Dogs bite. Scottish terriers bite. It is without a doubt one of the worst behavior problems a dog can have.
The stories that owners tell about Scottish terrier bites show so many different situations that an encyclopedia could easily be written about.
There was this owner of a Scotsman whose shoes, hands and ankles were bitten every time he tried to leave for work. Another Scotsman simply bit a small boy playing with a ball for no apparent reason. Then there’s this mischievous little one who started acting aggressive to the point of biting whenever his owner tried to correct bad behavior. Other energetic Scottish terriers run around the house at great speed and will bite anyone who makes a move to stop them.
But why do they bite?
Good question. The first step in controlling your Scottish Terrier biting habit is understanding the reasons why it started and continues to bite.
As with chewing, biting on young puppies can be related to their teething period. Biting is also part of their normal play behavior, they often do it when they are with their mother.
Although it may seem hard to believe, your Scottie may bite or bite to get your attention. And it will continue to do so if it succeeds … Adult Scots can pinch when they get too excited or bite when they feel threatened. Scottish terriers can be possessive of their toys and food, and biting is their way of defending them from intruders.
Biting can also be a reaction to pain, like someone accidentally stepping on your leg. Other Scots develop suspicious or aggressive behavior towards strangers or visitors and this is when bites can occur for no specific reason.
Of course, your Scottie’s biting habits can have negative effects on you and your relationship. You cannot let it out or take it to crowded public places for fear that it will bite someone, not to mention the problems it may have in case it happens accidentally.
Your Scottish Terrier does not automatically know what is acceptable and what is not, so you should set the limits by correcting him when he misbehaves. An aggressive habit like biting should be dealt with immediately.
So what can you do to effectively control your Scottish Terrier’s biting habit?
1. First, show your disapproval. with a strong and incisive command of “no” or “no bite.” Then leave him alone and don’t look at him or talk to him.
2. If he bites while playing, give him a “do not bite” command and stop playing immediately.
3. Use a spray bottle of water or make noise by shaking a can of coins or marbles along with a firm “do not bite” command. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until he finally stops biting.
If the biting habit persists, consider seeking professional help. Obedience training classes can go a long way toward correcting most of your Scottish terrier’s behavior problems.
