Nipping

[BarbV]

I would think the techniques and tips for puppies are applicable to older dogs as well. So, if you go through this thread, you might find something to work.

Good luck

 

[danisgoat]

Hello,

My Sheltie is 6 years old. He is great and friendly. BUT...when strangers come in the yard or house he nips them. Adults and kids. What is the best way to train him to stop? He also freaks at people walking and running by the yard too. But we have the invisible fence and he does not go past it.

He is a great dog... but the nipping thing needs to stop. Recently it has started to get worse.

I would have the friends and visitors scream "ow" really loud every time he nips near them. This let's him know that it hurts and is not OK.

 

[corbinam]

I would have the friends and visitors scream "ow" really loud every time he nips near them. This let's him know that it hurts and is not OK.

Also, whatever you are doing STOPS. If he is chasing you, stop and turn and face him. Or just walk away into another room and shut the door.

If you are on the floor playing, stop and turn your back. No more play.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

I would have the friends and visitors scream "ow" really loud every time he nips near them. This let's him know that it hurts and is not OK.

Totally agree, and not just friends you, too... When you are playing with him if he nips you say loudly owwwwwch in a hurt voice, not an excited one (which u normally do when a dog nips, ya, lol)

I would try and train in in the yard.. block him from what he is looking at or chasing. Otherwise this is a behaviour which rewards itself. Then it gets tougher and tougher to redirect it ...
I would not let him run around in the yard without supervision until you have a better recall... SO I would block when he starts barking, put him on leash walk the other way, just to get him out of that situation first. There is no training when he is already in that mode, lol.
Redirect him with a ball or a toy more often so he learns to pay more attention to you cuz you are going to be SO much more fun than a stranger walking by He can still alert, but when you call him off he comes a-running, waiting for his play/reward/treat time with you! It worked for me, Toffee is a truck chaser and definitely a barker at people, but now I can have him off leash and I don't have a fence and live in a quiet city street...