Expert: Delores Beck - 8/5/2009

Question
I have a 3 month old American Cocker Spaniel cross.  When I walk him, he clings onto the back of my leg and bites my pant leg. I have tried grabbing the loose skin at the back of his neck. He growls at me and will stop for a brief few seconds.He nips a lot and I have put a muzzle on him periodically because he has broken the skin.  Saying no and giving him a chew toy does not deter him.He lunges and puts his mouth on your hand or ankle. Help!

Answer
Another teenage boy acting out!  :)  

Okay, here's what to do.
Get an empty pop or beer can and fill it with about 15 pennies.  Tape top shut (duct tape is good).

The next time he lunges or nips...spin around to face him and bring that can up in the air and down hard ONCE and say NO.  The object here is NO acccompanied by ONE thundering noise.

Then just stand silently and LOOK him in the eyes.  No chat - no scolding.  When he's done being startled out of his wits, then it's "let's go" and walk on.

The lesson learned is:  You do that and this happens!  It's simple and immediate.

I also want to assure you this isn't "aggression" - it's aggressive play (very different) but not to be allowed with humans.

Another technique is a spritz of water in the face and NO!  Make sure you have the bottle on "spray/mist" and not a stream of water. You don't want that hitting his eyes.

No comment from you is important.  If he starts up again - do it again.  In a couple of days when you say NO and just make a little "tinkling noise" with the can - trust me, he'll back off.

The bit of an error you've made in "grabbing him by the scruff" is that in his mind you're playing too and hey, chew toys aren't as much fun as this! :)

Best of luck,
Delores