Nipping...uugh

[smehta1]

So my hubby had to work really late the other day and was in the office till around 9:30pm. ( This is really rare and he's usually home by 7:30 latest. ) Chloe got really restless at around 7:30 and started pacing up and down. At around 8:45 she started nipping me! At first I was a bit confused at this unusual behavior but when it didn't stop I spoke to her and asked "Are you upset about daddy not being home?" The minute she heard the word daddy she stopped nipping me and would look out the window. I tried this several times and it worked everytime without fail.
Now I understand why she nipped me (she probably thought I could make him come home earlier) but I need to figure out how to pacify her. Hubby isn't late often - its once in a blue moon when there's a deadline ...any suggestions?

[BabyElephant]

Mmm, tough one, my hubby works away a lot and Poppy absolutely adores her daddy. I didn't think that she would be particularly bothered about him being away but she is. When I come home she greets me and then promptly goes past me to see if he is with me, she is still doing this now, and he's been gone for over a week this time now.

The thing I do is I do stuff with her, just me and her. Like obedience once a week and walks on our own, even when daddy is home. This means she gets used to doing stuff with one or other of us and both of us together but does not get used to it being both of us all the time. What I would suggest is that you start to do things with her even when daddy is home, and it could be playing games, a short walk, whatever, but just the two of you. If you know he is going to be late then take her for a walk to take her mind off expecting him. I guess what I'm saying is don't have too much of a routine where she expects both of you to participate - does that make sense???

[Dax]

On nights, he is going to be late I would break the routine. Go for an evening walk, do ears - clip nails, etc. She will get used to changes as well. She's still a young dog and believes the world will change if she begs enough. (Tell her I tried that it didn't work for me either LOL).

[yoda's mom]

Too funny, at our house, I'm the favorite (as long as Lessica's at her own home ) but Dad is the BOSS! So while I get all the 'attention' (aka-whining, leaning, lap climbing) whatever Dad says goes. All Dad has to do is say "Did you do that?..." and immediately Yoda is in a firm sit facing Dad with his ears down in the sad position & his tail thumping madly for the "I'm cute aren't I - don't ya love me" effect. Dad even gets the sit & wait at the door when Yoda hears his truck pull up.

[Lessica Jake]

Whereas when Yoda's Mom pulls up, whoever is in the house with Yoda gets to hear ear piercing howls of excitement that his mom is home. Ouch.

[smehta1]

Chloe doesn't really have favorites - ...and she is used to doing things only with me or only with my hubby but she was really upset that night. But changing the routine and keeping her busy might work - I'll try that next time..thanks!

[Moo]

I gotta say, nipping at all is a No No over here. No matter the reason, no mouth on people! Kirby learned this quickly, if he ever got his lips around any part of my body, I would say "OW!" withdraw my body and ignore him. Works great for tug, I just stick my hand hear his mouth, he's afraid he might bite me, so he lets go.

[erdog3]

How about something warm and cuddly of hubby's, an old jumper. put it on the chair or where she sleeps, when she is getting restless, maybe his smell will pacify just for that little while.

[yoda's mom]

Originally Posted by Lessica Jake

Whereas when Yoda's Mom pulls up, whoever is in the house with Yoda gets to hear ear piercing howls of excitement that his mom is home. Ouch.

Nuh-huh!! I've never heard that!! (Good thing I drive a diesel huh?)

[smehta1]

Moo...that's what was so odd..she never nips- she has been taught not to! Ellie - I never thought of that! That might work - I'll keep it in mind the next time he's late.