behavior towards a safer channel. Training will consist of asserting your position of control and cutting out any biting triggers. If he’s just a puppy, this behavior won’t have developed into a habit for life yet and you may be able to cut it out in just a week or two. If he’s been nipping at people for many years, then be willing to put a month or two into training.
It’s important you get this training right, not just for your health but also for your four-legged companion. If he ends up biting somebody or another dog and doing them serious harm, he may be court-ordered to be put down. You don’t want to lose him further down the line when you could have nipped the problem in the bud now.
Before you can wage war on your dog's nipping, you’ll need a few things. Some toys he can play tug of war with and to re-direct his aggressive attention will be needed. You may also want to invest in a spray bottle to give your pooch a gentle reminder to behave.
Your pup's favorite treats or some tasty food will be required to motivate and reward him. Then, you just need to commit to spending some time on training each day.
Once you’ve got all of those bits together, bring an optimistic attitude and you’ll be ready to get to work.
The Redirection Method
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Tug the energy
When your dog has so much energy that he does not know where to bite, redirect the energy to a tug of war rope. Let him bite and tug until he's ready for a nap.
Build a course
Defer your pup's energy from nipping to a task he'll relish. Build a makeshift agility course in the backyard and watch your dog maneuver the weave poles and go through the tire jump. All without nipping!
Remind with spray
When interacting with your dog and the instruction, "no" doesn't do the trick, take a water bottle with water and give your him a quick spray. He may not like the surprise and soon associate the water with the no nipping rule.
Don’t wind him up
If your dog nips around meal times or when he’s desperate for the toilet, don’t antagonize him. Making him do loads of tricks when food is in front of him may irritate him and lead to nipping. If you know he needs the toilet don’t hang around and play with him, take him straight out. You wouldn’t like to be made to wait to go to the toilet and neither does he.
Walk, again
A tired dog is a happy dog. Walk your dog as much as you have time for. A promenade around the neighborhood will keep him from nipping and redirect his thoughts to the great outdoors. Playtime in the backyard is also a good diversion.
The Obedience Refresher Method
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Reinforce commands
Practice the commands your dog has learned so that he can perform them without thinking twice. A dog that uses his mental skills daily will put his energy to good use. The commands sit, stay, heel, and leave it will come in handy when teaching a dog not to nip.
In-class rules
Socialization will be one of the bonuses of in-class training. Your dog will learn the rules of behavior between dogs and handlers, all good skills for the future.
Next level benefits
An energetic dog who nips will benefit from structured classes and play. Take a second level of obedience to further sharpen his skills and strengthen the bond between the two of you.
Playtime reward
When your pooch plays calmly, reward him. When he nips, leave the scene. He'll soon learn that calm play involves a treat.
Positive reinforcement and consistency
Promote positive play. That means verbal praise and the odd treat whenever your dog plays calmly and consistent reaction to the nipping when needed. The combination of both will get his nipping behavior under control in a matter of weeks. At that point, you can stop giving him treats.
The Channel Aggression Method
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Tug of war
Place a toy in your dog's bed for a couple of days. Also, gently play around with it so he gets used to it and excited by it. Then, whenever he nips when you are playing, get this toy out and play tug of war. He can than alleviate his aggression on the toy instead of your arms and legs.
Increase exercise
Many dogs nip because they are full of energy and need to blow off steam. Take your dog for a longer walk or a second walk each day. If you can’t do that, throw a tennis ball while you’re walking. The sprinting will help tire him out and leave him napping in the afternoons instead of wreaking havoc.
Stop ankle nipping
When your dog nips at your ankle, stop moving, then wave the toy around and encourage him to play with that instead. Only once he’s fully distracted can you move on. Remain calm throughout, so you don’t heighten his excitement.
Positive reinforcement
When he does play gently, reward him with praise and treats. It’s important your dog knows what the right behavior is, so show him how happy you are when he plays nicely. As soon as he starts nipping, stop the rewards.
Don’t punish him
Never shout or terrify your dog. If he’s scared, he may start nipping and biting out of fear and you don’t want that. Instead, calmly remove yourself from the situation and leave him to calm down.
Written by James Barra
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/23/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Stop the nipping
July 26, 2021
Daisy's Owner
Alisha Smith - Alisha S., Dog Trainer
253 Dog owners recommended
Hello! I am going to send you information on the nipping/biting. Nipping: Puppies or older dogs may nip for a number of reasons. Nipping can be a means of energy release, getting attention, interacting and exploring their environment or it could be a habit that helps with teething. Whatever the cause, nipping can still be painful for the receiver, and it’s an action that pet parents want to curb. Some ways to stop biting before it becomes a real problem include: Using teething toys. Distracting with and redirecting your dog’s biting to safe and durable chew toys is one way to keep them from focusing their mouthy energies to an approved location and teach them what biting habits are acceptable. Making sure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise. Exercise is huge. Different dogs have different exercise needs based on their breed and size, so check with your veterinarian to make sure that yours is getting the exercise they need. Dogs—and especially puppies—use their playtime to get out extra energy. With too much pent-up energy, your pup may resort to play biting. Having them expel their energy in positive ways - including both physical and mental exercise - will help mitigate extra nips. Being consistent. Training your dog takes patience, practice and consistency. With the right training techniques and commitment, your dog will learn what is preferred behavior. While sometimes it may be easier to let a little nipping activity go, be sure to remain consistent in your cues and redirection. That way, boundaries are clear to your dog. Using positive reinforcement. To establish preferred behaviors, use positive reinforcement when your dog exhibits the correct behavior. For instance, praise and treat your puppy when they listen to your cue to stop unwanted biting as well as when they choose an appropriate teething toy on their own. Saying “Ouch!” The next time your puppy becomes too exuberant and nips you, say “OUCH!” in a very shocked tone and immediately stop playing with them. Your puppy should learn - just as they did with their littermates - that their form of play has become unwanted. When they stop, ensure that you follow up with positive reinforcement by offering praise, treat and/or resuming play. Letting every interaction with your puppy be a learning opportunity. While there are moments of dedicated training time, every interaction with your dog can be used as a potential teaching moment.
