How To Stop A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Biting and Chewing
The key to solving any behavioral issue with any dog is CONSISTENCY. All family members need to act the same way when the canine does something it’s not supposed to. Another key is activity. Take him on walks, jogging or bicycling runs, play fetch with him in the back yard. Just anything to wear him out. A tired dog is a happy dog! Take him to the vet. Often, there’s a physical reason for his bad behavior.
Every dog still has a pack mentality and every pack has a pecking order with no two dogs being equal and having an alpha, or leader. Make sure that you show him that YOU are his alpha by always being first. Like first out the door, first down the steps or first to eat.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dogs are intelligent and very devoted to its family, this makes them easy to obedience train. With energetic needs, this dog may become quite the digger if he is not exercised enough. Hard working and clever, this breed is prone to health problems. Have the vet check the thyroid function, autoimmune system and eyes.
Here are a few things to try before you banish him to the backyard.
Socialize. Get your dog used to being around others. The sooner the better. At first, you may have to use a muzzle. They sell a more comfortable cloth variety.
Fear biters. Biting is the dog’s way of saying “HELP!” If the situation is just too much for him to handle, it will be characterized with a stiff tail held straight out behind him. If a dog displays this behavior, it’s best just to leave him alone.
Yelp like a dog. When puppies play with each other and one bites too hard, the other one yelps. When your dog bits you, yelp with a loud “Ouch!” and ignore him for a few minutes. As he learns to bites more gently, continue saying “Ouch!” but not as loudly for a more gentle bite.
Hold still. If your dog bites cuffs and pants legs and stays clamped down, hold that body part very still. When he lets go praise him profusely.
Nose tap. When your dog nips at you, give your dog the “sit” command. With your forefinger, tap him on the nose and sternly say “no bite.”
No rough play. Roughhousing or wrestling, even tug-of-war, encourages a dog to bite. Don’t engage in any of these activities until your pup has learned its lesson.
Chewing. Always have a chew toy available for him. When you see him chewing on something he shouldn’t be chewing on, a table leg for instance, make it clear to him that he shouldn’t put his teeth there with a sharp “NO!” Lead him away from it and give him the chew toy. When he chews on it, praise him.
For those who aren’t always around when your dog chews on inappropriate things. Try spraying his favorite chewing spots with bitter apple spray. Some dogs like the taste of it, so it doesn’t always work. In that instance, try regular ground pepper or cayenne pepper.