puppy nipping

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a purebred Cairn Terrier that was 9 weeks old from a reputable breeder.  He now 12 weeks and is a real dear.  But, he loves to nip...alot!  I know some of this is normal for a puppy, especially a terrier but it seems out of control and I am not sure if I am overreacting or if it really should be a concern.  I have children (age 7 and 2) and I babysit a 3 & 4 year old.  The puppy loves to nip at their feet, hands, clothes, etc. and also demonstrates the same behavior anytime someone tries to pet him.  Occassionally he calms down and will just lay with you and allow you to pet him but NEVER for the children and it seems only on his terms or when we hold him against us and make him submit.  He is not overly aggressive in other areas and will allow me to rub his belly and head without much or any fuss.  He is learning commands well and seems to be obedient.  He naturally follows me well and walks naturally on a lead at my side without me training him to do so.  Therefore, I do not feel strongly that it is a dominant behavior but I am starting to wonder. All the books say yell "ouch" or something like that and disengage from playing but he seems to care less...he is so happy and just goes off and plays with something else.  Any advice?  Teresa

ANSWER: Teresa -

Grab his little muzzle fairly firmly, shake it back and forth gently and say "no bite" in a low, growly voice and then put him away someplace for 15 minutes. You can use a crate or a baby gate to isolate him from the family.

This is one of the few things that his Mommy would not have put up with, and this is as close to what she would do as we can get.

Cairns hate not being part of the action, so expect him to complain loudly, but it shouldn't take long for him to get the drift.  Especially when you are putting him away time after time in the beginning.

It may be hard to stay right on top of it at first, but it should decrease in a few days.

Also make sure he has appropriate things to chew both inside his "time out" place and outside of it.  I recommend kong toys, especially those you can put peanut butter, etc in.

Let me know how you make out.

-Beth

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, I will try that.  It seems to make sense.  Do you think I should follow the same guidelines when chases the kids?  So far I am not making a big deal out of "chase" unless he puts his mouth on their clothes or body.

Answer
Teresa -

The chasing thing depends a lot of how you think he means it. If it's just a run with the kids, I wouldn't worry, but if it seems more like an intention to catch the kids, I would put an end to it.

The trick will be getting him to respect your kids first since they are a little older (so better able to follow direction).

I would start with teaching him to sit, and then making him sit calmly while the kids feed him each meal.  If he is forced to respect them while they are doing something that excites him, you are likely to be able to get him to respect them all the time.

I would also recommend an obedience class as soon as possible - perhaps with your 9 yr old attending with you.

-Beth