[Isis12]

Hello,
Im having trouble with my puppy. She is a Boerboel or south african mastiff. She is currently living with my moms boyfriend, because we dont have the property for her at my moms. She's started this nipping faze, shes about 8-9 months now, and weighs about 95lbs. Shes a big girl and she really doesnt understand her size.

She gets really excited for starts to nip, but the nips hurt and have broken the skin before. My moms boyfriend, doesnt want to punish her because "shes just a puppy" but i fear the problem with get worse is something is not done. I read in a trainning book that a spray bottle with water will work, so right now im trying that. He wont let us (me and my mom) tap her of the rump or anything because again "Shes just a puppy." He also doesnt like the idea of spraying water at her to make her cut it out, but it beats having my arms chewed up. I dont know what else to do. Shes a nice dog, and friendly but i fear that a child will come up without asking and go to pet her and she goes to nip him in her playful way, and of course that wont go over with parents. The boyfriend just doesnt understand, and will not put a muzzle on her. Im at wits end with the biting, my arms are starting to look like a human chew toy... Can someone help?

[Dopeydawg]

It sounds as if you play too rough with her and then want her to back off when she has been 'wound up.'

The trick is not to wind her up in the first place.

If she is the kind of dog that gets easily excited then limit her play times to being outside with a ball or something like that. Then when she is back in the house simply tone down you own behaviour to indicate to her that play time is over.

[pitbull]

It sounds to me like the "boyfriend" needs to lighten up a little. I would keep up with the water spraying. It is a great non-abusive way of controlling your puppy. Make sure you are consistent. Spray him/her EVERYTIME she/he nips, and don't let any times go. Your puppy needs to understand that the nipping is not appropriate. If it doesn't stop, I would seek advice from your vet.

[labradorian]

I agree with pitbull. You should spray her a little for her to identify that she have done something wrong. With this she could be train not to nip on people.