Free Training Tips on How to Stop Puppy Nipping

For this Omaha dog behavior training session we worked with Buzby, a one-year-old, Pitbull Corgi mix. Our goal was to stop puppy nipping and help dog reactivity.

Buzby had a few nipping incidents and has been reactive around skateboards and bicycles.

Buzby was pretty laid back when I arrived for the session. He was curious, but maintained a calm energy and showed respect for my personal space while giving me a good sniffing.

After exchanging pleasantries with his guardian, we sat down to discuss how I could help them.

How to Stop Puppy Nipping

The primary issue was Buzby nipping a few different people. I have many techniques and exercises to help dogs that nip. However, as we talked, it seemed different from the usual nipping issues I often handle.

As his guardian explained each nipping incident, I understood that the nip was a reaction to being startled. The dog did not nip because the human tasted good. The dog did not know better or try to control the human.

If someone runs up to a dog in a threatening way, the dog might get startled. A nip from the dog isn’t surprising in that case.

I continued to ask questions to determine if there was a fear or anxiety trigger for these nips, but the deeper we dug, the more logical and proper Buzby’s nips sounded. While we don’t want a dog to nip, in some situations it is warranted or appropriate.

In Buzby’s case, he was simply reacting to something that caught him off guard or surprised him. None of the nips drew blood and were consistent in their intensity.

When a dog nips to correct, it usually does so with the same strength each time. That’s how Buzby’s guardian described each incident to me. Based on what I learned from observing Buzby and information from his guardian, I came to the conclusion that Buzby is in the top 3 most well behaved dogs I have worked with (out of around 2,000) and was not a nipping threat.

Positive Dog Behavior Training to Help Dog Reactivity

I’m glad his guardian called me (a dog behaviorist) instead of a dog trainer. There are many good dog trainers in Omaha.

However, some use dominance theory. This method punishes dogs for bad behavior. The goal is to make dogs act a certain way by making them fear consequences.

I dislike training tools that cause pain or discomfort, like shock collars and pinch collars. Hitting a dog or using alpha rolls is also wrong. Buzby was not aggressive at all. However, if someone used harsh methods, he might become aggressive.

Since he was polite and well-behaved, we didn’t go over as many tips and suggestions as I have with other clients. One thing I did notice was that he was very motivated by attention and affection. This is not uncommon for dogs.

How Does Petting with a Purpose Stop Unwanted Dog Behavior?

We wanted to help this sweet Pitbull mix learn some discipline. At the same time, we can teach him a behavior that most people see as polite. Check out the video below for a more in-depth explanation.

As you saw in the video above Buzby is an active and well-adjusted dog. He doesn’t need strict rules. However, he often seeks attention by nudging or pawing at people. This behavior can make it seem like he controls the interaction.

To fix this unwanted dog behavior, we suggested teaching Buzby to ask for attention politely. He can do this by sitting or lying down before being petted. This creates a more balanced dynamic where the human becomes the authority figure. The goal is to reward desired behaviors, like sitting, with petting, rather than responding to nudges or pawing.

By consistently reinforcing these actions, Buzby will develop a better sense of respect and self-esteem, making him more relaxed and well-behaved. Petting with purpose helps teach dogs boundaries while also fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in them.

By training the dog to sit to ask for attention, Buzby will seem much more appealing to new people he meets. Due to all the prejudice surrounding Pit Bulls these days, this behavior and display of good manners will help make him an outstanding breed ambassador.