The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [28]
You’re ready for phase two. When Booker is resting quietly, lightly touch one paw and give it a gentle squeeze. Watch Booker’s reaction. If he seems okay, bring out your happy voice and a treat. Proceed with touching a second paw, followed by praise and treats. I recommend that you also give him therapeutic massages that include touching his feet. If he is relaxed from a massage, he should be more tolerant of having you touch his feet.
Phase three calls for bringing out the nail clippers. Leave them in a favorite place, like on the sofa where the two of you hang out or next to his food bowl. When he sniffs the clippers, praise and hand out a treat. The goal is to get Booker to start viewing the nail clippers as another part of the household furnishings. Progress to sitting on the sofa with the clippers and a treat in your closed hand. Invite Booker to come up and sniff your hand. Open it slowly, show the clippers, and hand over the treat. When Booker stays, begin squeezing the clippers and tossing treats to get him to associate the sound with a tasty payday.
After a few weeks, begin clipping one paw at a time at first. Give him a special treat (hot dogs or cheese really motivate most dogs!) after each toe. Then stop the grooming session. Do the next paw the next day. Don’t forget the treats. Gradually, you should be able to give Booker a full pedicure in one session.
No More Nipping
Q After my husband of 59 years died, I decided to adopt a puppy. Buddy fills my house with joy and happiness. He gives me companionship and makes me laugh. I also feel safer having him here, especially at night. Unfortunately, Buddy likes to nip my hands and arms to get my attention. He isn’t biting aggressively, but his playful nips cause bruises and occasionally his teeth break the skin. My hands and arms are sore. I tried spraying Bitter Apple on my hands and arms, but Buddy actually likes the taste! What can I do to stop him from being so mouthy?
A Sounds like you have one spirited and loyal puppy. Mouthing is a very common behavior for puppies, who have very sharp baby teeth that are falling out to make room for adult teeth. Depending on the breed, this teething period and the desperate need to chew to soothe sore gums can last up to a year. I’m not sure what type of dog Buddy is, but a lot of herding dogs, such as Border collies, tend to use their mouths when they’re playing. They have been bred to herd cattle and sheep by nipping at their heels. Some hunting dogs, like Labrador retrievers, are also particularly mouthy.
Whatever breed he is, the nipping and mouthing is still painful. Bitter Apple spray is usually effective because most dogs can’t stand the taste. But there are always exceptions like your Buddy. An effective alternative is breath freshener spray. The minty taste is far from being a canine favorite. You might also try dabbing your hands and arms with pickle juice. The juice contains a very sour additive called alum, which keeps the pickles crisp but is also a good dog deterrent, if you can stand the smell yourself!
It is more important, however, to train Buddy not to nip than to rely on repellents. He is bonding with you and needs to know that his nipping hurts. Around eight to ten weeks of age, puppies in litters learn about bite inhibition. When one puppy bites too hard, and his sibling yelps, he learns to soften his play bite. So when Buddy mouths you too roughly, you need to yelp loudly. In addition, you need to stand up, turn your back on him, and walk slowly away. The message is, “You are not fun right now, and playtime is over.” Buddy wants to play with you and when you walk away, he will learn that mouthing ends good times.
That said, Buddy is at an age when he needs to chew. When he gets in a mouthy mood, offer him some suitable chew toys as substitutes for your hands and arms. When you play with him, use thick rope toys or rubber tugs that provide something safe for Buddy to put his mouth around while protecting your hands and arms. Please resist smacking his muzzle or holding his mouth