i've had my cockapoo, blackie, since i was in first grade (she turns 8 in april) i also have a little brother (hes 9). i guess she's always had a problem with biting people, even me when i was younger and my dad when he play fights with her. lately, tho, the problem has just been with my brother. i know that he bothers her and stuff, but my dad always gets super mad and tonight he threatened to get rid of the dog. i was really upset because she's the first dog i can ever really remember so i expressed my anger towards the idea. my dad sat me down and told me that if we could find a way to keep her from biting we wouldn't have to get rid of her. i know she's not the friendliest dog but she means a lot to me and i really need some advice to get her to stop biting!

thanxx(:

First, the easy part: Train your brother in what is appropriate play with the dog, and what is not. Little boys his age just LOVE to pester any living thing they can get a reaction out of, but they seldom think of the consequences of their actions beforehand. Your parents are going to have to have a very firm discussion with him about this, and let him know that treating the dog inappropriately cannot be tolerated. Perhaps letting him know that provoking the dog will ultimately result in the dog's death will strike a chord with the boy.

Now for the dog: She is a bit on in her years to be learning bite inhibition, but when she nips, you've got to yelp (and I mean for real), like a puppy would yelp if her tail gets stepped on. Then turn around, fold your arms, and refuse to play anymore. This is very important. If Blackie is biting for attention, refusing to give the attention will remove the incentive to bite. Everyone who plays with Blackie has to do this, even your dad.

If you have difficulty talking to your parents regarding the discipline of your brother, then show them this thread. I have a lot of experience with little boys, having two teenaged sons myself, a little brother who is just ten years old, and I was a Cub Scout Leader for four years. Expecting Blackie to tolerate your brother's provoking him without nipping is unrealistic. They are going to have to insist that your brother modify his behavior around the dog. (Is your brother a bit spoiled?) At the same time, you can start disciplining/training the dog as well.

I hope this helps; good luck.

Definitely cut out any rough pay for a start. The advice on yelping is very good. It is part of how you can train puppies to stop biting as well.
I often find that you need to make sure that everyone in the house is seen as a pack leader. The following works wel but must not be abused.

Copy how Dogs naturally assert their dominance, especially mothers with pups. When the Dog performs a dangerous act like biting or nipping, immediatey, and it must be immediate, shout a loud NO and you hold the Dog by the scruff, not hard, and roll it on the floor. On it's side put your hand on its neck and keep its head on the floor. Loom over the Dog and it will be very submissive.

You are asserting dominance and making it know such actions are not allowed.

Do not abuse this and it should be done only if you are sure the Dog would not attack. Household members must also not be rough with the Dog or make it act violently.

Hope this helps.

DO NOT ALPHA ROLL YOUR DOG. This should only be done by someone who knows what they are doing and can appropriately access the risk of the dog seriously biting the handler.

Rough play MUST stop. No one, dad, brother, you, NO ONE should play fight with the dog or play tug of war with the dog.

The advise on Yelping is good. As is the advise to stop playing and ignore the dog at that point.

Can you afford to get the help of a trainer in your area?