springer spaniels

[donbella]

I have a 14 week old springer puppy whos nipping, shes alright with my husband and i but my 5 year old daughter cant walk past her without Boo pouncing on her and play biting but in a 5 year old it can be sore any suggestions most welcome thanks

[lankeela]

The puppy probably thinks of your daughter as an equal playmate, rather than as a person and therefore further up the pack than she is. I would suggest getting a puppy play pen or cage so the pup has a place of her own, or confining her in the kitchen or some other smaller area and only let her play loose when your daughter is safely out of the way. She will still get used to her being around as she will see her through the pen (or try a stairgate) and your daughter will be able to learn to respond to the puppy by playing with her in a supervised way, and you can tell the puppy off if she gets too rough. The best way is to make a noise that a pup would make if bitten by its brother and sisters or mother, a sharp yelp will let it know it has gone too far. Encourage your daughter to handle the puppy while you have her on a lead, and are in control of what the puppy does. Get her to stroke or brush her, and throw a toy for her to fetch (have a second toy ready to throw when she brings the first one back). Another thing you can do is to allow your daughter to give the puppy her
food and by lifting the bowl up make the puppy sit first. This sort of things reinforces to the pup that your daughter is more superior than the pup. Also make sure the daughter is always fed before the puppy.!

[Maggoty]

Here is a link to a brilliant website. Its a website set up by a group of volunteers that rescue, foster and rehome labradoodles. However it is also full of good advice on a wide range of issues including nipping. Have a look - I'm sure the advice is good across all breeds..

http://www.doodletimes.org/viewtopic.php?t=208

[donbella]

thanks guys great help