OK McGee has been with us about a month, 14 month old long legged lanky terrier thing.

He is generally a cool dog, but like a lot of dogs gets excited when either me or my husband get in. We usually ignore him and the other dog (Ren, who is about half the size and about 12 years old) til they chill out a bit before fussing them.

Now, in the last two weeks when I bring shopping in, he is jumping up and nipping the bags. I say "NO!" and he toddles off and comes back for another round or two. Last night when my husband collected me from the station and we got in from work, he started jumping up and nipping my coat hem and my trousers. Then top of that, my husband who got home about an hour before me said the pair of them were at the living room door excited and when he walked in, McGee started fighting with Ren! My husband got hold of him and pinned him down til he stopped being a ****. I dont really approve of this method of training,
Im reading "Dont shoot the dog" by Karen Pryor because I want to use positive reinforcement (I believe you can train dogs and other living things without the use of force, violence and shouting) but im only half way through and want to start off on the right foot. We didnt need to train Ren much as even though she has been a little scamp, she is a delightful well behaved little scamp!

We know McGee is excited to see us, but Im not havbing him nipping the bags, me or worst of all - Ren. How do I stop this before it gets out of hand?

Is he nutered.

I think it's just an attention thing, my 7 month old Jrx does it too. I just ignore him completely and ensure I don't even look at him. Then when im ready to say hello, i make it clear by coming Down to his level, and stopping straight away if he starts jumping up/nipping again. It's starting to work..

Was he a resue? Of do you know his background? If he's never been told not to do it, he's probably confused as to why you don't respond the way he thinks you should!

Keep up the positive reinforcement, I agree that there's rarely a need for negative tactics.... But be aware it might take time (and some pain!)

Good luck!

Yep


Kind of rescue, my husbands dad knew this bloke who was dying and the dog needed a home so we took him.

He didn't nip tonight (typical eh!) and I just blanked him til he chilled. Husband said he didn't cause a ruck with Ren either.

I found Karen Pryors website, so I've put the book down now . Need to get him to understand 'lie down', thats a start

I'm sure he'll get it quickly! It's just soooo exciting when u get home