July 26, 2021
Nipping - best way to deal with. She also growls when we are trying to correct and deal with her.
Jan. 20, 2021
Freedom's Owner
Alisha Smith - Alisha S., Dog Trainer
253 Dog owners recommended
Hello! Here is information on nipping/biting. Nipping: Puppies may nip for a number of reasons. Nipping can be a means of energy release, getting attention, interacting and exploring their environment or it could be a habit that helps with teething. Whatever the cause, nipping can still be painful for the receiver, and it’s an action that pet parents want to curb. Some ways to stop biting before it becomes a real problem include: Using teething toys. Distracting with and redirecting your dog’s biting to safe and durable chew toys is one way to keep them from focusing their mouthy energies to an approved location and teach them what biting habits are acceptable. Making sure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise. Exercise is huge. Different dogs have different exercise needs based on their breed and size, so check with your veterinarian to make sure that yours is getting the exercise they need. Dogs—and especially puppies—use their playtime to get out extra energy. With too much pent-up energy, your pup may resort to play biting. Having them expel their energy in positive ways - including both physical and mental exercise - will help mitigate extra nips. Being consistent. Training your dog takes patience, practice and consistency. With the right training techniques and commitment, your dog will learn what is preferred behavior. While sometimes it may be easier to let a little nipping activity go, be sure to remain consistent in your cues and redirection. That way, boundaries are clear to your dog. Using positive reinforcement. To establish preferred behaviors, use positive reinforcement when your dog exhibits the correct behavior. For instance, praise and treat your puppy when they listen to your cue to stop unwanted biting as well as when they choose an appropriate teething toy on their own. Saying “Ouch!” The next time your puppy becomes too exuberant and nips you, say “OUCH!” in a very shocked tone and immediately stop playing with them. Your puppy should learn - just as they did with their littermates - that their form of play has become unwanted. When they stop, ensure that you follow up with positive reinforcement by offering praise, treat and/or resuming play. Letting every interaction with your puppy be a learning opportunity. While there are moments of dedicated training time, every interaction with your dog can be used as a potential teaching moment.
Jan. 20, 2021
I have had Penny for just over three years. There are two instances when Penny growls and nips: first is with strangers who pet her incorrectly. I do my best to manage this by educating people before they touch her and limiting her contact with people I can't trust to follow instruction. Second instance is with me when it is past her bedtime and this is a new behavior as of the last few months. Lately my schedule (and therefore hers) has become much more reliable and predictable, including a set bedtime, which Penny loves. I try not to bug her around this time, but if I do need to stir her from sleep for any reason (ex. we aren't at home and we need to leave, or she is sleeping in my spot on the bed, etc.), she growls. If I wake her from a particularly deep sleep, she may even bite me (level 2 on the Dunbar bite scale). Notably, she does NOT react this way if she is woken from a nap/sleep in the morning or throughout the day. I can't help but think that her being annoyed at being woken up when she is trying to sleep is totally reasonable and I should just continue doing my best to not bother her. But I am worried about how to handle this situation when it does come up. I am also worried that because it is new, her biting/growling with strangers may worsen as well. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Jan. 3, 2021
Penny's Owner
Darlene Stott - Dog Trainer and Groomer
102 Dog owners recommended
Hello, my first thought is to take Penny to the veterinarian. There may be a physical reason for her growling, from arthritis to an underlying illness that causes pain. (I am not sure why she reacts differently in the morning or day to the evening when woken up, other than she is in a deeper sleep and startled.) You can speak to a behavioral specialist as well - a session or two may do wonders for Penny and give you the tools needed to work with this problem. One on one interaction with someone used to dealing with dogs who bite is ideal. In the meantime, do your best to socialize Penny more to strangers (it does not mean they need to pat her) by getting her out for lots of walks and trips to the small dog park. Work to teach Penny to respect you by having her sit before every event. Sit before her meals, sit before getting on her leash, sit before playtime, etc. Make sure that other family members take part in the care of Penny also, including feeding, walking, and playing fetch or tug of war. She may then learn that her humans deserve respect and biting is not part of the picture. So, see a behaviorist for tips and take a look here also: https://wagwalking.com/training/not-bite-5. But first, and most importantly, take her for a check-up with her vet and explain the new behavior you are seeing. Good luck!
Jan. 6, 2021