Collie Puppy Help

[andy_c]

Hi we have just got a puppy which is 8 weeks old.

She is developing nicely in training and everytime any of my family lay on the floor she insists on jumping on us which hurts when she bites out hands and tries to nip at our face.

Why is this?

[nick_j007]

Her behaviour is 'normal' and I suggest you avoid lying on the floor unless you want to be marauded by her

Simply sit on the floor with her so that you are in an upright position and you are then better placed to control her behaviour. Place a light lead on her so that you have an extra degree of control also. Puppies of this age always need to be mouthing chewing, so keep a rag type toy to hand so that can go into her jaw rather than your hands or nose. Any teeth on skin should be met with a 'No biting' in a firm voice and see if she settles down after your clear instruction.

If she goes nuts when you go to play with her and she seems uncontrollable, you can send a more clear message by placing her into a time out for a minute. Simply take her by the lead and drop it over something fixed such as a radiator or similar. It needs to be safe and secure of course. After the minute is up and she is looking calm let her off and try again. Repeat as needed.

Avoid shouting or heavy handling of course.

HTH,

Nick

[RobD-BCactive]

I would like to add a point about this nipping being a postive thing because you teach your pup bite inhibition to humans. When he nips, rather than simply mouths softly, say "Oww" in high pitched puppy-yelp imitation. The pup will soon learn not to hurt you, and be very gentle with human skin.

An article "The Bite Stops here" by Dr. Ian Dunbar, argues that it's a good thing that your puppy nips, and the article seems to be well reasoned and sound to me. It is on the cockersonline site, but I cannot post the URL until I have made 15 posts (due to anti-spammer policy)

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discu...?topic=64170.0