Hello, Generally teaching a puppy not to bite is the same for all breeds, specific temperaments of puppies may respond better to one method than another. I find that the Bite Inhibition method (same as the cry method from the article you commented on) and Leave It method from the article I linked below work the most often with the largest number of puppies. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

April 25, 2023

Hello, I would start by teaching Out and Leave It commands. Out - leave the area: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ Leave It section: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Even though the leave it method is for addressing biting, use it to teach the general concept of leaving something alone, which can later be used for digging also. I would use a remote collar with at least 60 stimulation levels, tone and vibration, and work with a trainer to find Jake's "working level" which is the lowest level he will respond to on the collar. Once he knows Leave It and Out well, go outside with him and spend time relaxing out there as well as playing. When he goes to dig, use your Out command and use the long training leash to move him away from the area if he doesn't obey. If he obeys, reward with a treat that was hidden in a baggie out of sight in your pocket. Practice this often until he will instantly stop digging when told Out or Leave It. Once he knows that, add in the collar on his working level, having spent a few days having him wear it around with it turned off so he doesn't suspect anything from the collar. When he goes to dig, tell him "Ah ah" or push the tone button on the collar and correct with the collar remote on vibration or stimulation, whichever you predetermined he responded to well and at the working level you found for him. Reward when he stops digging or if he considers digging and doesn't dig at a spot he usually would have dug at. Once he won't dig with you present in the yard, then practice from the far end of the yard, then right inside the door to your home, then completely out of sight, until he is convinced that digging has the same consequences whether you are present or not. Some people will also create an acceptable digging location for a dog who may have a naturally strong desire to dig, such as a large wooden sandbox type area, and allow the dog to dig only there. Redirecting the dog to that location as needed. You will still need to teach the dog not to dig in other areas too though. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

April 17, 2023

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. 4, 2021