Your pup may nip at your heels when you aren't moving fast enough on a walk or you have something they want, such as their food bowl or favorite toy. While you may not mind the occasional nip, your guests probably don't like it, especially if there are children around.
Aussies tend to nip, but there is a good reason why this occurs. It's not an aggressive or mean behavior. Instead, it has everything to do with the job they were originally bred to do. We are a firm believer that dogs need to “do their function” and one such boarding facility allows your herding dog to do just that.
It is better that you stop moving and don't even look at them. Just wait for them to stop the behavior and calm down. Then you can reward them with a treat or a toy. (When dealing with this problem try to keep treats or a toy with you so they are handy when you need them.)
Most herding dogs, like those mentioned above, will sometimes nip at a person's feet or heels. Essentially, they're trying to herd you, and they're mimicking the livestock herding behavior they were originally bred for. Anyone running around or playing vigorously is likely to be on the receiving end.
You should NOT punish a dog for biting. This method may also teach the dog not to give a warning prior to the bite. It certainly doesn't do anything to minimize the dog's stressors.
Dogs may display dominance related aggression reactions to the humans in their pack as well. This may take the form of disobedience and the guarding of resources, but it can also include nipping and biting behaviors as well.
The most important thing to remember is that for the vast majority of puppies, mouthing or play biting is a phase that they will typically grow out of once they reach between three and five months of age.
Ever have a dog nudge you, not so gently, toward the food bowl? Or maybe they are habitual car chasers along the back yard fence. They may even nip excitedly at the kids when they are running in the yard. Odds are if you see this behavior you may have a herding breed on your hands.
Dog aggression can be related to fear, prey drive, socialization issues, and guarding territory, among other things. Most aggressive behavior in dogs stems from fear and anxiety, rather than the desire to hurt others. A certified animal behaviorist can help you safely deal with your dog's aggressive behavior.
Getting rid of inappropriate biting can take anywhere between two to six weeks, depending on how long your dog has been exhibiting it. Consistent and daily intervention and training should make the process relatively pain-free but remember that instinct is a powerful force.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Aside from cuddling, Aussies show affection by bringing you toys, nudging you with their noses, sitting on you, and showing their bellies to you. By putting himself in a vulnerable position, he's showing that he trusts you.
Although it might feel like forever, most puppies are biting and mouthing much less by the time they are 8-10 months old, and fully grown adult dogs (older than 2-3 years) virtually never use their mouths the way that puppies do.
They are intensely focused on getting tasks done and need stimulation and activity. A Border Collie will stare at you if you are not giving him enough of the action he requires. He needs to have a great deal of stimulation to satisfy his desire to work.
Training, brain games, and dog sports are all effective ways to channel herding instincts into other outlets.
Dog nipping, or puppy play biting, generally involves a quick, sharp bite without the intent to cause harm. It's more like mouthing — though the teeth are present and you may feel a pinch, it's not an aggressive behavior; rather, it's due to your pup's lack of self-control or understanding.
They mouth or nip during play, or out of excitement or impatience: Some dogs may mouth your hand or nip at your heels while playing with you, especially when they're excited or being chased. Herding breeds and those with a higher prey drive may also nip or bite as a natural instinct.
Anxiety, related to being left alone, can trigger some nippy reactions. Both as your leaving and when you return, your puppy might bite. It's their way of telling you that they don't like being left alone. This can indicate that some changes need to be made to your routine and theirs to help reduce this anxiety.
“The bites are not meant to hurt you, but rather to indicate the dog wants a play session, not a cuddle fest,” she adds. This is especially true for puppies and young dogs, who want to do nothing but play most of the day, she says. You may find this happens when you want to calmly pet your dog.
Stop it or remove your dog from the situation before it escalates. Do not discipline your dog with physical, violent, or aggressive punishments. Opt for positive reinforcement before resorting to the use of aversives. Remember to reward your dog for good behavior.
Contemporary experts urge against all uses of physical discipline. Tapping or bopping a dog on the nose can be misconstrued as playful behavior, and being too rough with your dog can actually trigger biting, reactive, or defensive behavior.