LIFESTYLE NEWS - Many parents excitedly welcome a puppy into their home, envisioning joyful playtime and companionship. However, they may soon find themselves regretting this choice when the puppy begins to nip at their children.
This behaviour can be alarming and problematic, as persistent nipping can lead to children feeling frightened of the puppy and eventually avoiding interaction altogether.
In some instances, the puppy’s enthusiastic nipping can cause children to cry, especially since its sharp teeth can easily hurt delicate skin. While children are simply trying to run around and play, the puppy’s relentless nipping at their feet and legs can quickly turn fun into distress.
It’s unfortunate that puppies have needle-sharp teeth and children possess such sensitive skin. Thankfully, a puppy’s jaw strength is considerably weaker than that of an adult dog. This is one reason why nips from puppies often cause less injury compared to bites from older, more powerful dogs. However, the nipping behaviour can still be quite painful and overwhelming for young children.
So why do puppies exhibit this nipping behaviour in the first place?
One significant reason is their natural instincts. Puppies often nip as a way to explore their environment, engage in play and communicate, mimicking behaviour they would display with their littermates.
Additionally, children with their energetic movements can inadvertently trigger a puppy’s instinct to chase and interact through nipping.
The fast-paced, erratic motion of children running around can pique a puppy’s curiosity and excitement, making them more likely to nip and playfully engage.
Understanding the reasons behind a puppy’s nipping behaviour is not just crucial, it’s empowering for parents. It allows them to guide both their children and the puppy towards more appropriate interaction, ensuring a harmonious relationship that fosters love, trust and safe playtime for everyone involved.
Children often exhibit exuberant behaviour, running around with joy, and their laughter and high-pitched voices create a lively and heartwarming atmosphere. Their gestures are animated, filled with a sense of exploration and excitement, reflecting a natural curiosity about the world around them.
Puppies, in turn, are frequently drawn to the vibrant energy that children exude. They see these young ones as playful companions or even as delightful toys, especially when children engage in spirited play by waving their hands and fingers. This natural connection between children and puppies is a beautiful aspect of pet ownership.
However, it is important to approach the interactions between children and puppies with care and understanding. Not all instances of nipping or biting have the same implications; some may be playful expressions, while others could require us to establish clear boundaries to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
This article focuses on the common behaviour of nipping observed in puppies, particularly during playtime with children. Such behaviour can lead to excessive excitement, chasing, jumping and biting.
If a puppy nips at a child who is holding a resource - like a bone, toy or food - this may indicate resource guarding.
Addressing this behaviour requires a specialised approach, and it is advisable to consult a professional dog behaviourist for assistance. When puppies nip during petting, they might perceive the child’s hands as part of the play.
However, this nipping can also signal their discomfort with being touched. It is essential to monitor the puppy’s body language for signs of stress. If any concerns arise, it’s recommended to seek help from a professional.
Lack of socialisation with children or feelings of being overwhelmed can contribute to this nipping behaviour. To help puppies become more tolerant of handling, positive touch exercises can be beneficial. However, if there are signs of fear or aggression, it is crucial to work alongside a professional.
Effectively curbing nipping or biting towards children requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the issue from multiple perspectives.
While reducing this behaviour may take time and consistency, gradual improvement is achievable with the right strategies.
Parents may feel tempted to correct a puppy’s biting behaviour using physical methods, such as grabbing the puzzle, tapping the nose, performing an alpha roll, giving scruff shakes, or pushing the puppy’s cheek against its teeth.
However, these techniques can be ineffective and, in addition to being inhumane, may cause more significant issues in the future than the original biting problem. Such methods are outdated and dangerous, and stem from the misconception that puppies aspire to be dominant or ‘alpha’ dogs.
Not all puppies behave the same way; some may nip when children run around, while others may nip when children try to pet them or sit nearby.
It’s not uncommon for puppies to nip at children even while they are just walking around, watching TV, or sitting in a chair.
This behaviour is often seen in very young puppies who haven’t been given alternative activities to keep them engaged. Timing also plays a crucial role. Many puppies tend to be nippiest during the mornings and evenings, and they often become nippier when they are tired and in need of a nap.
