Nipping/Biting

Question
We have a 2 yr old Sheltie who is nipping/biting at other people and we are not sure how to properly correct this.  The lady who watches our dogs for us when we are out of town brought this issue to our attention the last time we picked them up from her house.  She told us that our Sheltie was nipping at her children while they tried to play fetch with the other dogs.  She also said that another person came by to drop off a dog and tried to pet our Sheltie through the fence and our Sheltie nipped her hard enough that blood was drawn.  I started paying more attention to her behavior at home when friends and family would come over and have noticed that when people approach the deck (which is gated off to keep the dogs from getting out), and attempt to pet her over the gate or through the gate, she nips at them while barking.  Once people get on the deck and are inside the gate, she seems to be fine.  Is there anything we can do to correct this behavior?

Answer
Kathy,

You do have the classic genetic problem.  She is nipping at moving objects acting in a herd like manner (small children) and at outside threats (people approaching the fence).  

First, beware of dog signs are a very good idea for you right now.  She does bite.

Second, she needs more leashed socialization as quickly as possible.  Get her to the park around people and restrain her when she misbehaves.  Reward her when she is good.

Third: when you know people are coming over, leash her and work her.  Like at the park, reward her for being good and restrain her for misbehavior.  Barking at a stranger is not misbehavior.  Nipping and herding strangers is misbehavior.  

I always recommend fetch as a good way to alleviate some of these urges.  Get a squeaky ball and try teaching her to play with it to vent.

Hope that helps!

Dave