How to Stop My Nine-Year-Old Miniature Pinscher From Nipping & Growling

Though the Miniature Pinscher may not look as intimidating as its larger cousin, the Doberman Pinscher, its bite can still hurt. Miniature Pinschers weigh at most 10 pounds, but take the job of watchdog very seriously. They aren't affectionate and can be very suspicious of strangers and other dogs. Despite your Miniature Pinscher's small size, its aggression can be dangerous. It may bite a child or even an adult who may suffer injury or press charges. A courageous dog, an aggressive Miniature Pinscher is also at risk of picking a fight with a much larger dog. Take steps to fix your dog's aggression as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your Miniature Pinscher to a vet. A nine-year-old Miniature Pinscher that suddenly behaves aggressively may have a health problem that needs medical attention. Pain or illness can cause older dogs to become aggressive. Make your Miniature Pinscher an appointment to rule out any health problems. If the aggression is related to illness, it will often go away on its own when your dog starts feeling better.

    • 2

      Observe your Miniature Pinscher to see what triggers the growling or nipping. If your Pinscher was not aggressive before but is now, it may be responding to a recent event or situation that frightened it. Watch for cues. It might growl when strangers come near you or when you come near its food or toys. Ask yourself when your Miniature Pinscher growls and snaps and what the usual object of the aggression is. When you discover the cause of your Miniature Pinscher's aggression, you can recreate the situation and retrain your dog using a process known as desensitization and counterconditioning, as outlined in Steps 3 to 5.

    • 3

      Expose your Miniature Pinscher to the stimulus at a distance the dog feels comfortable with. If it nips at people wearing hats, for example, have a friend put on a hat and walk far enough away that your Pinscher can see him but doesn't behave aggressively. Keep treats handy and reward your Miniature Pinscher for staying calm.

    • 4

      Move your Miniature Pinscher closer to the stimulus after it stays calm for ten sessions straight. Ask it to sit and reward it for ignoring the stimulus. If it continues to growl and nip, move back to the previous distance and practice again before moving closer.

    • 5

      Repeat Step 4 until your Miniature Pinscher can interact with the stimulus or confront the situation without aggression.

    • 6

      Be patient with your Miniature Pinscher, especially if it has been aggressive throughout its entire life. It has nine years of habit to break. Reconditioning your Miniature Pinscher can take weeks or even months.