Wednesday, June 6, 2012

"Nipping"

Korpur (in the above photo) is still available from Brekkubruns kennel - click on the third link in the upper right hand corner of this page for more information.

One of the ways Icelandic Sheepdogs move their herds is by nipping at the feet of their herd animals. (All herding dogs do this.) Because that is an instinctive behavior, they are apt to also nip at your feet. That is unacceptable and demands a response. If you watch what the herd animals do when they have their feet nipped, you can mirror that behavior yourselves and your dog/puppy will catch on very quickly.


As soon as they nip at your feet, kick (gently) back and say, "Leave It!" - remember the last lesson? You do not actually have to make contact with your puppy. They will get the idea that contact could be made, that they could be kicked and they will diminish their nipping and finally eliminate it. These dogs are smart. They will catch on almost immediately. Remember not to kick back hard; it's not necessary. (If it doesn't work after a few trials, then you could make contact and push, not actually kick, your puppy back gently with your foot.


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