Like Us
Follow @dogster
Google +1 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Contact Us
Answers Home » Behavior & Training » Aggression
Guest

My 1 year old Wheaten is nipping and biting. What can I do to stop it?

I have a 1 year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier that nips at the kids when they run through the house and has bitten 3 times as well. I got him when he was a year old and I think he may have been mistreated. Normally Wheatens are good natured. He's the kind that will run up and bite you from behind, but he has bitten my 73 year old mother twice. I thought it was just nipping, but I see he is biting now too. I can't afford professional training. My kids are not going to be calm around him - that's just not real life. I need a solution or I will have to rehome him. He is a sweetie-pie so I would like to find a way to keep him :( Should I get a muzzle for him? He would hate it. Also, he plays hard and rough with my other dog that is twice his weight and will fight over food/bones, etc. He flips out when he is put in his crate. He doesn't mind going in or sleeping in there, but he hates when the gate shuts because I guess he knows he's going to be left alone (but with other dog).


Asked by Member 987307 on May 15th 2010 Tagged nipping, bitting, nip, bit, aggressive, aggression, kids, children in Aggression
 Report this question Get this question's RSS feed Send this question to a friend


Status

  • Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!

Answers

Apollo

I would recommend making a high pitched "Ouch" noise that resembles another dogs yelp when he bites. Most dogs do not bite to harm you intentionally, it may be the way he learned to play and no one taught him manners. When you scream ouch he should back off a realize he is hurting you and you dont like it. For this to work it needs to be consistant from everyone in the house. Try to encourage your kids to do this also (although, i bet thats easier said then done right? lol) This is the way I taught my puppy not to bite when he was very young and now he never puts fingers or hands in his mouth.

As for the fighting over objects I would try the ceaser millan way and put the dog on his side so he is submissive and keep him there till he is calm again, instead of using the crate. If you need anymore help feel free to msg me anytime!


Apollo answered on 5/15/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Aster

This sounds like more than the common puppy play nipping. A private trainer would be best, but you may have a more affordable option. With somebody the right age in the family, 4-H dog training is a great idea. In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year. Even many urban areas have 4-H. For info look in your phone book under government listings for extension or cooperative extension offices. Ask specifically about a dog or canine club. The dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands a treat. Check some of the Patricia McConnell books. Forget Milan. His harsh methods didn't work well in the 50's either.

Let the puppies play.


Aster answered on 5/16/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Buckeye

I own 2 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. When they were puppies, they were crazy biters, but we have been succsesful by yelping like a puppy when they bite. Dogs don't understand "people" language, so they won't know what you are saying if you start to yell. They may think that you are just trying to play. Explain this to your kids. We came close to rehoming our 2nd Wheaten because he was just crazy. But eventually, he did calm down, stop biting and relax around people. As for the crate thing, make sure he is comfortable and has something to do. Buy toys like Kongs, Busy Buddy or Nylabones. They keep dogs entertained for hours. Muzzles do not discourage biting. So, no with the muzzle. He would not learn anything if you muzzled him. I hope you find great success soon.

You may also find this link useful.. www.dogster.com


Buckeye answered on 5/16/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Sonny

You can't afford NOT to seek a trainers help..your liability insurance can sky rocket if he's reported.
He's correcting the excitement (not his job), he needs to be reconditioned to ignore/accept it. Practice on leash with food. Your Mom needs to bribe the dog with treats in exchange for a sit. Supervise and reward all good behavior, being calm (when kids aren't), lying down, playing alone, licking, being nice to Mom.
We often ignore good and pay attention to bad, so dogs don't know what's OK.

More discipline for both dogs (not hitting - teaching!) Leash walks for both, has to be together - walk with someone if needed. Dogs should sit/stay on a mat near their dinner spots, once you have preped and placed AND THEY ARE CALM, release them to eat. Gate the dogs in separate rooms for feeding/bones.

Teach him that licks are OK, the link to a forum on biting - read Sonny's contribution for training tips.
www.dogster.com


Sonny answered on 5/16/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Wyatt

Have you checked out www.cesarsway.com? This is the Dog Whisperer's website. He offers great tips and videos on how to deal with different behavior issues. Once you learn signs to look for in your dogs you can stop the unwanted behaviors before they start. good luck!


Wyatt answered on 5/17/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


More Questions in This Category