Started Nipping Some Guests

Question
Our rescued (June 15, 2007)3 yr old nuetered Pit/lab mix (?) is very obedient and affectionate coming out of 2 years at a shelter.  He has been great with us, our cat, other dogs, and meeting new people.  Just recently he has nipped at guests that appear to be fearful or inattentive at either our condo or other family/friends places.  I've only seen it happen when people turn to walk away or are holding their hands up/away from him.  He isn't vicious but it's a tendency I want to "nip in bud" ASAP.  Every time it has occured (about 4) I have closed his muzzle and repeated "No" firmly.

Answer
Sounds like he might have a bit of herding breed blood in him, Ian. The behavior you're describing is typical of breeds like cattle dogs and shetland sheepdogs, to get whatever livestock the dog is herding to move. You are right to correct your dog for this behavior, but if someone is fearful, I would put the dog in another room while they are there. Dogs can sense fear, and they react to fear by trying to dominate the person or other dog that is fearful, more often than not.

It also sounds like your dog is 'bullying' people to give him attention. If >this< is the case, he needs to be taught that he does not get attention/affection on >his< terms, but on yours and everyone else around him. If they don't want to acknowledge him, he should NOT do things to get their attention, such as licking their hands, nipping at them, or otherwise.

I would strongly suggest that you begin using the "Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF)" techniques with him, to affirm your position as 'alpha' of the pack, and teach him some manners. You can find lots of information on NILIF by doing a search for it at http://www.yahoo.com Basically, it requires that the dog 'earn' everything by following a command first. It's something that I recommend to all dog owners, and something that I do daily with my own dogs.

NILIF is only successful if EVERYONE that your dog is around follows the same rules. If you do not think that a guest or family member can abide by the rules of NILIF, then they should not be allowed to interact with the dog at all, or, in the case of family members that live in the same house, only under your supervision so that you can take charge if necessary (in the case of young children that cannot grasp the idea behind NILIF).

Instruct people not to hold their hands up/away from him. This can encourage just about ANY dog to want to jump up and see why those hands are being held up.