Nipping

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1 year old Jack Russel Corgi Mix. My daughter is trying to show him in obediance and showmanship. He is really good his only problem is that he is a little nippy. He is fine when people are petting him but when they take their hand away he nips at them. Is it possibul to stop him, or is it just a male thing? If it can be fixed please tell me how to fix it. Your help is much appriciated.

ANSWER: It's not a male thing. My guess is lack of confidence. It's much easier to nip at a hand going away than one coming toward you, or on you. Is he making contact, or is it a snap that is not directed at the hand? (Dogs have very good control of their mouths, and if they don't connect, it's usually on purpose). Is your daughter working with a trainer? I'd be looking for someone who will reframe the situation for the dog by counter-conditioning and desensitization rather than punish the behavior.

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QUESTION: Thank You for your answer and I have a few answers for your questions. Yes my daughter is working with a trainer. We meet every Tuesday. She is training all the 7 kids in our club in obedince and a litttle showmanship. Also He only ever made contact 2 but did not leave a mark. I was told it might be he just wants to be petted more so that is his own way to like say PET ME MORE. Is that ture. I was also told that any time a person comes to our house have them pet him and thenif he does not nip reward him and if he nipps punish him. Also he seams to nip more when on a leash or tied up. Sorry if my follow-up is to long we just want to get the problem ixed before he dose make serosy trouble. THANK YOU

Answer
I doubt he's asking to be petted more. Is the trainer you are working with a 4-H trainer? I would seek someone who works specifically with behavior problems. If he is nipping because he is anxious, punishing him is going to make him more anxious in that situation.  Sandy