| Terriers have a reputation for being somewhat nippy. | | | | aggressively scold your terrier, it's important to deliver |
| But even though biting may be common behavior, you | | | | a firm "no" that sends a clear message to your terrier |
| don't have to live with it or encourage it. Responsible | | | | puppy. This, along with the break in attention will show |
| terrier owners need to actively discourage biting and | | | | your terrier that biting, mouthing and nipping are not |
| nipping right from puppyhood. You should be putting an | | | | allowed. Eventually, your dog will stop. |
| end to mouthing and biting by the time your terrier pup | | | | 3. Provide distractions for his mouth. |
| is 15 weeks old. | | | | Sometime you have to think of terrier puppies as being |
| So, keep reading for three easy-to-implement tips that | | | | like babies. They may nip, bite or mouth because |
| can help you stop your terrier puppy from biting and | | | | they're bored or even hungry. A young terrier puppy |
| nip this nipping problem right in the bud. | | | | should be fed small meals several times a day and |
| 1. Always encourage your terrier's good behavior with | | | | while you need to be careful not to over-feed your |
| positive reinforcement. | | | | dog, you do need to make sure he's getting enough |
| Positive reinforcement is a effective training technique | | | | for his quickly growing body. Try to counter biting with |
| that rewards a puppy or dog with praise or a treat | | | | a small snack, but never let the dog think you're |
| every time that dog does something right, but it also | | | | rewarding his nipping with a tasty treat. |
| means withholding any praise or attention when your | | | | If your terrier is well-fed and still insists on nipping, |
| terrier does something wrong, like biting or nipping. | | | | mouthing and biting, try distracting the dog with a bone |
| You can use positive reinforcement with your terrier | | | | or game of tug-and-war. Some dogs, especially |
| by praising him or her each time he simply licks or | | | | terriers, are natural chewers and biters. Having an |
| nuzzles you or just "plays nice." Use what trainers call | | | | appropriate distraction for their mouths (that's not your |
| your "praise voice" to encourage that good behavior. | | | | ankles or your favorite chair) is going to save |
| Should your terrier nip or bite, stop praising him or her | | | | everyone, including the dog, a lot of headaches. |
| immediately and move on to tip two. | | | | Ideally, you want to see any mouthing, biting and nipping |
| 2. Be consistent and firm when you say "NO." | | | | stopped by the 15-week marker. If your terrier is still |
| If your terrier bites or mouths you, even if it's an | | | | mouthing at 4-months, it's time to get serious with your |
| unintentional nip, always reproach the dog with a firm | | | | counter-training. Though the behavior may be cute or |
| and swift "no," Then, stop all play, remove yourself | | | | seemingly harmless now, it could develop into a bigger |
| from contact with the puppy and walk away. | | | | problem in the future once your dog is larger and |
| While you don't need to be over-the-top harsh or | | | | possibly more aggressive. |