Nipping

Question
We have just bought a beautiful border collie.  What is the best way to deal with him if he starts nipping?  We intend to take him to training classes as soon as he is old enough.  He hasn't tried to nip the kids, but is annoying our King Charles Spaniel.  Is it just a puppy thing, or should we be nipping it in the bud now?  Also, what age do you recommend desexing them?  Is it a good thing?  Thanks for your reply.

Answer
Hello Karen,

Congratulations on your new Border Collie.  If he is just a pup, he is probably teething at this point and may also be testing your King Charles Spaniel to see how much he/she will tolerate.  It's natural for them to determine dominance hierarchies.

If you want to prevent your pup from nipping people, give him other things to chew such as a raw hide chew or a sock with a knot tied in it.  Be consistant with corrections on biting things that are not allowed then offer him an acceptable object in it's place.

You'll have to ask your vet what age he/she will fix your pup.  They usually have a minimum age at which they will do the procedure depending on the sex of the animal.  It is most definately a good thing to do if you do not intend to get involved in breeding and stud service to improve the breed.

Thank you for your questions.

Ann Jordan
Border Collie Coach
BorderCollieCoach.com