Once you identify the triggers, situations and times when biting occurs most frequently, write them down. Then start implementing management strategies to address the behaviour.
Management is key
Management involves preventing puppies from being placed in overstimulating and overwhelming situations that may lead to excessive nipping behaviour. The primary goals of management are to stop the rehearsal of problematic behaviour and to protect children from physical and emotional harm.
It’s important to understand that the more a dog is allowed to engage in problematic behaviour, the better they become at it, leading to more habitual actions. For example, if a puppy is continually allowed to nip at excited children, he will develop a routine where the mere sight of children triggers him to play, causing him to become overstimulated and nippy.
Additionally, a puppy that nips at children can cause bruises and scratches, which may lead to children developing a fear of the puppy, making them reluctant to interact with him.
When managing puppies and children, there are several effective strategies to implement.
These strategies are intended as temporary solutions until the puppy learns to better control the force of his biting and develops improved impulse control.
For instance, when the kids are at school, the puppy can enjoy more freedom around the house. During this time, adults should guide him in training, play and socialisation. When the kids are home, management strategies can be used and adjusted as necessary.
One useful approach is to set up a baby gate to create a ‘split plan’, allowing puppies to have their own play area while children have theirs, enabling them to see and hear each other. This setup can help prevent puppies from constantly nipping at the kids.
A baby gate also helps stop the puppy from chasing the children as they move from room to room. Alternatively, using an exercise pen can be beneficial, especially if you are using pee pads for potty training.
Ensure the puppy has access to water, toys and safe chew items on one side, while placing the pee pads on the opposite side. Additionally, a crate can provide a safe space for the puppy to relax and nap.
Puppies need frequent naps during the day; without adequate sleep and when overstimulated, they can become cranky and start nipping. Putting the puppy in a crate in a quiet area with a chew toy can encourage rest.
Keeping the puppy on a leash when around children can also help maintain distance, preventing jumping or nipping.
It’s essential for all puppies to learn to bite gently, as this is a crucial skill that must be mastered before their jaws become stronger.
While puppies learn bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, they need to adjust their biting behaviour in a new home. This is important, because humans have delicate skin and lack the fur that cushions bites. You can begin training bite inhibition by teaching your puppy to take treats gently and providing feedback. Be sure to praise your puppy and offer treats when they use a soft mouth.
Accomplishing this task typically takes weeks rather than just days. Puppies need to understand that human skin is very sensitive. It’s important to work on this when your puppy is calm; if he is too excited, it’s best to leave the area and try again later when he is calmer.
Photo: Michaela Pastiu/Pexels
Taking your puppy to training classes and playdates with other vaccinated puppies can be very beneficial, as it provides opportunities to further develop their bite inhibition.
When the children are away and the home is quiet, it is an ideal time to begin training your puppy. Puppies, especially younger ones, have short attention spans, so it’s best to divide your training sessions into several brief segments, lasting no more than three to four minutes at the beginning.
You can teach your puppy key commands such as ‘sit’, ‘lie down’, ‘leave it’, ‘drop it’, ‘hand target’, and to come when called. These commands will be useful in various situations as your puppy grows.
For example, you can ask your puppy to sit when he is around children, instruct him to leave it if he approaches a child, tell him to drop it if he has picked up a child’s toy, or call him back if he seems ready to chase after a child.
To start training your puppy, choose a quiet room when the children are not around. As your puppy becomes more comfortable, gradually practice in different areas of your home and introduce distractions.
Use your puppy’s kibble if he enjoys it or select low-calorie treats to reinforce positive behaviour without spoiling his appetite.
According to the principles of positive reinforcement training, behaviour that is rewarded - whether with food, treats, toys or other privileges - are more likely to be repeated.
If your puppy becomes inattentive at any point, it may indicate that there are too many distractions, or that he may need to go potty, be thirsty or is becoming tired. Always keep training sessions fun and brief and conclude them on a positive note to encourage eagerness for future training.
Redirection techniques
Redirection involves catching your puppy just before he nips or while he is actively nipping and engaging him in a different activity.
