How to Build Confidence in a Nervous, Biting Puppy | K9 Bootcamp Ltd

Is your new puppy biting and jumping, or are they actually incredibly nervous? In this session with 10-week-old Braxton, a working line Cocker Spaniel, we dive into puppy body language and how to handle fear. When Braxton’s owner called K9 Bootcamp Ltd, it was because he was jumping and nipping at her daughter. While the "needle teeth" hurt, the video footage showed it wasn't aggression—it was typical, over-aroused puppy play. However, the daughter's natural reaction (squealing and moving away) accidentally turned it into the ultimate game for Braxton! But there was a deeper layer: Braxton was also incredibly nervous and conflicted. In this quick 3.5-minute breakdown, we look at: The "Yo-Yo" Behavior: Walking forward to investigate but retreating for safety. The Low Tail Wag: Why a wagging tail does NOT always mean "stroke me." Nurturing Insecurity vs. Providing Safety: Why letting a puppy glue themselves to your feet or scramble up your legs can make fear worse, and why we use the "Center" position instead. The Power of Space: Why I didn’t touch Braxton for the entire hour, allowing him to choose to relax upside down in his crate on his own terms. Building confidence in a working breed puppy starts now, before his second injections and real-world socialization begin. 🐾 About me: At K9 Bootcamp Ltd, I help you understand the dog in front of you. Subscribe for more real-life puppy training tips! #PuppyTraining #NervousPuppy #CockerSpaniel #PuppyBiting #DogBodyLanguage #K9BootcampLtd #PuppyBehaviour