Re: nipping and bitting

In Reply to: nipping and bitting
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Suzanne
Posted on:  February 28, 2002 at 12:20:20

: On January 15 I wrote and asked about nipping and bitting. My question and your answer are posted so I won't rehash the issue.

: I have followed your recommendation and this continues to be a problem. Trixie, a spayed female, is now 7 months old, she was 3 months (12 weeks) when I got her. I have been very consistent in giving her time outs when she bits. The problem got so bad that I started wearing boots and gloves in my own home. This may sound funny, but I'm diabetic and needed to protect my feet, which seems to be her favorite target.

: I did talk to the trainer because I though the dog might just hate me. She watched our interaction and said we were really bonded in love. Her suggestion was that I spray Trixie with water each time she tried to bit and continue the time outs. When that didn't work she recommended a mixture of water and white vinegar which I have done and which seemed to be working until recently.

: If this is a trait of the breed, it is an unacceptable one that I need to correct. Besides, I know several people who have JRTs from the same breader that don't exhibit this type behavior. In speaking to them, each one stated they have done something extreme when they were puppies and were bitting like bitting the dog back, spanking, etc. I've been told that this is the only way to show dominance over the breed. Somehow I can't bring myself to bite my dog and I still need some non-violent recommendations that have worked for others.

: The majority of the time I spend with Trixie she is sweet and a joy. All I want is a dog that is safe for me, as a diabetic, to live with. Since I live in Southern California, I can't spend the summer wearing boots and gloves in my own house. I need to find a solution to this heartbreaking situation quickly and want to know some tried, proven solutions. PLEASE HELP! :(

Response:

Hi Suzanne,

Biting a dog and hitting a dog is not the way to teach the dog that you are alpha. This can cause many more problems than just a pup that's nippy.

Biting their owner is not a trait of this breed, nor is it of any breed. Biting should never be tolerated.

There are a couple of articles in the FAQs about aggression. I wrote one of them. Rather than going through all of that advice, I'll just post the links below. You will not find advice stating to bit or hit your dog. I would suggest finding another trainer. One who comes to your home and works with you one on one. One who is familiar with terriers. I don't agree with spray bottles. I don't think that teaches a dog who is alpha in the home. It's surely not how they're taught in a pack of wild canines.

Good luck,