How to Train Australian Shepherds to Not Nip

Hello, The biting may partially be due to a herding instinct with pup's breed combination. When nipping is due to herding, you will also want to work on commands that you can give pup when the kids are around and need to monitor their interactions long term also, since instincts are not something you can get rid of - they are something you manage. With that said desensitization is still important, and if the nipping is due to pup being overly excited or nervous or aggressive around the kids, then desensitization is really important. Commands to help with management: Out - which means leave the area: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ Leave It method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Quiet method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Place command: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O75dyWITP1s Down-Stay: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/train-your-labrador-to-lie-down-and-stay/ Heel- Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Come - Reel in method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall For the training that needs to involve kids, such as desensitization or working on obedience commands around the kids to gain reliability once pup has been taught those initial commands, I highly recommend hiring a professional trainer who is very experienced with this type of behavior and the methods and tools needed to address is safely and effectively. First, using measures like crating and desensitizing her to the muzzle are important first steps - the kids are first priority and need to be kept safe, and being allowed to act aggressive toward them will make the behavior in her worse, so don't feel bad about doing those things. Those are responsible first steps. Check out the videos linked below on desensitizing aggressive dogs to kids. Notice the safety measures always taken though and be sure to implement similar measures - crates, back tie leash, lines for the kids not to cross, constant adult supervision anytime there is an interaction between the kids and dog, and a basket muzzle. You can work on teaching pup to respect the kids and be more comfortable around them via desensitizing and their respect for you and your rules. It's always important to supervise kids and dogs even once things improve though. If pup is just excited around the kids and nipping due to herding instincts, you will still want to desensitize to things like kids running, toys, and other kid body language, but something there won't be to underlying aggression to address - It will be a matter of teaching pup self-control and to care less when kids are excited. Explanation of why dogs often bite kids (the dog in this video who is closer to the kids doesn't have aggression issues - which is why you don't see the extra precautions taken, like in the rest of the videos I have linked - extra safety measures will be needed when practicing with a known biter - such as a muzzle, back tie leash, crate, and greater distance between pup and kid): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7_0ZqiJ1zE&t=122s Use of crate, Place and tether leash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n0_27XY3z4 Later stage, up close desensitization - even though kids are close, there is still a line and pup is still on a back-tie leash so that pup can't actually get to kids to bite if they tried...This is a later stage exercise for pup once they can do well with the other above scenarios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIJoEJfTS-E

Aug. 15, 2022

Hello, Check out the Leash method from the article I have linked below. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-australian-shepherds-to-not-jump For the biting, I would teach Leave It from the Leave It method below: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite I would also teach Out - which means move away, and especially pay attention to the section on using Out to Deal with Pushiness once you have taught pup what the Out command means using the section on How to Teach Out. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ When your grandson is around I would utilize a long training leash to enforce pup's commands, so that if the dog does over to the boy to bother him, you say Out, and pup doesn't immediately move away from your grandson, you can reel pup in with the long leash and show pup that obeying isn't optional. When pup obeys willingly, reward with a treat if pup is being mannerly toward you also and not jumping or biting you when they come. Don't leave the child and the dog unattended, keep pup crated or in another room when your grandson is around if you aren't in that room too, so pup isn't getting away with bad habits - which can make those habits worse, and isn't putting the child in danger. Depending on whether pup's roughness is at all aggressive, in anyway harming the boy, or has the potential to be a real bite with pieced skin, you may also need to desensitize pup to wearing a basket muzzle ahead of time using food rewards. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

May 18, 2022