a behavior. Keep in mind that the more a dog performs a behavior-good or bad-the better practiced they become and the harder it becomes to modify.

The first step in changing a behavior is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Easier said then done but trust me on this one. With your dog, you clearly know the hehavior that you don't like so put this one at the top of your training list. Work on teaching incompatible behaviors, a dog can't nip at your feet if it has been taught "watch me", "heel", "sit/stay" etc. Remember, don't wait to teach these skills, these should be practiced throughout the day, few minutes at a time. If/when he begins to nip at your feet, stand still and say nothing. To some dogs any acknowledgment of a behavior can be reinforcing so totally ignoring him will teach him that nipping gets him nothing. However be prepared to calmly reward (use praise and tiny treats-nothing larger then the size of a pencil eraser-boiled chicken/cheese)when he stops nipping and moves away or sits or anything else desireable.

I also watched the video. Not sure that picking up a dog for the purpose of teaching it who is in control is such a good idea. What if the clients dog is a full grown dog, what would he suggest then? I certainly advocate picking puppies up but only to teach them to tolerate handling and restraint.

Good luck and keep us posted

Lynn King CPDT

a puppy nipping/biting. Dogs play with other dogs using their mouths, feet, body, we need to teach them how to play with humans differently. So, relax you have a puppy and you have a long way to go, be patient.

Lynn King CPDT

Thanks for your informative response. When I stated grow out of it, I knew I would need to try to curb the behavior through training. At the same time I thought this type of "play" is common/standard for puppies, especially at the teething stage, but now this does not seem the case? I have taken sumo to puppy kindergarten and also am working on different commands as well. He does well with sit, down, rollover, and am still trying to perfect recall (80% there) and stay. Anything else I should work on? Thanks again.

Also, Sumo is 4 months if that helps anything.

that is not good. I honestly thought that this was normal behavior from articles and previous postings , and that he would "grow" out of it? I obviously do try to curb this behavior by telling him "no" or just ignoring him/stop playing. On the previous link provided stated we should try to lift him up.. has anyone tried this method? It makes some sense but would like to know if anyone has had success with this method and bulldogs? Any other recommendations as I do not want a aggressive dog =/ I am a new dog owner and that was one of my biggest fears... =( any help or advice...Thanks

I simply adore Dr. Coren!! I'm trying to track down all the episodes of the show he had. I love how his technique is so gentle and sensible. He doesn't use voodoo magic-sounds or borderline abuse like the other dog trainer superstars. I'm definitely going to be using Dr. Coren's training style to raise any puppy I have

I hope he's doing well!

I ran into him about a month ago. He used to teach obedience when I had my first bulldog Nice guy- he is a phycology professor at the University of British Columbia

Sherryl, Onslow and Buttercup

acceptable no. He is going to grow up to be a 55 lb. very strong dog and you don't want him to develop this habit. I would suggest distracting him, teaching him skills like sit/stay, down/stay etc., Play should include training walks, fetch, hide-n-seek.

You might want to get him into classes, it will help the both of you to understand each other a little better.

A great book, easy to read.
The Other End of the Leash
Patricia B. McConnell PhD.
I think you will find it helpful in understanding "dog"

Lynn King CPDT

I would curb the going after the feet as your walking cus it's cute now but in a year it won't be too funny

I hope others who are more experienced will chime in, but I have read in my research on pet training that this means he is playing at dominant behavior.

this video deals with a similar issue if you'd like to watch:
http://www.gooddogzone.com/content/aggressive-rotweiler-puppy

This guy is my fave animal behaviorist You can see how he deals with the issue in a rottweiler pup - maybe it will work for you.

It may be 'normal' since a lot of bullies do this, but it can't be tolerated. Some bullies get feet crazy and will attack the feet of anyone walking. This makes them difficult to live with. Plus, it hurts. These are big dogs. Dont let your dog attack the feet of anyone.