How to Train Australian Shepherds to Not Nip
Medium
5-9 Weeks
Behavior
Introduction
If you have an Australian Shepherd, you've probably been nipped more than once. Your pup may nip at your heels when you aren't moving fast enough on a walk or you have something they want, such as their food bowl or favorite toy. While you may not mind the occasional nip, your guests probably don't like it, especially if there are children around. What to you is an affectionate graze may fee like a serious bite to someone who isn't familiar with your pup. Training Australian Shepherds to not nip is an essential part of raising a well-mannered dog.
Defining Tasks
Like most shepherds, Australian Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs. Years of selective breeding has imparted deep instincts into your Shepherd. The desire to herd is as natural to your Australian Shepherd as their need for a pack. Herding dogs learn to nip and snap at the heels of livestock to keep them in a group. If your pup is doing the same to you, it is important to learn constructive methods for redirecting that energy and techniques to show your Shepherd that nipping is not allowed.
Getting Started
Keep in mind as you work with your Australian Shepherd that you may not be able to stop nipping altogether. As a herding dog, the instinct to nip is very strong. However, you can help them learn to control their instincts more effectively. For these methods, you will need a long training leash and a chew toy or rawhide bone. You can also use treats to encourage the behaviors you want to see more of.
The Intervene Method
Effective
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Step
1
Keep a close eye on your dog
For a few days, simply watch your Australian Shepherd and determine what in their surroundings typically triggers their herding instincts. Learn to identify the signs that your pup is about to start nipping, such as dropping their head or crouching.
Step
2
Use a long lead
Put your Australian Shepherd on a a long leash, such as a six-foot training leash. Then take your dog into a controlled environment, but give them plenty of slack on the leash.
Step
3
Enlist some help
Have someone perform one of the actions you noticed triggering your pup's instinct to nip during the first step, such as running by. It is best to have another adult help you in the beginning, for safety.
Step
4
Intervene before they react
When the triggering action begins, watch your Australian Shepherd closely for signs that they are about to chase and nip. BEFORE they do, give your pup the command to 'come'. If they don't respond right away, give them a gentle tug on the leash to redirect their attention to you.
Step
5
Practice consistently
Ideally, you should practice this method about 20 minutes a day over the course of several weeks. Consistent practice is the best way to make this command stick. Over time, your Australian Shepherd will learn to control their instincts and look to you for guidance.
Recommend training method?
The Ignore Method
Effective
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Step
1
If your pup is an ankle-biter...
You can use this method to teach them to leave you be. The goal of this technique is to encourage good behaviors from your Australian Shepherd, rather than punishing bad ones.
Step
2
Freeze
When your pup starts nipping at your ankles or pant legs while you walk, simply stop walking. Pulling your feet away or pushing your shepherd out of the way will only make them think you are playing a game.
Step
3
Ignore them until they calm down
Remain still and avoid looking at or talking to your Australian Shepherd. You want to wait until they stop nipping at you and calm down completely before you acknowledge them.
Step
4
Reward them for being calm
Once your dog has calmed down and has stopped nibbling, you can give them a treat or one of their toys as a reward for behaving well. While you are working on this behavior, it is best to keep toys or treats on you most of the time.
Step
5
Be careful about your timing
It is very important to give your dog their reward only once they have completely stopped nipping at you. Otherwise, you may accidentally reward the behavior you are trying to stop. However, if you time your rewards carefully, your Australian Shepherd should learn not to nip in no time.
Recommend training method?
The Redirect Method
Effective
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Step
1
Be prepared
Gather several chew toys and keep them in close range while you are working on this behavior. It doesn't hurt to watch your shepherd for a few days to figure out the times they are most likely to nip so you know the best times to have toys nearby.
Step
2
Say "no"
The first step when your Australian Shepherd nips at you is to say "no" in a calm, but firm, voice. Avoid yelling at your pup because it may excite them further.
Step
3
If they don't stop nipping...
Put one hand gently around their snout and say "no" again in the same tone of voice. Release their snout quickly. At this point, they should stop biting.
Step
4
Redirect their attention
After saying no, offer your shepherd a chew toy or rawhide bone. By giving them something to chew on, you are redirecting their energy away from you and onto a more appropriate object.
Step
5
Praise and repeat
Tell your pup they are a good dog for chewing on the toy or bone. Repeat this same series of actions every time your Australian Shepherd nips at you, so they learn when they can and cannot nip or bite.
Recommend training method?
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Rocky
My dog has learned to not nip me or my family, but we have renters who live in our basement and there are often people in our yard who the dog doesn't know. What can I do to train my dog to not nip or chase strangers?
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
1 Dog owners recommended
Thanks for the question. Rocky is right at the adolescent stage and this is when the headstrong Aussie starts to assert themselves and seek direction. Australian Shepherds do well with instruction; in fact, they thrive on having a leader that they can look up to. But, a leader is indeed needed or the Aussie will see fit to take charge. Aussies require obedience training to be happy and well behaved. Remember, they are a working dog by nature and have very keen minds. Take Rocky to Obedience Classes - and if you have already passed the Beginner level, then work toward level 2 all the way through to Advanced. You'll have the smartest and most well behaved dog on the block! The socialization of being in the classes will allow Rocky to get used to strangers. Before you know it, his nipping and desire for dominance will settle. Aussies need lots of mental stimulation (games, chew toys, puzzle toys) to make a well-rounded dog. In the meantime, when you take Rocky outside when strangers are in the yard, have him on a leash so that an unfortunate incident does not occur. Good luck!
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