Three Helpful Tips to Control Your Scottie’s Biting Habit
PetsDogs bite. Scottish terriers bite. It is without a doubt one of the worst behavior problems a dog can have.
The stories that owners tell about Scottish terriers biting show so many different situations that an encyclopedia could easily be written about.
There was the owner of a Scotsman whose shoes, hands and ankles were bitten every time he tried to leave for work. Another Scotsman just nibbled on a little boy who was playing with a ball for no apparent reason. Then there is this mischievous little guy who started acting aggressive to the point of biting whenever his owner tried to correct bad behavior. Other energetic Scottish terriers run around the house at high speed and snap at anyone who makes a move to stop them.
But why do they bite?
Good question. The first step in controlling your Scottish terrier’s biting habit is to understand the reasons why he started biting and continues to bite.
As with chewing, biting in young puppies can be related to the teething period. Biting is also part of their normal play behavior, often when they are with their mother.
As hard as it may seem to believe, your Scottie may snap or nip to get your attention. And she’ll keep doing it if she’s successful… Adult Scots can bite when they get too excited or bite when threatened. Scottish terriers can be possessive of their toys and food, and biting is their way of defending themselves against intruders.
Biting can also be a reaction to pain caused to them, such as if someone accidentally stepped on their paw. Other Scots develop suspicious or aggressive behavior towards strangers or visitors and this is when biting may occur for no specific reason.
Of course, your Scotsman’s acerbic clothing can have negative effects on you and your relationship. You can’t leave it outside or take it to crowded public places for fear of it biting someone, not to mention the problems it might have if it happens accidentally.
Your Scottish terrier doesn’t automatically know what’s acceptable and what’s not, so set limits by correcting him when he misbehaves. An aggressive habit such as biting should be attended to immediately.
So what can you do to effectively control your Scottish terrier’s biting habit?
1. First of all, show him your disapproval. with a strong, incisive command “no” or “don’t bite.” Then leave him alone and don’t look at him or talk to him.
two. If he bites while playing, give him a “don’t bite” command and stop playing immediately.
3. Use a spray bottle of water or make noise by shaking a can of coins or marbles along with a firm “don’t bite” command. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until he finally stops biting.
If the biting habit persists, consider getting professional help. Obedience training classes can go a long way in correcting most of your Scottish terrier’s behavioral problems.