Puppies

In the family circle, you must continue these lessons. If a pup attempts to mouth or nip, give a sharp cry, which will stop him in his tracks. You must then teach him to play without mouthing. This can be done using a treat: • Show your puppy you have a treat and then place it in your closed fist. • To begin with the pup will try to get the treat by pawing and mouthing your fist. When he finds this strategy is not working, he will stop mouthing and sit and think what to do next. • At this instant, open your fist and let him have the treat. • Keep practicing so your pup understands that when he does not mouth or nip, he gets a reward. • Introduce the cue “gently” so your pup will replicate the desired behavior in other situations such as when you are playing with a toy, or when he is being handled.

82

Puppies