Puppy scratching!!

[Sheltie.Mama]

I have a wonderful little Sheltie pup, who is almost 11 weeks old, and she is always scratching at your face. She is not trying to hurt you she will deliver kisses too, but I can not take anymore scratches on my face/throat! It is painful and I would like to get her to stop. How can I do this?

 

[Mom2Melli]

Same way you teach them to keep their mouths off you. Saying calmly and not harshly, "No, ow", gentle (and I mean gentle!!!!) brief touch to the muzzle or paw while saying "No, ow" again, directing the mouth or the paw away from where they are hurting you. Put dog down until able to interact with you calmly if they are kind of hyped up.

 

[EJHUNTL]

Do not ever encourage a behavior you don't want. If it's a nip or a scratch or anything painful - let out a loud OW like you really mean it. Immediately put the puppy down on the floor, stop playing and ignore her for a minute. Do this every time and soon she'll associate the behavior with losing your attention and whatever fun thing you were doing. Don't bother scolding or talkingto her - just a reaction and a consequence right when the behavior happens.

Also I would be feeding her kibble from my fingers ( not an open hand) - if she's licking then she can't bite so you let her have the kibble - if she nips pull away. This will teach her to have a gentle mouth.

Go over to dog star daily and download this free ebook, and while you're there have a look at all the free resources. Great website.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/after-you-get-your-puppy