Continous nipping. Help

[Civeng]

Hi everyone,
I have a 5 month old airedale who's continually nipping us everytime we pet him or give him any attention. It is not aggressive nipping, he just wants to play with, however it's very annoying not be able to pet him quietly . My wife lets out a big HEY, but he still thinks she wants to play. When I tell him to stop, it usually works but sometimes he starts running around, coming back to try and nip. When I get tired I pin him to the ground until he starts to calm down, but as soon as I let him go, he's off running like a madman again. We're taking obedience lessons, and he's actually pretty good on the leash, waiting for his meal, sitting, laying down etc. Like I said it really annoys me that we can't pet him quietly without hi getting all excited just because someone is petting him. I kind of figure that I didn't get a dog just to have him sit in the corner without touching him. Anybody have any tricks to make him understand? I know its probably because he's young, but I'm willing to try anything.
Thanks in advance everyone.

[Dax]

You could try having a chew toy ready like one of those rope ones (you can carry them just about anywhere). Before you go to pet him - have him sit - reward with the toy - then pet him. Get him to see how enjoyable it is to have you scratch his back, etc. If he drops the toy to lunge at your hand - look disgusted and stop petting immediately. Wait five minutes and try again. Don't use your hand as a play toy until he is much older (maybe never).

[erdog3]

Try the sin bin, it's an area where they have no contact with you for a set time.
Every time he goes to nip, pick him up, quite gruffly and plonk him in the sin bin for 5 mins, let him out and pet him, if he nips, repeat till he stops any nipping.
Also you can get him to sit, hold him in the sit with one hand, then lift up his chin, if he goes to nip, yell NO, NO, really Loudly, place in the sin bin. He will soon get the idea, if he nips, no attention. You will need to do this very often over a few days to get a result.

[Civeng]

Thanks guys for responding
I do have MANY chew toys, lol (maybe too MANY).
However, I was pondering the idea of the sin bin, but kept wondering if he would associate the crate as a punishment, therefore rendering it impossible to eventually get used to the crate as his little private place. I tried crating him in the beginning, but he kept pooping in it, and when I got home, HE was a mess! So now I keep him in the kitchen with the passage blocked off. But I always wanted to try the crate eventually for when I take him on a trip.

[Dax]

The crate (when locked) will never be his first choice of places to be. You really should start to use it now if you want to later on.

Start by putting him in when you eat dinner and give him a special toy etc while in the bin. Later on, place his food or bedding in the open crate so he can come and go as he wants. Once he's comfortable then teach him "GO TO YOUR BED" namely the crate. I used to give special treats that she would only get if she went into her crate.

Now if I'm sitting in the living room and she's partticularily bad I can just tell her "GO TO YOUR BED" and she'll go there - I can then lock it if need be or if she usually gets the message to settle down.

Ariel is also quite mouthy meaning she has a need to touch me with her mouth even when we are walking I think for reassurance. That's why I suggested a distraction vs punishment. She used to chew on me constantly when I tried to pet her - now (at 5 months) she likes to stand while I rub her body,ears, etc. and I trust her to give kisses without losing my nose. Good luck - and keep working on it.

[erdog3]

If you want him to like his crate, don't use it for punishment. Just put him in the laundry, or bathroom, shut the door. You only need to do it for 5 or so minutes, mine always got put outside.
Annie stopped doing it at 4-5 months, I did exactly what I have suggested to you.