One of my preferred redirection techniques is to train your puppy to respond to a smacking sound made with your mouth.
Start by making kissy sounds and tossing a treat in your puppy’s direction. Repeat this several times until you notice your puppy looking at you for a treat when you make those sounds.
Once your puppy starts to respond, gradually increase the distance. Move away from your puppy so that when you make the kissy sound, he has to come to you to get the treat. Continue practising this in various areas of your home while gradually adding distractions.
You can also use other methods to redirect your puppy from a distance. For example, say, “Fido, catch!” as you toss a ball in his direction. Say, “Fido, let’s play,” while you wiggle a flirt pole. Say, “Fido, find!” as you scatter kibble and treats on the ground for a treasure hunt.
Say, “Fido, tug!” while you wiggle a long tug toy to entice him to grab it. Make these activities particularly appealing by offering access to these toys only during training sessions, rather than leaving them out all the time. This approach makes the toys feel special and enhances their effectiveness during training.
As your puppy learns to respond to training cues and becomes more receptive to redirection in various settings at home, it’s time to gradually introduce the challenge of performing these learnt behaviours in the presence of your children.
Start with low-level exposures to ensure your puppy’s success. For example, you can begin at a greater distance from where your children are playing or position him closer when your kids are instructed to remain calm.
Here are some specific examples:
1. Practise responsiveness to your smacking sound by keeping your puppy by an indoor window while redirecting him as he watches your children play outside.
2. Have your puppy on a leash and practise commands such as sit, down and hand targets while you sit on the deck at a safe distance from the children.
3. Work on obedience cues with your puppy while he is behind a baby gate or in an exercise pen as your children play at a distance. If your puppy seems inattentive at any point, it may indicate that the distractions are too overwhelming or that you are not using high-value reinforcers.
Learn to recognise when your puppy has reached his threshold for distractions. In such cases, try to reduce the level of distraction and remember to be generous with your reinforcement.
Children's role
Children should actively participate in caring for the puppy, but it’s crucial to teach them how to interact appropriately. An adult must always supervise interactions between children and the puppy.
Kids should be discouraged from engaging in rough play or wrestling, as this can lead to the puppy nipping and becoming overly excited. When playing with the puppy, children should use a toy they can hold between the puppy’s mouth and their own hands.
Photo: Anna Shvets/Pexels
Long tug toys are particularly helpful because they reduce the chances of the puppy biting. This method prevents nippy behaviour; the child can drag the long toy behind them, encouraging the puppy to nip the toy rather than their moving feet or clothes.
If the puppy nips at a child’s hands or legs while playing, the child should say something like, “Whoops, too bad!” and leave the area.
This teaches the puppy that playtime ends when rough behaviour occurs. Once your puppy starts to behave well, you can involve older children in training, as long as they can follow your instructions. Encourage them to remain calm and speak softly. For younger children, you may need to lead the redirecting efforts most of the time. Keep your puppy on a leash while your children ask the puppy to perform commands like sit or lie down. Remember to reward the puppy with treats for good behaviour.
If your puppy tends to grab treats roughly, have your children drop the treats or toss them a short distance away. Children can also take turns practising their approach to the puppy while it is on a leash or tethered. If the puppy allows them to pass without nipping or jumping, they can give it a treat. If the puppy tries to nip, the child should say, “Oops, too bad!” and turn away.
After several repetitions, you can instruct the puppy to sit, target with its paw, or lie down. If the puppy complies, the child can reward it with a treat.
If the puppy nips, the child should say, “Oops, too bad!” and leave the area.
Similarly, children can enter through a baby gate and ask the puppy to sit or target with its paw, tossing a treat afterward. This can be repeated several times in a row; however, if the puppy nips, the child must leave immediately to reinforce that all fun ends when it nips.
There are many games children can play with a puppy under adult supervision that do not encourage nipping. For example, an adult can hold the puppy while the child hides and then calls out, “Where am I?”
Once the puppy is released, it will search for the child. When the puppy finds the child, the child can reward it with a few pieces of kibble tossed as a treat. Afterward, the adult can hold the puppy again while the child hides once more.
