How to Train Australian Shepherds to Not Nip

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!

Hello! Un-training this behavior is fairly complex, though not impossible. It just takes time and practice. Because it is such an instinctual behavior for these dogs, it can be difficult to break. I am including a link for you to read. There are many steps to solve this behavior. Much more than room in this box! So I hope you find the link helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send another message. https://wagwalking.com/training/not-herd-1

Hello! Here is some 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.

Hello, I recommend working with a trainer who specializes in behavior issues like fear and aggression, who comes well recommended by their previous clients, and works with a team of other trainers who can practice being "strangers" to work on pup's mistrust and aggression toward strangers. I would also work on commands like Leave It, Place, Heel, Out, and Down to help manage pup directionally around other people. Since the nipping is likely related to pup feeling suspicious of people, the underlying fear and aggression needs to be addressed to help with the nipping. The nipping might also be partially related to pup trying to control people's movement as a herding instinct - which the directional commands can help with. Down https://www.thelabradorsite.com/train-your-labrador-to-lie-down-and-stay/ Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O75dyWITP1s Heel - Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Out - which means leave the area https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ Leave It - leave it method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

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.