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aussie mix

19 14:43:24

Question
Hello

I have a question about my 2 mths ausie mix (red heeler and aust shep) We bought her from a store which we found out buys dogs from puppy mills. She went to the vet and was given medicine for a bacterial infection that was making her unable to go #2. She seems to be doing much better just after a couple days of being on the med.

My questions are...is she going to be a good dog with kids and if she is going to continue to nip at us. She does it in playful way but when we tell her no she just keeps doing it. We keep her in a kennel at night and then during the day. We do try to have someone come be with her for a while during the day while we are at work but that isn't always possible.

Any help on our Maggie would be appreciated.  

Answer
Puppy nipping, especially in the herders, is normal, but there are things you *must* do with herders to teach them about being nice with their teeth.  The first, IMO, is to get them in to puppy class before age 10 weeks with a positive trainer (no choke chains, no "corrections" - clicker training is great, but marker or lure/reward is ok, too.  Read this: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy%...

When she nips at you, ignore her and remain still with your eyes turned up and away.  Once she is quiet, reward with a "good girl" and go about your business - repeat ad nauseum;-)  With kids, no running or screaming, so you must be a consistent parent while the pup is young, so that your kids are not viewed as sheep - you can tell them "be a tree" when puppy nips and that you will come redirect the pup (onto a chew toy, or an empty plastic bottle to herd -never leave pup alone with toys).

These dogs need a job, as they are good problem solvers.  So, feed her dinner kibble out of a puzzle toy (buster cube, twist 'n' treat, nina ottossan pyramid toy, etc. - www.activedogtoys.com, www.premierpet.com, www.petexpertise.com)

Get a clicker and go to www.clickerlessons.com.  You can start her training before puppy class at home.  It's another "job" for her!