Puppies can also be trained to come when called in a round-robin style, with each child taking turns calling the puppy and rewarding it for coming.
Adults should watch for signs that the puppy is becoming tired and take it to a quiet area to relax and enjoy a chew toy.
Most children love being involved in training the puppy, so it’s essential to supervise them closely and ensure they follow your instructions carefully. Demonstrating what to do can help avoid confusing the puppy. Many sources suggest that children should ‘turn into a tree’ when puppies nip at them.
While this idea is widespread, I find it unrealistic, because it is unreasonable to expect children to remain still when a puppy is nipping and causing discomfort.
While this technique might occasionally work - as a puppy may lose interest - it can also lead to more nipping due to what is known as an ‘extinction burst’. Additionally, once the puppy moves away or the child starts to move, the nipping may resume.
Children can also be inconsistent in their behaviour; they may stand still for a while and then start moving again when they tire or feel pain, which can confuse the puppy.
This inconsistency might reinforce nipping behaviour, as the puppy learns that persistence in nipping will eventually prompt the child to move again or squirm in discomfort.
Instead of relying solely on the ‘turn into a tree’ method, I recommend incorporating desensitisation exercises.
Desensitisation helps the puppy become less sensitive to the hand and foot movements of the child. To implement this, have your child practice quick movements of their arms and legs from a distance while the puppy is on a leash.
You can make a smacking sound and reward the puppy with a treat for redirecting its attention to you. Additionally, ask your child to say exciting phrases in high-pitched voices or do other actions that typically excite the puppy.
This approach helps train an alternate response and encourages the puppy to make better choices. It also diminishes the puppy’s sensitivity to quick movements and hyperactive behaviour. Eventually, you can train your puppy to sit and watch your child make these movements, praising the puppy for resisting the urge to chase or nip. This exercise is excellent for teaching impulse control.
Give the puppy a job!
Puppies have a natural instinct to play and explore the world using their mouths. To meet these needs, provide plenty of opportunities for play throughout the day.
Incorporate brain games, serve meals in food puzzle toys, offer tugging games and chasing and ‘hunting/scavenging’ opportunities, and have a variety of age-appropriate chews available to soothe teething puppies.
If you have a friend with another vaccinated puppy, consider arranging playdates. This allows your puppy to release pent-up energy and engage in free play. It’s important to note that puppies can become nippy when they are tired or overstimulated.
Even the calmest puppies may display mouthy behaviour when overly excited or fatigued - similar to how toddlers might throw tantrums.
Providing your puppy with a quiet place to relax and nap during the day is essential, ideally before they start nipping. Puppies require ample sleep to grow properly.
While it’s unlikely that you’ll eliminate nipping or biting behaviour with children overnight, with time, you should notice a reduction in both the intensity and frequency of the biting.
To track progress, keep a record of when biting incidents occur and monitor whether there is a decrease over time. Celebrate even the smallest signs of improvement, as these indicate progress and will contribute to further advancements in behaviour.
Although I don’t personally endorse the ‘turning into a tree’ method, I’ve found that it can be effective in specific situations - especially when a puppy is nipping at a child’s feet, ankles and lower legs. To make this approach successful, encourage your children to wear tall Wellington boots and additional layers of clothing.
This way, they won’t feel the nips and will have the opportunity to stand still. In doing so, the puppy is likely to lose interest quickly since the boots offer limited grip, and the lack of movement will mean the children no longer resemble a fun tug toy.
This constructive approach can foster a more peaceful interaction between the puppy and children while addressing the nipping behaviour.
If all else fails
Sometimes things may not work out as you hoped, and you might need to consider rehoming your puppy. You may find that you lack the time, patience or finances to provide proper training, or you might not be able to hire a professional trainer.
Managing a puppy in a household with children can be quite challenging. Additionally, some situations are more complex, such as puppies that were removed from their litter too young, singleton puppies, or very high-energy puppies bred from working lines.
Some puppies may simply not have the right temperament or may not be a suitable fit for your family.
Article by George van Huyssteen (DipCAPBT, CCAB, CABTic Mhera)
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