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nipping and bitting puppy

20 9:30:09

Question
We just got a JR puppy he is 12 weeks old, he is nipping and biting when he gets excited or wants attention (usually when the kids are trying to go to sleep), I have been correcting him with a tap and a stern "NO" and I have been having my kids do the same but he continues to nip and bit, he also will nip at our feet and clothes when we walk. I do have a crate but I read not to use it to discipline a puppy?? is this correct or when he will not settle down should I put him in "time out" in his kennel? I want to train him right but he is very stubborn when it comes to biting and nipping us.  

Answer
Hi Sherri,
Congratulations on your new puppy!  
You're right about not using the crate as discipline - you want the crate to be a "good" place.
This may sound strange but it works....
You guys need to act like other puppies. When your puppy bites you, make a high pitched cry like he hurt you. Also, get up and refuse to be any part of any play of biting.
Cry and walk away - just like his litter mates would do.
Don't let the kids keep playing or pulling, you have to send a message to the puppy that this is NOT fun. He will learn that when he bites it gets a negative not a positive response.  Saying NO and the tap are OK too but do the above also. Consistency is also the key. Stick to the plan!
Very best of luck to all of you!
Carol